Maya Ellison
Despite the success of Minneapolis's recycling program, most plastics are not recycled. A report by Greenpeace calls plastic recycling a failed concept, with only 5-10% of plastic recycled in the United States. In Minnesota, there are several types of plastic that can be recycled, but it's important to know which ones are accepted and which need to be kept out of the recycling bin. For example, plastic bags should be taken to a drop-off location, and black plastics are non-recyclable. Environmental justice advocates are pushing for zero waste and campaigning to shut down all seven garbage incinerators in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling rate in Minnesota | 5 to 10% |
| Plastic recycling rate in the US | 5% |
| Global plastic recycling rate | 9% |
| Plastic items accepted for recycling in Minnesota | Plastic bottles and containers, jugs, jars, and aluminum cans |
| Other items accepted for recycling in Minnesota | Glass bottles and jars, paper and cardboard, steel and tin cans, electronics, batteries, and certain hazardous materials |
| Plastic items not accepted for recycling in Minnesota | Plastic bags, plastic films, black plastics, packing wrap, and plastic items marked with #2 to #7 |
| Proper recycling guidelines in Minnesota | Do not bag recyclables, keep containers in their 3-dimensional shape, flatten boxes, set cardboard bundles next to the recycling cart |
| Challenges with plastic recycling in Minnesota | Sorting and disposing of plastic bags, contamination of recycling stream with non-recyclable plastics, incineration of plastic waste |
| Environmental impact of plastic recycling in Minnesota | Reduction of waste and pollution, conservation of natural resources, creation of jobs, exacerbation of inequalities in pollution exposure |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags should be taken to a drop-off location
Plastic bags should never be placed in your recycling cart. If you collect your recycling in plastic bags in your home, you should dump the contents into your cart and dispose of the bag in the garbage or take it to a plastic bag drop-off location. Plastic bags can be recycled if they are clean and dry. However, they are not accepted by all recycling centres in Minnesota, so it is important to check with your local drop-off centre before bringing them in.
The City of Minneapolis's website provides a list of items that can be brought to drop-off locations, including "pressurized cylinders (propane, helium, CO2)" and "durable goods (storage bins, toys, sports gear, furniture, building materials, brooms, shovels, picture frames, housewares or decor)". Plastic bags and films are also accepted at these drop-off locations.
Recycling plastic bags is important because they can cause significant issues if they are placed in recycling bins. Plastic bags can get caught in the sorting axles at recycling facilities and even catch fire. They can also wrap around the shafts of equipment, causing the system to shut down for hours at a time while the plastic is cleaned out.
Despite the success of Minneapolis's recycling program, most plastic is not recycled. A report by Greenpeace calls plastic recycling a "failed concept", claiming that only 5% of plastic is recycled in the United States. Globally, 91% of plastic is not recycled, and while 35% of plastic in US municipal waste streams has the potential to be recycled, only 8.8% actually is.
To address this issue, environmental justice advocates in Minnesota are pushing for a zero-waste future. They are campaigning to shut down all seven garbage incinerators in the state, including the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center in Minneapolis, as burning plastic waste contributes to pollution and exacerbates existing inequalities.
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Only 5-10% of plastic in Minnesota is recycled
Despite the success of Minneapolis's recycling program, only 5-10% of plastic in Minnesota is recycled. The majority of plastic in the waste stream either isn't recyclable or isn't being recycled and is instead burned or landfilled. According to a report by Greenpeace, plastic recycling is a "failed concept," with only 5% of plastic recycled in the United States. This is due in part to the fact that there are thousands of types of plastic packaging, and many of them cannot be recycled.
In Minnesota, there are two types of plastic that are commonly recycled: #1 and #2. These include plastic bottles, containers, and jugs. Other types of plastic, such as #2 to #6 and #7, are typically not accepted by recycling centers in the state. It's important to properly sort and prepare recyclables before putting them in the recycling bin to ensure they are recycled correctly. Recycling is the process of transforming waste into useful products, and it helps to reduce waste and pollution, conserve natural resources, and create jobs.
However, there are challenges to recycling plastic in Minnesota. For example, plastic bags can get caught in the sorting axles of recycling facilities and even catch fire, costing companies time and money. Additionally, black plastics are non-recyclable because the laser reader used to sort materials can't identify them, and they have a lower resale value. Packing wrap from companies like Amazon and Hello Fresh is also non-recyclable, even though it may be marked with the three-arrow symbol.
To improve the recycling rate in Minnesota, environmental justice advocates are pushing for a zero-waste future. They are campaigning to shut down all seven garbage incinerators in the state, including the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center in Minneapolis, as burning plastic waste contributes to air pollution and exacerbates existing inequalities in vulnerable communities of color. Instead of incineration, recycling, and landfill, advocates propose a circular economy where waste is reduced, and resources are reused and recycled.
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Plastic bottles and containers are accepted
When recycling plastic bottles and containers, it is important to keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Remove any plastic bags or films from the bottles and containers before placing them in the recycling cart. Plastic bags and films can cause issues in the recycling process and are not accepted in the recycling cart.
- Keep containers in their original 3-dimensional shape. Flatten all boxes to save space.
- Make sure that the bottles and containers are empty and clean before placing them in the recycling cart.
- Keep the caps on plastic bottles. This helps to ensure that the bottles are properly recycled.
- Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept plastic bottles and containers. Not all recycling centers in Minnesota accept all types of plastic.
It is worth noting that the recycling rate for plastic in Minnesota is low, estimated at between 5% and 10%. A report by Greenpeace calls plastic recycling a "failed concept," and despite the existence of recycling infrastructure in Minneapolis, the majority of plastic in the waste stream is either not recyclable or is not being recycled, often being burned or landfilled instead.
To improve the recycling rate for plastic bottles and containers in Minnesota, it is important for individuals to properly sort and prepare their recyclables before putting them in the recycling bin. Additionally, it is crucial to support initiatives that promote a zero-waste future and advocate for more sustainable alternatives to plastic products.
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Black plastics are non-recyclable
In Minnesota, the recycling process begins with residents sorting their waste into recycling bins. However, it is important to note that not all plastics are created equal when it comes to recyclability. Black plastics, in particular, pose a unique challenge and are considered non-recyclable.
Black plastics are commonly used for packaging and kitchen utensils, but their dark color is achieved by adding a substance called carbon black, which is not recognized by the near-infrared scanners used for sorting recyclables. This means that black plastics are often skipped during the sorting process and ultimately end up in landfills.
Compounding the issue, black plastics are more likely to contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals, such as cadmium, mercury, and lead, which are known carcinogens. These toxins can leach into food and pose a significant hazard to human health. In fact, about 40% of black plastic includes these heavy metals, and some even contain levels that exceed governmental safety standards by 30 times.
The non-recyclability of black plastic has led to concerning alternatives being used to meet demand. E-waste, or discarded electronics, often contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals. When black plastic ends up in the recycling stream, it increases the likelihood of these toxic chemicals mixing with food-grade plastics, resulting in hazardous levels of poisons that exceed legal limits. Unfortunately, there are currently no government regulations covering the safety of recycled black plastic items, creating a potential health risk for humans, animals, and the environment.
To address the issue of non-recyclable black plastic, residents of Minnesota can take proactive steps. Firstly, it is recommended to choose products packaged in clear or light-colored plastic, as these are easily recyclable. Secondly, consumers can advocate for less carbon black plastic and encourage their favorite brands to use more recyclable materials. By taking these small but significant actions, individuals can contribute to creating a more circular economy for plastic and reducing the environmental impact of non-recyclable black plastic.
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Recycling is sorted at a materials recovery facility
In Minnesota, many items can be recycled to help protect the environment by reducing waste and pollution, conserving natural resources, and creating jobs. However, it is important to know which materials are accepted for recycling and how to prepare them properly before putting them in the recycling bin.
Recycling is typically sorted at a materials recovery facility (MRF), where the process of transforming waste into useful products begins. In the Twin Cities area and the suburbs, Eureka Recycling handles the collection of recyclable materials. The process starts with sorting the recyclables, which can be time-consuming and expensive, especially when the wrong items are included. Plastic bags, for instance, can get caught in the sorting axles and even catch fire, requiring facilities to spend significant time and money on maintenance and disposal.
To ensure the proper recycling of materials, it is important to follow specific guidelines. For instance, in Minnesota, plastic bags should be kept out of the recycling cart and brought to a designated drop-off location instead. Paper bags, on the other hand, can be placed in the recycling cart. Containers should be kept in their 3-D shape, while boxes should be flattened. Cardboard boxes and bundles should be placed next to the recycling cart, ensuring they do not exceed the size and weight limits.
When it comes to plastic items, only certain types are accepted by recycling centers in Minnesota. Plastic bottles, containers, and jugs, typically made of #1 and #2 plastic, are commonly recyclable. However, plastic items marked with #2 to #6 and #7 are usually not accepted. It is crucial to check with your local drop-off center to ensure your plastic items are recycled correctly.
Other materials commonly accepted for recycling in Minnesota include aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, paper, cardboard, and steel and tin cans. Additionally, certain hazardous materials, electronics, and batteries can be safely recycled. By following the proper guidelines and sorting recyclables correctly, residents can play a vital role in protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.
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Frequently asked questions
In Minnesota, plastic waste is sorted at a materials recovery facility (MRF) and then transported to various locations to be recycled and made into new products. For example, plastic bags are typically made in Ohio and Virginia, while steel cans are often transported to Chicago or Gary, Indiana.
In Minnesota, the two types of plastic that can be recycled are #1 and #2. These include plastic bottles, containers, and jugs. Other acceptable materials for recycling include aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, paper and cardboard, and steel and tin cans.
One challenge is that not all plastics are recyclable, and even among those that are, some may not find their way into the recycling system. According to a report, only 5-10% of plastic is recycled in Minnesota, with the rest ending up in landfills or being burned. Plastic bags can also cause issues by getting caught in sorting equipment, leading to additional costs and downtime for recycling facilities.
Yes, there are ongoing efforts to improve plastic recycling in Minnesota. Environmental justice advocates are pushing for a zero-waste future, campaigning to shut down garbage incinerators in the state, and addressing the issues with the current recycling system.
