Sofia Martinez
Plastic waste is a major environmental concern, and it is important that everyone makes an effort to reduce it. Recycling plastic is an important step towards a more sustainable future, but it can be confusing. The first step is to check what your local recycling program accepts, as recycling regulations vary by city and community. The next step is to separate and clean your plastic items. Remove any food residue, labels or stickers, and sort by type of plastic. Once sorted and cleaned, plastic can be shredded or melt-processed to form pellets, and then moulded into new products. It is also important to try to reuse plastic items as much as possible and to purchase products made from recycled plastic materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic waste | A major environmental problem |
| Recycling plastic | An important step towards sustainability |
| Plastic recycling rate | 28% of plastic bottles in 2019; 8.7% of all plastics in 2018 |
| Plastic production | 300 million tons per year |
| Plastic types | Seven common types of plastic in the consumer market |
| Plastic identification | Look for the recycling symbol and the number inside |
| Plastic sorting | Sort by type of plastic to ensure proper recycling |
| Plastic cleaning | Remove labels/stickers and wash out food/liquid residue |
| Plastic reuse | Reuse plastic bags, gift bags, boxes, and tissue paper |
| Plastic recycling locations | Local retailers, public parks, sports stadiums, beaches, and homes |
| Plastic recycling programs | Varies by community and city; check local programs |
| Plastic recycling innovations | Advanced recycling and sortation techniques |
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What You'll Learn
Check what your local recycling program accepts
Recycling is a great way to reduce our need to create new plastic and ensure more materials find a second life. However, recycling programs vary from community to community, and it's important to check what your local recycling program accepts before tossing items in the bin. Here are some ways to do that:
Check Your Local Recycling Program's Website
Your community's recycling website is often the best place to find information on your specific program. Acceptance can vary between provinces, territories, and local communities, so it's important to check the guidelines for your specific area. The website should provide details on what types of plastic and other materials are accepted, as well as any preparation that is required before recycling. For instance, some programs may require you to remove caps and labels from plastic bottles, while others may allow you to leave them on.
Look for Recycling Symbols and Resin Numbers
Plastic products often have symbols or resin numbers that indicate the type of plastic used. These can be helpful in determining whether an item is recyclable by your local program. The resin number is usually contained in a triangle that resembles the recycling symbol. However, keep in mind that this symbol does not necessarily mean the item can be recycled in your community. It is simply an indication of the type of plastic used.
Contact Your Local Recycler or Government
If you're unsure about whether an item is recyclable, don't hesitate to contact your local recycler or recycling provider. They can provide specific information on what types of plastic and other materials they accept. Additionally, if your community does not have a composting program that accepts compostable plastic, you can reach out to your garbage/recycling company or local government to inquire about drop-off locations for such items.
Check with Retailers and Grocery Stores
Some items, such as plastic bags, plastic wrap, and styrofoam, may not be accepted in your household recycling bin. However, many retail and grocery stores now accept these materials for recycling. You can also visit websites like Earth911 to find locations near you that recycle these specific items.
Stay Informed about Local Developments
The recycling industry is constantly evolving, and new resources are being developed to make it easier to check what your local recycling program accepts. Keep an eye out for improved databases, scannable QR codes, and other tools that can provide up-to-date information on accepted materials in your area. Staying informed will help you recycle more effectively and contribute to a sustainable future.
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Reuse plastic bags and wraps by taking them to a participating retail store
Plastic bags and wraps can be reused and recycled, and there are many participating retail stores that collect these for recycling.
It is important to clean and dry your plastic film packaging before dropping it into the store recycling bin. Many retail and grocery stores accept these materials for recycling, and some offer durable, washable bags to customers at an affordable price. These bags can be washed regularly to remove dirt and germs, creating less waste than paper or plastic.
It is worth noting that plastic bags and wraps should not be put into curbside recycling bins. They can get tangled in the equipment at facilities that recycle cans, bottles, cardboard, and paper, causing costly shutdowns and putting workers in danger.
Recycling plastic bags and wraps helps to lessen the negative environmental impact of plastic. Plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade, and recycling and reusing it ensures that we continue to make full use of the materials while conserving energy and keeping plastic bags and wraps out of landfills, streets, and the natural environment.
Some examples of retail and grocery stores that collect plastic bags and wraps for recycling include Target, Walmart, Safeway, and Kroger. These stores have select locations nationwide where plastic bags and wraps can be dropped off for recycling.
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Look for the recycling symbol to identify the type of plastic
When it comes to recycling plastic, it is important to look for the recycling symbol to identify the type of plastic and ensure proper disposal. These symbols are not just decorative; they serve a specific purpose. The little number inside the triangle, often referred to as the "chasing arrows" symbol, helps identify the type of plastic used for the product. This is known as the Resin Identification Coding system, implemented by the Society of the Plastics Industry in 1988.
There are seven plastic recycling symbols, each representing a different type of plastic with distinct recycling instructions. For example, the number "1" inside the triangle indicates Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET), which is a clear, strong, and lightweight plastic commonly used for single-use food and drink packaging. "2" represents High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which is lightweight and durable and often recycled into pens, toys, and outdoor furniture. "3" stands for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or V), a versatile plastic used in piping, medical equipment, and some food packaging.
Other symbols include "4" for low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is not usually recycled but can be converted into floor tiles. "5" represents Polypropylene (PP), a durable, strong, and lightweight plastic used in furniture, toys, and car parts. "7" stands for "other plastics," including acrylic, polycarbonate, nylon, and fiberglass. Acrylic and polycarbonate can be recycled and repurposed.
It is important to check with your local recycling program, as not all symbols and types of plastic are accepted everywhere. For instance, some plastics like PS (polystyrene) and PVC are rarely recycled and often not part of curbside recycling programs. By understanding these symbols and local recycling guidelines, you can ensure that your plastic items are properly recycled and contribute to environmental sustainability.
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Buy products made from recycled plastic
One of the most effective ways to support the recycling of plastics is to buy products made from recycled materials. This not only reduces the demand for new plastic products but also supports companies that are committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
For example, the company Green Toys manufactures its products in the US from 100% recycled materials, including recycled milk jugs and yogurt containers. Their packaging is also eco-friendly, as it is made from recyclable cardboard and printed with renewable soy ink. Similarly, Preserve creates a wide range of personal care products, such as toothbrushes and razors, from 100% recycled #5 plastics. They have also partnered with the Preserve Ocean Plastic Initiative (POPi) to craft products from plastic collected from coastlines, reducing pollution and giving single-use plastics a new purpose.
For those looking for sustainable clothing options, Rothy's is a notable brand in the sustainable fashion industry. Their shoes are crafted from plastic water bottles, making them durable and machine washable. In the same vein, Adidas has produced millions of shoes using recycled plastics, keeping thousands of tons of plastic from reaching the oceans through their partnership with Parley, an ocean conservation project.
The Buffy Cloud comforter is another excellent example of a product made from recycled plastic. It features a super-soft eucalyptus fabric shell filled with BPA-free recycled PET fibers derived from plastic bottles, preventing approximately 50 bottles from ending up in landfills.
By choosing to buy products made from recycled plastic, you can directly contribute to reducing plastic waste, lowering manufacturing energy consumption, and supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability.
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Clean and sort plastic items before recycling
To recycle plastic, it is important to clean and sort plastic items before placing them in the bin. Here are some detailed steps to help you with the process:
Cleaning Plastic Items:
Firstly, it is crucial to remove any food residue or contaminants from the plastic items. This includes scraping or rinsing off excess food, grease, or liquids. A quick rinse with water is usually sufficient, and you don't need to scrub with soap. However, make sure the plastic is relatively clean and dry. This is because dampness and food residue can cause mould and bacteria to grow, creating sanitary issues and making the plastic harder to recycle.
Sorting Plastic Items:
Sorting plastic by type is essential, as different types of plastic have distinct properties and melting points. Look for the resin identification code, usually a triangle with a number inside, to identify the type of plastic. This code helps recycling facilities sort and process the plastic correctly. Some common types of plastic include:
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE): Often used for beverage bottles and food packaging.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Found in milk jugs, detergent bottles, and some plastic bags.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Used for pipes, siding, and some plastic wrap.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Common in plastic bags, six-pack rings, and some containers.
- Polypropylene (PP): Utilised for food containers, bottle caps, and some plastic utensils.
Additionally, flatten plastic items like bottles and containers to save space and make it easier for recycling facilities to process them.
Checking Local Recycling Guidelines:
Recycling guidelines can vary by location, so it's important to check with your local recycling program or provider. They can inform you about the specific types of plastic they accept and any preparation requirements they may have. Some areas may have drop-off locations for certain types of plastic, like plastic bags or compostable plastics.
By following these steps and guidelines, you can ensure that your plastic items are properly cleaned, sorted, and ready for recycling, contributing to a more sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bags should not be put in your curbside recycling bin. Instead, take them to a store drop-off location, often a grocery store or other retail location.
Plastic bottles are usually made from PET or HDPE, which are easy to recycle. Many local authorities also collect other plastics, such as pots, tubs, and trays. Check with your local authority to see what they collect.
Empty and replace the cap on plastic bottles before putting them in the recycling bin. You don't need to flatten them.
Look out for the recycling symbols on plastic packaging and learn what they mean. This will help you recycle your waste correctly. You can also buy products made with recycled plastic to help save this valuable material from going to waste.
