Maya Ellison
Illinois residents produce a lot of plastic waste, but not all plastic can be recycled. Plastic bags, for example, are not recyclable, but can be returned to grocery stores to be recycled into plastic lumber. Polystyrene, a cheap and lightweight plastic, is also difficult to recycle and makes up a third of US landfill waste. However, clean plastic bottles, jugs, jars, containers, and buckets are almost always recyclable.
What plastic is recyclable in Illinois?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bottles, jugs, containers, and buckets | Accepted up to five gallons |
| Plastic bags, bubble wrap, and film wrap | Accepted at grocery stores |
| Polystyrene (PS) | Not accepted |
| Plastic items in the shape of bottles, jars, and jugs | Accepted |
| Plastic bags | Not accepted |
| Plastic utensils, chip bags, foam egg cartons, plastic pet food bags, and plastic grocery bags | Accepted at Skokie, IL, in Hefty Renew Program's orange bags |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags and film wrap can be recycled at grocery stores
Plastic bags and film wraps are not accepted in most curbside recycling bins. However, they can be recycled at your local grocery or retail stores. In Chicago, plastic bags, bubble wrap, and film wrap can be recycled at grocery stores. The City of Chicago recommends checking for the tiny numbers inside the triangle formed by the chasing arrow emblem to determine whether a plastic item can be recycled.
The Illinois Plastic Bag Recycling Task Force has also implemented an at-store recycling program in Lake County, where residents are encouraged to recycle both plastic bags and film. Participating retailers have collection bins at the entrance and exit of stores. The recommended method for collection is the bag-in-bag system, where plastic bags and film are collected in a larger plastic bag before being dropped off at a local retailer.
To find a list of retail chains by state that accept plastic bags and film for recycling, you can refer to the NexTrex Directory. The Trex Company, which runs the NexTrex program, buys baled plastic film and processes it into composite decking. There are also other recyclers, like Stina, that handle post-consumer film collected through drop-off in the United States. After collection, the flexible plastic is sold to independent companies, which turn them into plastic pellets. These pellets can then be used to create new products such as synthetic lumber for decking or park benches, or recycled into other forms like films, pouches, or bags.
It is important to note that when recycling plastic bags and film, items should be empty, clean, and dry. By properly recycling these materials, we can reduce plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Polystyrene, or PS, is a cheap plastic that's hard to recycle
Plastic waste is a significant environmental challenge, and recycling is an important way to mitigate its negative impact. Polystyrene, or PS, is a widely used and inexpensive plastic with a range of desirable properties, but it is also difficult to recycle.
PS is a lightweight, rigid, and brittle plastic with excellent insulation properties and a high melting point. It is commonly used in packaging materials, disposable cutlery, CD cases, and consumer goods like egg cartons, disposable cups and plates, and carry-out containers. Its lightweight nature, which is mostly air, makes it prone to ending up in wild spaces and oceans, threatening wildlife and ecosystems. It is also non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, causing pollution.
PS is challenging to recycle due to its physical properties. It is not accepted by many municipal recycling programs, and the process is often complicated and expensive. The recycling process involves collecting and processing PS waste to remove impurities and contaminants. The plastic is then melted down and reformed into pellets to create new products. However, some companies specialize in recycling PS, and emerging technologies may make it easier and more cost-effective to recycle in the future.
Despite the challenges, recycling PS is important to reduce its environmental impact. It can help decrease the amount of plastic waste in landfills, as PS currently makes up more than one-third of the waste in U.S. landfills. Additionally, recycling PS can reduce the consumption of raw materials and the use of other plastics that may have their own environmental drawbacks.
To recycle PS, individuals can look for curbside recycling programs, drop-off locations, or specialized recycling facilities that accept PS. Some communities have drop-off programs specifically for PS plastic waste, and some companies offer mail-in programs for PS recycling.
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Plastic bottles, jugs, containers, and buckets can be recycled
Plastic waste is a significant issue in the United States, with the average person generating 220 pounds of plastic waste each year. While some plastics are more difficult to recycle than others, plastic bottles, jugs, containers, and buckets can be recycled in Illinois.
Plastic bottles, jugs, and containers are typically accepted for recycling in Illinois, provided they are empty, clean, and free of any pumps or nozzles, which may contain metal. This includes plastic bottles and jugs used for beverages, such as soda and water, as well as those used for household products like laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. It is important to check the local guidelines, as some areas may have specific requirements, such as Chicago's Blue Cart Program. Additionally, plastic bags are generally not accepted in recycling bins but can be recycled at some grocery stores.
Buckets made of plastic are also recyclable, though it is important to ensure they are empty and free of any hazardous substances. Some programs may have size or volume restrictions, so it is essential to check local guidelines. For example, Skokie, IL, offers a recycling program for residents, providing free recycling carts and accepting a range of materials, including some plastics.
Polystyrene (PS) is a notable exception, as it is challenging to recycle. This type of plastic is often used for egg cartons, disposable cups and plates, carry-out containers, and compact disc holders. While it can sometimes be repurposed, it generally should not be placed in recycling bins. Instead, it should be disposed of through the appropriate waste management channels.
Overall, plastic bottles, jugs, containers, and buckets can be recycled in Illinois, but it is important to follow local guidelines and ensure that items are properly cleaned and prepared for recycling.
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Rechargeable batteries are recyclable but not at all facilities
In Illinois, rechargeable batteries can be recycled, but not at all facilities. It is important to note that rechargeable batteries should not be placed in recycling bins. Instead, they need to be taken to a designated collection point or drop-off facility.
Different types of batteries have different disposal methods, and rechargeable batteries often require special handling. For example, Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are rechargeable and need to be taken to specialized battery recyclers. Rechargeable power tool batteries are often accepted at large hardware stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's. Many of these stores will take all rechargeable batteries.
Additionally, Illinois law requires that the battery terminals of both rechargeable and single-use batteries be taped before recycling. This can be done with clear packing tape, duct tape, or electrical tape, or by placing each battery in a small, clear plastic bag.
For larger quantities of rechargeable batteries, businesses and departments can purchase battery recycling containers from Call2Recycle. This organization also provides information on drop-off locations and mail-in programs for battery recycling.
It is also worth noting that, in general, plastic bottles, jugs, containers, and buckets (up to five gallons) are recyclable in Illinois. However, it is important to check the tiny numbers inside the recycling symbol to determine the specific type of plastic and whether it can be recycled.
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Plastic bags can be recycled into plastic lumber
In Illinois, plastic bags can be recycled at grocery stores, including Target, Home Depot, Safeway, Walmart, Harris Teeter, and other major chains, which offer drop-off collection boxes. However, it is important to note that plastic bags should not be tossed in with regular recycling. This is because they can tangle and wrap around recycling machinery, causing breakdowns and disruptions to the recycling process.
Plastic bags can be recycled and turned into plastic lumber, a wood substitute material made from new or recycled plastic. This plastic lumber is long-lasting, fire-resistant, and does not require sealing or staining. It is commonly used for decking, fencing, and outdoor furniture due to its weatherproof qualities. One of the largest recyclers of plastic bags, Trex, uses recycled plastic to create hard plastic decking material. A 500-square-foot composite Trex deck is said to contain about 140,000 recycled plastic bags.
While turning plastic bags into plastic lumber may be better than sending them directly to landfills, it is not without its drawbacks. Plastic lumber made from a combination of plastic and sawdust is not recyclable, and at the end of its life cycle, it will become plastic waste. Additionally, when plastic bags are recycled into plastic lumber, it does not reduce the need for new plastic packaging. This process, known as downcycling, extends the life of the plastic, but it cannot be recycled any further, failing to create a sustainable loop.
To address the plastic waste crisis, it is essential to reduce the production and usage of single-use plastic items and packaging. While recycling plastic bags into plastic lumber may have some benefits, it is not a comprehensive solution to the complex issue of plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Clean plastic bottles, jars, and jugs are almost always recyclable. Plastic bags are not accepted in the Blue Cart Program but can be recycled at some grocery stores.
Metal cans, foil, and bakeware are recyclable, as well as steel and tin cans used for food and beverage items. Glass items used for food and beverages, such as bottles and jars, can also be recycled.
The Hefty Renew Program in Skokie, Illinois, uses orange bags to collect hard-to-recycle plastics that are not accepted in the curbside recycling program. These include chip bags, plastic grocery bags, bubble wrap, and plastic utensils.
Polystyrene, often used for egg cartons, disposable cups, and carry-out containers, is challenging to recycle and accounts for a significant portion of landfill waste. Plastic bags, bubble wrap, and film wrap are also not accepted in the Blue Cart Program but may be recycled at certain grocery stores.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and local county websites provide detailed information on plastic recycling. Additionally, the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation offers a Chicago Recycling Guide with specific guidelines for the city.
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