Omar Khalid
Plastic is a pressing environmental challenge, with billions of tons accumulating in landfills and oceans. In Alberta, there are seven types of plastics that can be recycled, each with its own resin identification code. These codes help recycling processors control the quality of their products and ensure recycled plastics are put to good use. While some recycling depots accept all resin codes, others are more selective. This guide will help you understand what plastics can be recycled in Alberta and how to identify them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Different Types of Plastics | 7 |
| Resin Code 1 | PET (polyethylene terephthalate) |
| Resin Code 2 | HDPE (high-density polyethylene) |
| Resin Code 3 | PVC (polyvinyl chloride) |
| Resin Code 4 | LDPE (low-density polyethylene) |
| Resin Code 5 | PP (polypropylene) |
| Resin Code 6 | PS (polystyrene) |
| Resin Code 7 | Miscellaneous or other plastics |
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What You'll Learn
Recycling codes: #1-7, with #1 being the most common
In Alberta, there are seven different types of plastics, each with its own resin identification code, which helps recycling processors control the quality of their products. The seven codes are:
Resin Code 1 – PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
This is the most common type of plastic and is accepted by most recycling plants and curb-side pick-up services. It is used for water bottles, beverage containers, food containers, and other consumer bottles like shampoo bottles.
Resin Code 2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is fully recyclable and used for containers for foods, beverages, personal hygiene products, and pharmaceuticals. It is usually opaque white or brown but also comes in clear plastic bottles. Examples include milk jugs, laundry and dish detergent bottles, shampoo and motor oil bottles, and yogurt and margarine tubs.
Resin Code 3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is used for pipes and cables and can be recycled into a variety of new products such as decking, clothing, and carpets. It is not usually picked up by curbside services.
Resin Code 4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
LDPE is used for plastic shopping bags, dry cleaning bags, and bread bags. It can be recycled into film plastic, garbage bags, and panelling.
Resin Code 5 – PP (Polypropylene)
PP is found in rope, carpet, stationery, lab equipment, and medicine bottles. It can be recycled into products like car battery cases, signal lights, and plastic lumber.
Resin Code 6 – PS (Polystyrene)
PS is used for disposable plastic plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, and carryout containers. It can be recycled into flower pots and plastic lumber.
Resin Code 7 – Miscellaneous or Other Plastics
This code includes all plastics that do not fit into the above categories, such as three- to five-gallon water bottles, reusable plastic storage containers, and microwave oven food trays.
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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is recyclable
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a condensation polymer synthesized by the polymerization of terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). It is one of the seven types of plastics that can be recycled in Alberta. PET is a recyclable polyester plastic that is widely used for beverage packaging. Its excellent transparency, lightweight, gas and water barrier properties, impact strength, UV resistance, and unbreakability make it a popular choice for the beverage industry. PET bottles have a lower carbon footprint in production and transportation compared to glass bottles.
The recycling of PET involves various techniques, including conventional methods such as landfilling, incineration, downgauging, and mechanical recycling. Mechanical recycling is a process where waste plastic is decomposed into its building blocks, which can then be used as feedstock for new plastic materials or as fuel. However, only about 41% of post-consumer PET waste is recovered through recycling and incineration, with a significant portion still ending up in landfills.
To address the environmental impact of plastic waste, advancements have been made in the recycling technologies for PET. Chemical recycling, for instance, has been successful due to the ability to depolymerize PET under milder conditions. PET can be broken down into dimethyl terephthalate and diols through a process called glycolysis, which can then be used to create new products.
Biodegradation is another approach to PET recycling that utilizes microorganisms and enzymes to promote the biodegradation of polymers. This method reduces the energy required for degradation and weakens the chemical bonds in polyethylene polymers. Overall, the recycling of PET is an important step towards a more sustainable future, reducing plastic pollution and cutting down on the accumulation of waste in landfills and oceans.
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High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is recyclable
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a popular plastic type due to its strength and flexibility. It is commonly referred to as polyethylene but is marginally different from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). HDPE is a light yet robust thermoplastic with high tensile strength. It is resistant to impact and can withstand exposure to temperatures of up to 120°C without being affected. This makes it ideal for bottles, as it is also resistant to many chemicals, acids, and alcohols. It is commonly used for detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, and containers used in healthcare facilities and laboratories. Other common uses include pipes, wheelie bins, and yogurt tubs.
HDPE is fully recyclable and is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. It is accepted at most recycling centres in the UK and can be put in most household recycling bins. It is widely collected by local councils and recycling companies. The recycling process for HDPE involves sorting, cleaning, separating, shredding, and melting the plastic. It is then cooled and formed into pellets, which are sold to plastics manufacturers to create new products. This closed-loop recycling system helps protect the planet and can also save businesses money on plastic disposal.
HDPE is considered a food-safe plastic by the FDA as it has a strong internal structure, meaning there is a low risk of leaching toxins into the foods or liquids it contains. It is also one of the most eco-friendly plastic alternatives as it does not contain allergens, BPA, heavy metals, or phthalates, and it does not release harmful fumes into the environment. It can be recycled up to 10 times before losing its structural integrity.
In Alberta, HDPE is a Type 2 plastic, as denoted by a symbol on the bottom of most containers. It is one of seven types of plastics that can be found in the province. Some examples of HDPE products that can be recycled include milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, motor oil bottles, and yogurt tubs.
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Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is easy to recycle
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic that is commonly used for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications. LDPE is thinner, softer, and more flexible than high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It is often used in film applications due to its transparency, flexibility, and toughness. LDPE is also used in the production of squeeze bottles, toys, agricultural films, and packaging materials such as plastic bags.
LDPE is a safe and clean plastic that can be recycled and should be recycled to help the environment. Recycling LDPE creates jobs and contributes to the local economy. It also helps to reduce plastic waste in landfills, saving costs associated with waste disposal and management. Recycled LDPE has many environmental benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources such as oil and natural gas. It is also typically less expensive than virgin LDPE, making it an attractive option for manufacturers.
The recycling process for LDPE involves collecting and sorting the plastic waste, shredding it into small pieces, and then melting and molding it into new products. Recycled LDPE can be used to produce a wide range of products, such as plastic lumber, compost bins, and drainage pipes. It is important for consumers to properly dispose of their LDPE waste by separating it from other types of waste and ensuring it is clean and free of contaminants.
In Alberta, LDPE is given the resin code 4, and it can be recycled into film plastic, garbage bags, and panelling. Examples of items made from LDPE include plastic shopping bags, dry cleaning bags, and bread bags.
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Polystyrene (PS) can be recycled into flower pots
In Alberta, there are seven different types of plastics that can be recycled. Polystyrene (PS) is one of them and is labeled as Resin Code 6. PS is a versatile and common plastic used in many products, including disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, and carryout containers. While it is recyclable, not all facilities accept it, which can lead to increased disposal issues.
Polystyrene can be recycled into various products, including flower pots and plastic lumber. Recycling PS supports sustainability efforts by turning potential waste into valuable resources. Polystyrene flower pots offer several advantages over traditional clay pots. They are extremely lightweight and portable, even when filled with soil and plants, making them easier to move and store than heavy clay pots. Additionally, polystyrene pots are more durable and less susceptible to chipping and flaking, retaining their new appearance even after several years of use.
Furthermore, polystyrene provides enhanced drainage and aeration for plants. When placed at the base of a planter, it improves water flow and prevents waterlogging, promoting healthier root growth. However, it's important to note that polystyrene is not biodegradable and poses environmental challenges upon disposal. Some concerns include chemical leaching, where substances from polystyrene may leach into the soil, potentially harming plant roots and affecting growth. Additionally, polystyrene pieces can create wildlife hazards if ingested by animals.
To minimize the environmental impact of using polystyrene, it is essential to choose the right type. Select polystyrene that is chemically stable and does not degrade or release harmful substances over time. Ensure that the material does not retain moisture, which can lead to waterlogging and altered soil conditions. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the polystyrene you use is safe for both your plants and the planet, facilitating healthy soil interaction without compromising drainage or plant growth.
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