Sofia Martinez
Colorado has a few companies that offer plastic recycling services to commercial and industrial clients. Northwest Polymers, for example, collects and recycles plastic scraps and processes them according to their plastic resins. However, the types of plastics that can be recycled vary across different local recycling facilities. Generally, most recyclers accept plastics #1 and #2, while plastics #3, #4, #6, and #7 are rarely recycled. It is always a good idea to check local programs to confirm what can be recycled in your area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Numbers Accepted for Recycling | #1, #2, and #5 |
| Plastic Numbers Not Accepted for Recycling | #3, #4, #6, #7 |
| Plastic Resin Content | PET, LDPE, PVC, PP |
| Recyclable Plastic Items | Bottles, cans, paper, cardboard |
| Non-Recyclable Plastic Items | Plastic bags, food wrapping |
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What You'll Learn
Check local programs to see what plastics are accepted in Colorado
It's important to check local programs to see what plastics are accepted for recycling in Colorado. This is because each local recycling facility collects different types of plastics, and some plastics are considered unsafe for reuse.
Recycling programs often provide information on what plastics they accept and how to prepare them for collection. For example, some programs may accept plastics #1 and #2, which are generally the most widely accepted for recycling. These plastics are typically used for water bottles, plastic soda bottles, and other containers. It's important to note that even within the same state or city, different facilities may have different capabilities for recycling specific types of plastics.
Some plastics, such as PVC, which is used for plastic food wrapping, are not accepted by most consumer recyclers. PVC products should be avoided for reuse, especially for food or children's items, as they contain toxins that can leach over time. LDPE, which is commonly used for plastic bags, is another type of plastic that is not widely accepted by recyclers. However, some companies and recycling centers are working on alternatives to recycle plastic bags due to their harmful impact on the environment.
It's worth noting that some plastics, like polypropylene (#5), can be recycled by certain programs and are considered safe for reuse. This type of plastic is used in containers for products like margarine, yogurt, and potato chips. Additionally, some areas may provide drop-off locations for other plastics that are not accepted through curbside collection, such as plastic wrap and sheet plastic.
To effectively contribute to a sustainable planet, it is essential to be aware of the specific rules and practices of your local recycling program. By familiarizing yourself with the accepted plastics and proper recycling methods, you can ensure that more materials are recycled efficiently and given a second life.
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Plastic bottles are commonly accepted for recycling
In general, most recyclers accept plastics #1 and #2, which can include water and soda bottles, although it is important to check with your local recycling center to know which plastics are collected. These bottles are typically made out of PET, which is meant for single-use applications. While it is safe to recycle PET, it should not be reused because it becomes harder to clean and remove harmful chemicals after the first use.
Some other types of plastic are more difficult to recycle. For example, most consumer recyclers will not take PVC products, which are used for plastic food wrapping, and it is not recommended to reuse them because they contain toxins that leach throughout their entire life cycle. LDPE, which is used for plastic bags, is also not accepted by most recyclers, although some companies are investigating how to recycle these due to their harmfulness to the environment.
It is important to note that the numbers on plastic bottles and containers were not meant to indicate which ones can be recycled but rather to identify the plastic resin content. However, these numbers can still be helpful in determining which plastics are safe and which may leak chemicals.
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Avoid reusing plastics like PET, PVC, and plastic bags
While reusing plastics is often touted as an eco-friendly practice, certain types of plastics like PET, PVC, and plastic bags should be avoided for reuse due to safety concerns and negative environmental impacts.
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles are commonly used for water and beverages, and they are marked with a recyclable symbol, indicating their recyclability. However, reusing PET bottles comes with potential health risks. Over time or when exposed to high temperatures, PET plastic can degrade and leach chemicals into the contents. This can be harmful, especially if the bottle is reused for storing acidic or sugary drinks or for long-term food storage. While proper washing can mitigate these concerns, it is crucial to be cautious about the potential safety hazards associated with reusing PET plastic.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride), often referred to as vinyl, is considered one of the most toxic plastics by organizations like Healthy Child Healthy World. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified vinyl chloride, the chemical used to make PVC, as a known carcinogen. The high chlorine content in PVC contributes to the creation of toxic pollution in the form of dioxins, which accumulate in the fat of animals and move up the food chain. Additionally, exposure to PVC often includes exposure to phthalates, which may have adverse health effects. The production and disposal of PVC also present environmental challenges.
Plastic bags, commonly used for shopping and carrying items, are another type of plastic that should be avoided for reuse. While they can be recycled, their limited recycled lifespan makes them less environmentally friendly than other materials like glass or metal. Recycled plastic bags are often downcycled, meaning they are turned into less valuable products, such as artificial turf or plastic furniture. This downcycling process delays but does not eliminate the eventual disposal of these bags in landfills, contributing to the accumulation of waste.
To reduce environmental and health risks, it is advisable to avoid reusing PET, PVC, and plastic bags. Instead, opt for more sustainable alternatives, such as glass or metal containers, and recycle these plastics whenever possible to give them a new purpose while minimizing their negative impact on the planet and our health.
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Polypropylene plastics are safe to reuse and recyclable
Polypropylene is considered one of the safest commercial plastics on the market. It is FDA-approved for food contact and is used in food containers like those that hold yoghurt, cream cheese, and butter products. It is also often used in the packaging of food that can be heated in a microwave due to its high heat tolerance. It is also used in medical applications such as surgical devices and implants, as well as in the automotive industry for parts such as battery cases, bumpers, and interior and door trim.
Polypropylene is generally considered safe for reuse. It is BPA-free, and no studies have shown a direct correlation between polypropylene and cancer in humans. It is also less flammable than wool and has a lower rate of off-gassing than more toxic plastics such as PVC and polystyrene. However, it is important to note that polypropylene can still off-gas and may contain unknown chemical additives. Some newer research also points to toxicity in certain polypropylene containers, and heat can increase the chances that chemicals will seep out of the container and into your food. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid heating food in polypropylene containers and to discard containers after single-use if they are labelled with a resin recycling code 1.
Polypropylene is recyclable, although many recyclers still do not accept it. It is identified by the number 5 surrounded by a triangle on the bottom of the container. It is considered a safer alternative to other types of plastics, and its use can help reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.
In Colorado, there is room for plastic recycling to grow. Northwest Polymers is one company that provides recycling services to commercial and industrial clients, collecting and recycling their unwanted plastic scraps. They are well-positioned to help commercial and industrial companies in Colorado recycle their plastics.
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Plastic numbered #1 and #2 are generally accepted by recyclers
While the specific rules for recycling plastic vary from place to place, there are some general guidelines that can help you determine which plastics are recyclable in Colorado. Firstly, it's important to check with local programs to confirm which plastics are recyclable in your specific area. Now, coming to the different types of plastics, there are seven standard classifications of plastics, and the recycling facility in your locality collects different types of plastics.
On the other hand, most consumer recyclers will not accept PVC products, commonly used for plastic food wrapping. PVC products should be avoided for reuse, especially when it comes to food or children's items, as they contain toxins that leach throughout their entire life cycle. LDPE, found in plastic bags, shrink wraps, and dry cleaner garment bags, is another type of plastic that is not commonly accepted by recyclers. While LDPE is safe to reuse, most plastic bags are not recyclable due to their harmfulness to the environment.
Polypropylene (PP) plastic, used in margarine and yogurt containers, potato chip bags, and cereal bags, is recyclable. However, many recyclers do not accept it. It is considered safe for reuse. Additionally, assume that plastics with the #7 number cannot be recycled or reused, as they can leak chemicals and are known endocrine disruptors.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to check local programs to confirm what can be recycled in your area. Generally, most recyclers accept plastics #1 and #2, which are typically used for water bottles and plastic soda bottles. Some places also accept #5 plastics, which can be recycled into "virgin" polypropylene.
Most plastic bags and plastic wraps are not recyclable. This includes PVC products, which are often used for plastic food wrapping. It is also important to note that some plastics, such as PET bottles, are meant for single-use and should not be reused.
There are seven types of plastics, identified by a number and triangle symbol on the container. These numbers indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic.
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