Maya Ellison
New Zealand is increasingly embracing the concept of Kaitiakitanga, which involves conserving the country's natural environment and resources for future generations. To this end, the country is transitioning to a circular economy, with a focus on environmentally responsible manufacturing and the 'reduce, reuse and recycle' philosophy. However, the majority of plastics going to landfills are consumer-based products that cannot be recycled. This is due, in part, to the confusion surrounding plastic recycling. For instance, while theoretically, all numbers can be recycled, not all plastics marked with a triangle are recyclable in New Zealand. Additionally, not all councils or recyclers accept all types of plastics, with some rejecting types 3 to 7. So, what plastics are recyclable in New Zealand, and how can consumers ensure they are recycling correctly?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastics that can be recycled in NZ | Number 5 PP plastic, HDPE plastic, LDPE, PVC, PS/EPS, Polycarbonate or Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, PLA |
| Plastics that can be recycled but are hard to recycle | Thermoset plastics, Number 3 to 7 plastics |
| Plastics that cannot be recycled | Plant-based plastics |
| Plastics that can be recycled but not in traditional recycling bins | PLA, which can be disposed of in a food waste/compost bin that is then taken to a commercial composting facility |
| Plastics that are highly recyclable and sought after in NZ | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Plastics that are not recyclable in NZ | Plastic toys, even those with recycling symbols |
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What You'll Learn
- Number 5 PP plastic is recyclable and can be reused for building materials and clothing
- Recycle It! collection points are available at some NZ supermarkets
- Some plastics, like PLA, are compostable and should be disposed of in food waste bins
- PVC, PS, EPS, and Polycarbonate plastics are hard to recycle and should be avoided
- Always rinse and sort plastics before recycling and remove any lids or caps
Number 5 PP plastic is recyclable and can be reused for building materials and clothing
Number 5 plastic, also known as polypropylene (PP), is a highly versatile material used in the manufacture of a wide range of products. From food and medicine packaging to household products like lunchboxes and Tupperware, Number 5 PP plastic is a common type of plastic.
Despite its prevalence, Number 5 PP plastic has often ended up in landfills, contributing to environmental concerns. However, this type of plastic is recyclable and can be reused, supporting the transition to a circular economy in New Zealand. The process involves collecting, grinding, and melting the plastic to create raw material pellets, which are then sold to manufacturers to create new products.
Number 5 PP plastic can find new life in various applications, including building materials, clothing, and packaging. Its lightweight yet strong nature, coupled with good chemical resistance and a high melting point, makes it a valuable material for reuse. This is particularly true for building materials, where its heat resistance and insulating properties can be advantageous.
By encouraging the recycling and reuse of Number 5 PP plastic, New Zealand can reduce its reliance on virgin materials, conserve resources, and protect its natural environment for future generations. This aligns with the concept of Kaitiakitanga, which emphasizes the importance of caring for the land and resources for a sustainable future.
It is important to note that not all Number 5 PP plastics are accepted by recycling programs. Flexible PP, such as bags or soft packaging, may not be accepted by curbside recycling programs, so it is essential to check with local guidelines to ensure proper disposal and recycling.
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Recycle It! collection points are available at some NZ supermarkets
Plastic is an essential part of our lives, from food and medicine packaging to household cleaning products, electronics, clothing, and building and gardening materials. However, it is crucial to dispose of plastic waste properly to protect New Zealand's beautiful natural environment for future generations.
One way to do this is through the 'Recycle It!' initiative, which focuses on recycling Number 5 PP (Polypropylene) plastic containers. PP plastic is highly versatile and used to package various products, but it often ends up in landfills. To address this, PACKIT has introduced a pilot scheme in collaboration with New World Centre City Dunedin to collect and recycle Number 5 PP plastic containers. These containers can be dropped off at the 'Recycle It!' collection point before entering the supermarket, ensuring they are washed, uncontaminated, and bear the Number 5 PP plastic logo.
The collected PP plastic is then picked up by PACKIT, hand-sorted, and shipped to a recycling plant in Christchurch, New Zealand. Here, the plastic is ground up, melted, and remanufactured into raw material pellets, which are sold to manufacturers to create new products. This process supports the growing Kiwi Circular Economy, reducing the use of raw materials and conserving resources.
The 'Recycle It!' initiative aims to expand beyond the pilot project in Dunedin to other parts of New Zealand. By participating in this scheme, individuals can play a vital role in protecting the environment, reducing waste, and supporting the reuse of materials for a sustainable future.
In addition to the 'Recycle It!' collection points, some soft plastics can be recycled through the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme. Clean, dry, and empty soft plastic bags and packaging can be placed in designated bins at participating supermarkets and stores. This scheme accepts items such as plastic shopping bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, and cling film.
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Some plastics, like PLA, are compostable and should be disposed of in food waste bins
In New Zealand, not all plastics marked with a recycling triangle are recyclable. The Plastic Identification Code provides clear labelling so you know what you can and can't recycle with your Local Council. Number 5 PP plastic, for instance, is highly versatile and used to manufacture a variety of products, including food packaging. However, a large amount of Number 5 PP plastic ends up in landfills due to improper disposal. To recycle it, empty and rinse your Number 5 plastic containers, check for the PP logo, and then take them to a Recycle It collection point, commonly found at supermarkets.
It's important to note that not all compostable plastics are accepted by all composting facilities. Composting facilities in New Zealand require resource consent to operate, and the conditions of this consent may restrict the types of feedstock they can accept. Therefore, it's essential to check with your local composting facility or refer to the Plastic Identification Code to ensure you're properly disposing of compostable plastics.
To reduce plastic waste, consumers are encouraged to consider alternatives to plastic products and packaging and to take personal responsibility for the careful disposal of plastic waste. Additionally, consumers can support the growing Circular Economy in New Zealand, which aims to conserve the country's natural environment and resources for future generations. By increasing the recycling and reuse of plastics like Number 5 PP, we can reduce the demand for raw materials and promote the use of recycled materials in manufacturing.
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PVC, PS, EPS, and Polycarbonate plastics are hard to recycle and should be avoided
In New Zealand, the amount of plastic waste produced through manufacturing is kept to a minimum, with only about 1% of material used across the industry going to waste. However, the majority of plastics that end up in landfills are consumer-based products that cannot be recycled.
Some types of plastic are incredibly hard to recycle and should be avoided if possible. These include PVC, PS, EPS, and polycarbonate plastics.
PVC, or poly(vinyl chloride)), has very limited mechanical recycling capabilities due to its low thermal stability and dangerous degradation products. During degradation, PVC can cause increased corrosion of processing equipment, and the process releases harmful gases. While solutions are being developed to separate these compounds from PVC recyclates, it is still a challenging process.
PS (polystyrene) is a lightweight plastic that requires less energy to produce and transport. However, it is not commonly recycled. PS is often used in packing materials, furniture, electronics, and shipping containers. Due to its lightweight nature, it can easily end up in wild spaces and oceans, posing threats to wildlife and ecosystems. Some cities have banned the use of polystyrene foam in food service to reduce its environmental impact.
EPS (expanded polystyrene) is also challenging to recycle. It is often used in packaging and can be recycled into new products through specialized processes such as screw compaction.
Polycarbonate plastic is another type of plastic that is difficult to recycle. It is known for its durability and impact resistance but is not widely accepted for recycling.
To improve the recyclability of plastics in New Zealand and reduce their environmental impact, consumers are encouraged to follow the "reduce, reuse, and recycle" philosophy. This involves thinking about where plastic waste is going, acting locally, and taking personal responsibility for the careful disposal of plastic waste.
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Always rinse and sort plastics before recycling and remove any lids or caps
When it comes to recycling plastics in New Zealand, it's important to follow some key steps to ensure that your plastics can be effectively recycled and to prevent contamination. Always start by rinsing and sorting your plastics, and don't forget to remove any lids or caps.
Rinsing your plastics is crucial as it helps prevent contamination. While a few crumbs or spots in containers might not hinder the recycling process, it's important to remove most food residue. This is because contaminants can ruin certain recycling processes. For instance, one dirty item can contaminate thousands of pounds of collected plastics. So, give your plastics a quick rinse or wash to ensure they are clean and dry before placing them in the recycling bin.
Sorting your plastics is another essential step. Different types of plastics need to be separated for effective recycling. The Plastic Identification Code, with its numbered triangle symbol, provides clear labelling to help you identify which plastics can be recycled by your Local Council. For example, #2 plastic, which includes ecostore's Sugar Plastic bottles, can be recycled through your council recycling in New Zealand.
Now, let's talk about lids and caps. It's important to remove them from plastic containers before recycling. This is because caps are often made of a different plastic resin than the container, and they may have a lower recycling commodity market value. By separating the caps, you ensure that the containers and caps can be properly sorted and recycled according to their specific materials. Additionally, removing the caps ensures that no liquid remains in the container, which is a requirement of some recycling programs.
Remember, these steps are important to ensure that your plastic waste can be effectively recycled and to support New Zealand's transition towards environmentally responsible manufacturing and a circular economy.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic identification code is a clear labelling system that tells you what you can and can't recycle with your local council.
Number 5 PP plastic is commonly recycled in New Zealand. It is used for manufacturing a variety of products, including food packaging and household items. HDPE plastic, made from renewable sugarcane, is also 100% recyclable in New Zealand.
Some plastics, like plant-based plastics, cannot be recycled in New Zealand. Soft plastics, such as bubble wrap, cling film, and chip packets, may be accepted in Soft Plastic Recycling scheme collection bins. However, not all councils or recyclers in New Zealand accept types 3 to 7 plastics, as they are harder to recycle.
Thermoplastics are flexible and commonly used for packaging consumer goods. They can be easily melted down and recycled. On the other hand, thermoset plastics are challenging to recycle and are typically components of products like TV monitors.
To ensure your plastics are recycled properly in New Zealand, make sure they are empty, clean, and not contaminated. Sort your plastics, rinse them, and remove any lids. Check for the plastic identification code to know what can be recycled with your local council.
