Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, and recycling it is one of the most complex processes. There are seven different types of plastic resins, numbered 1 to 7, with 7 being 'other'—a mix of different types of plastics. The lower the number, the more likely the plastic type is to be easily recyclable. Many plastic types can be recycled, even if the process is not widespread, but many aren't simply because they aren't easily recyclable. For example, plastic bags are hard to recycle as they can get caught in the recycling facility's machines. Other non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper, and polycarbonate. Plastic hazardous substance containers, plastic straws, plastic cups, and polystyrene foam are also non-recyclable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Type | Bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper, polycarbonate, thermoset plastics, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, LDPE, HDPE, PVC, PET, PE-LD, polystyrene, polypropylene |
| Plastic Items | Plastic bags, thin bags, films, blister packaging, cling film, plastic straws, plastic cups, plastic utensils, plastic food containers, plastic trays, plastic tubes, plastic hazardous substance containers, plastic medication bottles, plastic coffee pods, chip bags, shrink wrap |
| Reasons for Non-Recyclability | Contaminated with food, made from low-value plastic resins, too small, contains hazardous substances, gets caught in sorting/recycling equipment, contains irreversible chemical bonds, not widely recyclable |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags, films, and wrappings
Plastic bags and wraps are typically recycled differently than bottles and containers. They can be recycled at some out-of-home recycling points, such as participating retail store recycling bins and drop-off centers. However, it is important to check with local recycling entities as practices may vary from town to town.
It is worth noting that compostable and biodegradable bags are not designed to be recycled and can potentially cause quality issues in the recycled material. These should be placed in a home composting bin if available.
While plastic bags, films, and wrappings can be recycled under specific conditions, it is important to consider the broader context of plastic recycling. Plastic can take hundreds of years to biodegrade, between 500-1000 years for some types, leading to increased landfill use and environmental pollution. Recycling plastic can help conserve natural resources and energy, as plastic is made from oil. However, not all plastic is widely recyclable, and certain types, such as bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper, and polycarbonate, are generally not recyclable.
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Plastic hazardous substance containers
It is important to note that not all plastic is widely recyclable, and some plastic items are not recycled simply because they are not easily recyclable. For example, thin plastic bags can clog recycling machinery and are therefore not accepted by kerbside collections. Additionally, some plastics, when burned, release harmful gases, making energy from incineration impossible.
Despite these challenges, recycling plastic can have significant environmental and economic benefits. It can conserve limited natural resources and energy, as recycling plastic reduces the need to produce new plastic from raw materials, which are often derived from oil. The most widely recycled plastic globally is PET, which is mainly found in plastic bottles. Recycled PET is commonly used to create fashion items such as polar fleece clothing, backpacks, and carpets. It can also be recycled into new beverage bottles.
To determine if a plastic item can be recycled, one can refer to the resin codes, which indicate the type of plastic a product is made of. The lower the resin code, the more likely the plastic is to be easily recyclable. For example, thermoset plastics with irreversible chemical bonds cannot be recycled, whereas thermoplastics can be remelted and remolded.
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Plastic items contaminated by food
Food-contaminated plastics that are not accepted by recycling programs include plastic knives, forks, spoons, straws, cups, plates, bowls, trays, and takeaway containers. These items are often contaminated with food residue and made from low-value plastic resins, making them difficult to recycle.
To reduce recycling contamination, it is important to properly clean and scrape plastic containers to remove any excess food before disposal. Additionally, clear labelling of recycling containers can help ensure that only acceptable materials are placed in each bin. By taking these steps, individuals can help improve the efficiency of the recycling process and increase the value of the materials sent to local recycling facilities.
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Plastic items with irreversible chemical bonds
Thermoset plastics are valued for their strength and heat resistance, but their inability to be recycled makes them environmentally unfriendly. Examples of thermoset plastics include epoxy, phenolic, unsaturated polyester, and urethane. These plastics are often used in applications where high strength and heat resistance are required, but their disposal can pose challenges due to their non-recyclability.
Well-known non-recyclable plastics that fall into this category include cling film, blister packaging, plastic-coated wrapping paper, composite plastic, bioplastics, and polycarbonate. These items are commonly used in packaging and food storage, but their disposal can be challenging due to their irreversible chemical bonds.
It is important to distinguish between thermoset plastics and thermoplastics, which can be recycled. Thermoplastics can be re-melted and re-molded, making them more environmentally friendly. However, thermoset plastics, with their irreversible chemical bonds, cannot be recycled using the same methods, contributing to the growing problem of plastic waste.
To reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste, it is essential to properly identify and dispose of non-recyclable plastics. While thermoset plastics have valuable applications, their disposal should be carefully considered to prevent environmental pollution and health crises associated with non-biodegradable materials. Proper waste management and the promotion of reusable alternatives can help mitigate the negative effects of non-recyclable plastics on the environment.
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Plastic items with low-value plastic resins
Plastic Cutlery and Tableware
Plastic knives, forks, spoons, plates, cups, and bowls fall into this category. These items are typically heavily contaminated with food residue and are made from low-value plastic resins, making them non-recyclable.
Plastic Food Trays
This includes carryout, catering, dessert, and microwave trays. They are often heavily soiled with food and made from low-value plastic resins, rendering them non-recyclable.
Plastic Straws and Mixers
Plastic straws, like those provided with beverages, are made from low-value plastic resins and are heavily contaminated with food residue. They are not recyclable and contribute to the plastic pollution in our oceans, posing a severe threat to marine wildlife.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication Bottles
These bottles are usually too small and may contain traces of medications. As a result, they are not recyclable and should be disposed of in the trash. However, animal shelters may occasionally accept empty prescription bottles for reuse in dispensing animal medications.
Plastic Hazardous Substance Containers
Containers that previously held automotive fluids, pesticides, or drain cleaners are not recyclable due to the hazardous nature of their contents. These containers must be disposed of in the trash to prevent the potential harm associated with their residual contents.
It is important to note that the recyclability of plastic items can vary depending on regional guidelines and the availability of specialized recycling processes. While these items are generally considered non-recyclable due to their low-value plastic resins, advancements in recycling technologies and alternative disposal methods may provide future options for repurposing or recycling such materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Well-known non-recyclable plastics include cling film, blister packaging, plastic-coated wrapping paper, composite plastic, bioplastics, and polycarbonate.
The difference in the recyclability of plastic types can be down to how they are made. Thermoset plastics contain polymers that form irreversible chemical bonds and cannot be recycled, whereas thermoplastics can be re-melted and re-molded.
Plastic hazardous substance containers, plastic straws, plastic utensils, plastic cups, plastic bags, and plastic food containers are some examples of non-recyclable plastic items.
Resin codes are numbers, typically ranging from 1 to 7, that are assigned to different types of plastics. A lower resin code generally indicates a plastic type that is more likely to be easily recyclable.
It is recommended to avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. For example, instead of using plastic bags, bring your own reusable bags when shopping.
