Ethan Clarke
Plastic is everywhere, from our homes to our oceans, and it's up to us to reduce our individual contributions to landfills. While some plastics can be recycled, others cannot and end up clogging recycling machinery. These non-recyclable plastics, such as cling wrap and ziploc bags, often end up in landfills, taking hundreds of years to decompose and leaking harmful chemicals into the environment. To reduce the impact of non-recyclable plastics, individuals can properly dispose of them in general waste bins, reuse them, or avoid them altogether by opting for reusable containers and products packaged without plastic. Some companies, like Sea Witch Botanicals, offer reusable containers, and initiatives like TerraCycle provide free nationwide recycling programs for hard-to-recycle waste. Additionally, scientists are working on plastic-eating enzymes and new processes to convert non-recyclable plastics into reusable materials.
What to do with non-recyclable plastic?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Disposal | Dispose of non-recyclable plastics in general waste instead of the recycling bin to avoid clogging the processing machinery at recycling facilities |
| Identification | Check the bottom of the plastic bottle or container for a number (Resin Identification Code) between 1 and 7 to identify the type of plastic |
| Non-recyclable types | Numbers 3 (polyvinyl chloride or PVC), 6 (polystyrene or PS), and 7 are generally non-recyclable; however, some recycling centers may have the technology to recycle them |
| Recyclable types | Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are typically recyclable, but it is best to check with local recycling centers for specific types |
| Contamination | Non-recyclable plastics can contaminate recyclable materials, leading to entire loads being rejected and sent to landfills |
| Environmental impact | Plastic decomposition takes hundreds of years, and during this time, they leak harmful chemicals into the environment and break apart into microplastics that can harm marine life |
| Alternatives | Scientists are working on plastic-eating enzymes to speed up decomposition; consumers can opt for reusable containers and reduce single-use plastic consumption |
| Recycling programs | Some organizations, like TerraCycle, offer recycling programs for typically hard-to-recycle waste, including contact lenses, makeup products, e-waste, and oral care products |
| Proper sorting | Properly sorting waste is essential; food waste, liquids, diapers, and sanitary products should not be recycled as they can cause contamination and health hazards |
| Plastic bags | Plastic bags, wraps, and "tanglers" like plastic hoses and hangers should be avoided as they can damage sorting machinery and create dangerous work environments |
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What You'll Learn
Check the Resin Identification Code (RIC)
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is a system that helps identify the resin used to manufacture certain types of plastic containers. The RICs help consumers and waste operators distinguish between different materials and sort products more efficiently. The RIC was initially created for people working in the recycling and plastic industry, so it is not easily decipherable by consumers. However, understanding the RIC can help you make more sustainable choices.
The RIC system was developed by The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI), now known as the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), in 1988. It consists of seven labels, each with a number from one to seven, surrounded by three arrows forming a triangle. Each label corresponds to a different type of resin and provides information on the type of plastic and how it can be recycled. For example, RIC #1 is commonly found on single-use bottled drink containers, while RIC #2 is often used for packaging, including shampoo bottles and shopping bags.
In 2008, SPI began working with ASTM International to update and expand the RIC system to meet evolving societal requirements and improvements in plastic materials. As a result, the graphic symbol surrounding the number in the RIC was changed from "chasing arrows" to a solid equilateral triangle to emphasise that the RIC identifies resin types rather than recyclability.
While there are no federal regulations mandating the use of RICs in the United States, at least 36 states require them in some form to identify the primary resin type in plastic products. Each state may have its own specific requirements and number codes for RICs. For example, California legislation requires all rigid plastic bottles and containers sold in the state to be labelled with a code indicating the resin used.
By understanding the RIC system, you can make more informed choices about your plastic consumption and recycling habits. You can look for the RIC on plastic products to identify the type of resin used and determine if it is widely recycled or accepted by your local recycling programme. Additionally, you can support businesses that use eco-friendly packaging and reduce your overall plastic consumption by opting for reusable alternatives whenever possible.
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Avoid plastic ending up in oceans
Plastic is the most common form of marine debris, and it is causing incalculable environmental damage. It is important to be proactive about our consumption of plastics and other non-recyclable waste to avoid plastic ending up in oceans. Here are some ways to do that:
Reduce Plastic Use
The first step is to be more aware of how and why you use plastic items. Think about all the plastic items you use every day and try to reduce your use of disposable and single-use plastic items. For example, instead of using a plastic straw, bring your reusable straw. You can also avoid products packaged in plastic by opting for products packaged in reusable containers such as glass spray bottles and metal tins.
Reuse and Recycle
Commit to reusing and properly recycling the plastic items you do use. For example, many grocery stores accept non-recyclable plastics at their entrances for proper recycling. You can also participate in clean-up efforts to pick up marine litter in your local community.
Composting
Composting your food scraps, soiled paper, and yard waste can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and prevent it from ending up in the ocean. However, avoid mixing organic matter with non-organic matter in landfills, as this can lead to anaerobic decomposition, which releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
New Recycling Processes
Scientists are working on new processes to recycle non-recyclable plastics. For example, a new process can convert some non-recyclable plastics into a type that can be reused, reducing waste sent to landfills. Another process creates vitrimers by changing fixed crosslinks in certain types of plastic into dynamic, changeable ones, making the new material recyclable.
Boycott Single-Use Plastics
Until single-use plastics are eradicated, it may not be realistic to boycott all everyday items that rely on them. However, there are plenty of viable alternatives for some commonly used items. For example, you can use a reusable cup for your coffee instead of a single-use plastic one.
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Reduce, reuse, and properly dispose of plastic
Reducing, reusing, and properly disposing of plastics are essential steps in mitigating their environmental impact. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Reduce
The first step is to reduce plastic consumption by opting for products packaged without plastic. This prevents unnecessary waste and reduces the amount ending up in landfills and oceans. Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and food packaging, are significant contributors to plastic pollution. By rejecting these in favour of reusable alternatives, you can significantly decrease your plastic footprint.
Reuse
Reusing plastic items is another effective strategy. For example, instead of discarding plastic bags, you can reuse them for future shopping trips. Similarly, plastic containers, such as bottles and jars, can be washed and reused for storing food or other items. This extends the lifespan of plastic products and delays their disposal.
Properly Dispose
Properly disposing of plastic is crucial. Non-recyclable plastics should be disposed of in general waste bins rather than recycling bins. This is because they can clog and damage recycling machinery. To identify non-recyclable plastics, look for Resin Identification Codes (RICs) on the product, typically numbers between 1 and 7. Numbers 3 (polyvinyl chloride or PVC), 6 (polystyrene or PS), and 7 are generally non-recyclable and should be disposed of properly to avoid environmental harm.
Some organisations, like TerraCycle, offer specialised recycling programs for hard-to-recycle waste, including certain types of plastics. Additionally, some local grocery stores accept non-recyclable plastics, such as plastic bags and clean plastic packaging, for proper disposal or recycling.
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Recycle non-curbside plastics at grocery stores
While it is important to recycle as much plastic as possible, it is also crucial to ensure that the plastic is clean and dry before placing it in the recycling bin. Plastic bags, in particular, can be a source of contamination in recycling programs as they can clog the machinery at recycling centers. As a result, it is recommended to keep a bag collection bin at home and ensure that any bags being recycled are empty and free of crumbs, stickers, or other contaminants.
Most national and major grocery retailers in the US, such as Kroger, Safeway, Target, and Walmart, offer bag recycling collections in their stores, usually located near the front entrance. In addition to plastic bags, these stores also accept plastic films, such as produce bags, dry cleaning bags, and plastic wrap, for recycling. It is important to ensure that any plastic film or bags being recycled are clean and dry to avoid contaminating the entire batch.
Some grocery stores are also starting to accept other non-curbside plastics, such as cling wrap, Ziploc bags, and cosmetic packaging. By collecting and properly recycling these clean plastics, we can reduce our negative impact on the planet.
While recycling is important, it is also crucial to reduce our consumption of single-use plastics and switch to reusable alternatives whenever possible. This can include opting for products with minimal or no plastic packaging and choosing reusable containers, cups, and straws instead of disposable ones.
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Scientists are working on plastic-eating enzymes
While there are some ways to reuse non-recyclable plastics, such as by opting for reusable containers, the reality is that most non-recyclable plastics end up in landfills, where they take up space and leak harmful chemicals into the environment. This has spurred scientists to work on innovative solutions to tackle the plastic waste problem. One promising approach is the development of plastic-eating enzymes that can break down plastics in a matter of hours or days, instead of the centuries it would naturally take.
The idea of plastic-eating enzymes was first inspired by the discovery of a bacterium that had naturally evolved to eat plastic at a waste dump in Japan. By understanding the detailed structure of the crucial enzyme produced by this bug, scientists have been able to tweak its design to make it even more effective at breaking down plastics. This process, known as depolymerization, involves breaking down the plastic into smaller parts, and it can be completed in as little as 24 hours.
The plastic-eating enzyme has been specifically effective in breaking down Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which accounts for 12% of all global waste. The enzyme can operate at low temperatures of around 50 degrees Celsius, making it both portable and affordable for large-scale industrial use. This discovery has significant implications for reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste, especially in polluted sites and natural lands and water.
While the development of plastic-eating enzymes shows promise, some experts caution that a full life-cycle assessment is necessary to ensure that the technology does not create other environmental problems, such as additional greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, the research is a positive step towards addressing the global plastic pollution crisis and could potentially revolutionize the way we recycle plastic waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Some examples of non-recyclable plastics include: plastic bags, plastic wrap, plastic produce bags, plastic hoses, plastic hangers, plastic cords, plastic wires, plastic baby bottles, plastic sippy cups, plastic water jugs, plastic sunglasses, plastic signs, plastic medical storage containers, plastic cutlery, plastic toys and plastic electronics.
Numbers #3, #6, and #7 are generally non-recyclable. #3 is usually found in vinyl flooring or padded play mats for children. #6 is Styrofoam, which includes to-go cups and food containers. #7 is a catch-all for plastic variations that may contain hazardous byproducts.
Non-recyclable plastics can take hundreds of years to degrade, causing harm to the environment and marine life. They can end up in oceans, streams, and other waterways, breaking apart into microplastics that can be ingested by animals.
You can reduce your waste by composting food scraps, soiled paper, and yard waste. You can also reuse non-recyclable plastics or dispose of them properly in your general waste bin, rather than the recycling bin, to avoid contaminating recyclable materials.
Yes, there are viable alternatives to commonly used items. For example, you can use reusable containers, cups, and straws instead of single-use plastic ones. You can also opt for products packaged without plastic to reduce unnecessary waste.
