Omar Khalid
Plastic waste is a pressing issue in the UK, with the average household disposing of 60 pieces of plastic packaging per week, contributing to the country's high per-person plastic waste rate. While recycling is crucial, reducing plastic consumption is even more effective. Reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags are simple ways to cut down on plastic waste. For non-recyclable plastics like cling film, blister packaging, and plastic bags, proper disposal is critical to avoid disrupting the recycling process. While some non-recyclable plastics can be reused or repurposed, others must be thrown away as general waste.
Characteristics of non-recyclable plastic in the UK
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Environmental impact | Plastic waste is a key concern for environmentalists, governments and organisations, resulting in polluted oceans, overextended landfills and ecological damage. |
| Types of non-recyclable plastic | Cling film, blister packaging, plastic-coated wrapping paper, composite plastic, bioplastics, polycarbonate, crisp packets, salad bags, plastic wrap, thin bags or films, plastic bags, plastic bottles, etc. |
| Disposal methods | It is recommended to dispose of non-recyclable plastics in general waste rather than recycling bins as they can clog the processing machinery at recycling facilities. |
| Reducing plastic consumption | It is suggested to use reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and bags to reduce plastic consumption. |
| Recycling methods | There are two main ways to recycle plastic: mechanical recycling and chemical recycling. |
| Challenges | The recycling process is extremely complex, and there are many factors that determine whether a plastic can be recycled or not. |
| Benefits of recycling | Recycling plastic extends the lifetime of non-renewable resources, can be a cost-saving measure, and provides environmental benefits. |
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What You'll Learn
- Non-recyclable plastics include cling film, blister packaging, and bioplastics
- The UK produces more plastic waste per person than almost any other nation
- The average UK household disposes of 60 pieces of plastic packaging per week
- Reduce plastic consumption by using reusable water bottles and coffee cups
- Recycling symbols are not a guide to whether something can be recycled in Somerset
Non-recyclable plastics include cling film, blister packaging, and bioplastics
Cling film, or plastic wrap, is a common type of plastic waste that is often used in kitchens to keep food fresh. It is typically made from thin, flexible plastics such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene). Although cling film made from LDPE can be recycled, it must be separated from other plastic types as it cannot be recycled alongside other plastics due to its thin composition, which can cause it to get caught in machinery. As a result, it is often recommended that consumers dispose of cling film with their general waste. However, this can be detrimental to the environment as cling film can take hundreds of years to biodegrade and releases toxic chemicals when it does so. To properly dispose of cling film, it can be taken to a specialist facility or a local recycling centre.
Blister packaging is another type of non-recyclable plastic. While it is made up of plastic and other materials, it cannot be put in home recycling collections. However, some pharmacies, hospitals, and GP surgeries offer take-back recycling services for blister packs to ensure proper disposal.
Bioplastics are also non-recyclable and are often incredibly hard to recycle. They are an example of thermoset plastics, which contain polymers that form irreversible chemical bonds. This type of plastic cannot be recycled as it cannot be re-melted and re-molded.
While these plastics may not be recyclable, it is important to explore alternatives to landfill disposal. Plastic waste can often be repurposed or reused, diverting it from landfills for a period of time. Additionally, with advancements in recycling methods, more plastic types are being collected and recycled, which will continue to improve in the coming years.
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The UK produces more plastic waste per person than almost any other nation
Plastic waste is a pressing issue for environmentalists, governments, and organisations worldwide. The UK produces more plastic waste per person than almost any other nation, second only to the US. In fact, the US and UK are the world's biggest sources of plastic waste, with Americans generating an average of 105kg of plastic per year, while the British produce 99kg annually. This is significantly higher than France, for example, which generates just under 44kg of plastic waste per person per year.
The UK's high levels of plastic waste can be attributed to various factors. One reason may be the country's reliance on single-use plastics. Despite pledges by big-name brands to reduce plastic packaging, some supermarkets still believe they need plastic to keep pests out, and the UK also imports a lot of its food, which may contribute to the problem. Additionally, the UK has been criticised for exporting large quantities of its plastic waste to other countries, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Turkey, rather than adequately managing and reducing its own waste.
To address this issue, there have been calls for systemic change and the adoption of the waste hierarchy: "refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle". This includes implementing deposit-return schemes, where consumers pay a small fee for items in single-use containers, which is refunded when the container is returned for reuse or recycling. Such schemes have been successful in Germany, with a 98% return rate, and are also being trialled in Canada, Australia, and the US.
There are also ways individuals can reduce their plastic consumption and waste. For example, individuals can carry a refillable bottle or mug to reduce plastic waste from bottled water or hot drinks purchased on the go. Over 20,000 businesses in the UK operate as "Refill Stations", including Costa, Starbucks, and Greggs, making it convenient for people to refill their water bottles without creating unnecessary waste. Individuals can also look for products packaged in recyclable materials and encourage local businesses to use reusable catering equipment and avoid disposable cutlery.
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The average UK household disposes of 60 pieces of plastic packaging per week
Plastic waste is a pressing issue for environmentalists, governments, and organisations alike, as the vast majority of plastics are disposed of in non-environmentally friendly ways. The UK produces more plastic waste per person than almost any other nation, second only to the US. The average UK household disposes of 60 pieces of plastic packaging per week, 81% of which is food and drink packaging.
There are several ways to reduce your plastic consumption and waste. You can start by carrying a refillable bottle or mug for water or hot drinks when you're out and about. Over 20,000 businesses in the UK are operating as "Refill Stations", including Costa, Starbucks, and Greggs, so keep an eye out for the Refill logo. All kinds of coffee shops also welcome customers to bring in their reusable coffee cups, and you can support local zero-waste shops that let you refill your containers. You can also look into local milk delivery services that reuse glass bottles instead of buying plastic ones and remember to take your reusable bags when you go shopping.
If you can't reuse or recycle plastic, it's better to dispose of non-recyclable plastics in your general waste rather than your recycling bin, as they can clog the processing machinery at recycling facilities. Well-known non-recyclable plastics include cling film, blister packaging, plastic-coated wrapping paper, composite plastic, bioplastics, and polycarbonate.
To identify whether plastic can be recycled, look for the Resin Identification Code (RIC), a number between one and seven that describes the kind of polymer the plastic resin is made from. The lower the RIC, the more likely the plastic type is to be easily recyclable. However, this isn't always a reliable indicator, and it's better to look for the OPRL (on-pack recycling label) or other recycling information to find out what to do with the packaging.
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Reduce plastic consumption by using reusable water bottles and coffee cups
Plastic waste is a pressing environmental concern, with plastic pollution affecting wildlife and oceans. Single-use plastics, such as water bottles and coffee cups, contribute significantly to this issue. Here are some ways to reduce plastic consumption by switching to reusable water bottles and coffee cups:
Reusable Water Bottles
The production and disposal of plastic water bottles have a detrimental impact on the environment. Each plastic bottle requires oil for its creation, contributing to environmental damage even before it is used. These bottles also take hundreds or thousands of years to break down in landfills, with some never decomposing completely.
Reusable water bottles offer a more sustainable alternative. By investing in a reusable bottle, you can reduce the demand for oil-derived plastic products and minimise your contribution to landfill waste. Reusable bottles are also more cost-effective and can save you money that would otherwise be spent on single-use bottled water. Additionally, you can look out for "Refill Stations" in the UK, with over 20,000 businesses, including Costa, Starbucks, and Greggs, offering to refill your bottle.
Reusable Coffee Cups
Disposable coffee cups, often lined with plastic, are rarely recycled due to the complex and costly process of separating the plastic from the paper. In the US, more than 50 billion coffee cups are thrown away annually, ending up in landfills and water bodies.
By switching to a reusable coffee cup, you can significantly reduce waste and save on the cost of single-use cups. Many coffee shops, including major chains like Starbucks, encourage the use of reusable cups and may offer discounts to customers who bring their own mugs. Additionally, you can be a positive role model for others by inspiring them to make environmentally conscious choices.
In summary, reducing plastic consumption through the use of reusable water bottles and coffee cups offers both environmental and economic benefits. It helps minimise plastic waste, reduces the demand for oil, saves money, and inspires others to make sustainable choices.
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Recycling symbols are not a guide to whether something can be recycled in Somerset
Recycling symbols are not always a guide to whether something can be recycled in Somerset. While recycling symbols can be useful, they are not always accurate or applicable to your local area.
Recycling symbols are used to help identify different types of packaging and whether they are capable of being recycled. The symbols themselves can give you insight into where and how to recycle an item, but it is important to also research and understand your local area's legislation and rules for recycling. This is because local authorities do not all collect the same materials, and the labels are based on what the majority collect or do not collect. For example, in Somerset, the local council states that they only take plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and trays in kerbside collections and at recycling sites. They do not take plastic bags and wrapping with kerbside collections or at recycling sites, although they are taking part in a national trial of kerbside collections of plastic bags and wrapping.
The numbers attributed to plastics are plastic resin codes, which quickly show which type of plastic a product is. The numbers range from 1 to 7, with 7 being 'other'. The lower the resin code, the more likely the plastic type is to be easily recyclable. However, this is not always the case, and it is important to check with your local guidelines. For example, some plastics, like cling film and blister packaging, are well-known non-recyclable plastics.
If you are unsure about whether something can be recycled, it is better to dispose of it in your general waste rather than your recycling bin, as non-recyclable items can clog the processing machinery at recycling facilities. You can also reduce your plastic consumption by carrying a refillable bottle or mug, which can help to reduce plastic waste generated by plastic bottled water or hot drinks.
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Frequently asked questions
Well-known non-recyclable plastics include cling film, crisp packets, salad bags, blister packaging, plastic-coated wrapping paper, composite plastic, bioplastics, and polycarbonate.
All plastic products are accompanied by a Resin Identification Code (RIC), a number between one and seven that describes the kind of polymer the plastic resin is made from. The lower the number, the more likely the plastic type is to be easily recyclable.
You can start by reducing your plastic consumption. For example, you can use a refillable bottle or mug for water and hot drinks instead of buying bottled water or using disposable coffee cups. You can also carry your own reusable bags when shopping and buy loose fruit and vegetables without packaging.
It is recommended to dispose of non-recyclable plastics in your general waste rather than your recycling bin as they can clog the processing machinery at recycling facilities.
