Ethan Clarke
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, with plastic waste ending up in our oceans, waterways, and even in our food chains and the air we breathe. While recycling is a critical solution, not all plastics are recyclable. Some, like Styrofoam and plastic bags, are notoriously difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills or the environment. To address this challenge, it is essential to understand the different types of plastics and their recyclability. Plastics are classified using a Resin Identification Code, with numbers 3, 6, and 7 being the most challenging to recycle. Additionally, certain products, such as single-use plastic cups and medication bottles, are often non-recyclable due to contamination or low-value plastic resins. To manage unrecyclable plastics, it is recommended to first check with local recycling centers, as some may have the technology to recycle these materials. Alternative solutions include exploring reuse and repurposing options, supporting extended producer responsibility programs, and reducing plastic consumption by choosing second-hand goods and avoiding single-use plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic resin codes | Numbers ranging from 1 to 7, with 7 being 'other' |
| Plastics that are difficult to recycle | Crisp packets, salad bags, plastic wrap, etc. |
| Plastics that are generally non-recyclable | Numbers 3, 6, and 7 |
| Plastics that can be recycled | Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 |
| Plastic products with Resin Identification Code (RIC) | Numbers between one and seven |
| Plastic waste alternatives | Repurpose or reuse plastic waste, diverting it from landfills |
| Plastic waste disposal | Throwing away in general waste instead of the recycling bin |
| Plastic waste reduction | Buying second-hand, reducing consumption of single-use plastics |
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What You'll Learn
Check the Resin Identification Code
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is a classification system that indicates the type of plastic resin a product is made from. It was developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States. The RIC is a part of the broader set of recycling codes and is often mistaken for the recycling symbol.
The RIC helps consumers and waste operators distinguish one material from another and sort products made from these materials more efficiently. It is mandatory in most US states, but the requirements differ between states in terms of the actual codes being used and the types of containers that must be labelled with one.
The RIC number can usually be found on the bottom of a plastic bottle or container. Numbers 3, 6, and 7 generally indicate non-recyclable plastics, although some recycling centres may have the technological capability to recycle them. Number 3 plastics are typically single-use plastic wraps, window cleaner and detergent bottles, shower curtains, vinyl piping, flooring, and home siding, while Number 6 plastics include Styrofoam cups, plates, carry-out containers, egg cartons, disposable cutlery, and CD cases. Number 7 plastics include plastic baby bottles, sippy cups, water jugs, sunglasses, nylon, signs, medical storage containers, plastic cutlery, and toys and electronics that are part plastic.
On the other hand, Numbers 1 and 2 indicate the most widely recycled plastics. Number 1, or PET, is used for clear plastic bottles and can be recycled into polyester fabric and filling for fleeces, carpets, and cushion fillings. Number 2, or HDPE, has a matte finish and is often found in milk bottles, shampoo bottles, cleaning product bottles, and tubs.
It is important to note that the presence of an RIC on a product does not necessarily indicate that it is recyclable, nor does the absence of an RIC mean that a plastic object is unrecyclable. It is always a good idea to check with your local recycling centre to see what types of plastic they can accept.
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Reduce plastic consumption
Plastics can take hundreds of years to degrade, and when buried in landfills, they take up valuable space. Plastic waste in oceans, streams, and other waterways breaks apart into tiny particles called microplastics, which can be harmful to animals and the environment.
At Home
- Avoid single-use plastics: Single-use plastics, such as disposable cups, straws, and plastic bags, are not easily recyclable and contribute significantly to plastic waste. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives like cloth napkins, reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and containers.
- Buy recycled products: When purchasing items, choose products made from recycled plastic materials, such as bubble wrap containing recycled plastic.
- Reduce, reuse, and repurpose: Don't create waste in the first place. Choose items with minimal packaging, and reuse or repurpose plastic items whenever possible. Donate or sell unwanted plastic items that are still in good condition instead of discarding them.
- Avoid harmful textiles: Microfibers from clothing made of synthetic materials, such as polyester, acrylic, or nylon, can release microplastics into the environment when washed. Opt for natural fiber clothing and rugs, such as cotton, linen, or wool, and air-dry synthetic clothing to reduce microfiber shedding.
- Buy in bulk: Instead of buying small plastic bottles, purchase drink mixes in bulk and fill your reusable bottles.
- Composting: Check with your local government or recycling company to see if they accept compostable plastic items.
Businesses and Industries
- Reusable packaging: Businesses can adopt returnable and reusable plastic packaging, reducing the demand for new plastic and lowering production costs in the long run.
- Eco-friendly design: Collaborate with design experts to create lightweight and compact packaging solutions that are eco-friendly and cost-effective, reducing plastic consumption and transportation emissions.
- Circular economy initiatives: Embrace circular economy practices by designing products and packaging with their end-of-life in mind, ensuring materials are easily recyclable or repurposable.
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Reuse plastic items
Plastic is designed to last forever, and it does. It is found in our environment, including our oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams. While some plastics are more easily recycled than others, there are still many ways to reuse plastic items and keep them out of the environment.
One way to reuse plastic bottles is to poke holes in a 2-litre bottle and hook it up to a garden hose to create a sprinkler. You can also use plastic bottles as a broom, or create a lamp out of plastic bottle caps. You can even make toys for children, such as airplanes, from recycled shampoo bottles.
There are also ways to reuse plastic containers in the kitchen. For example, you can use a clean plastic bottle to separate egg yolks. You can also use plastic milk cartons as storage for pens and pencils. Prescription containers can be reused as mini travel containers for cotton swabs and other small items.
You can also get creative with plastic bottles and make a bird feeder, a vase, or a hanging planter. Alternatively, you can cut plastic bottles into strips and use them to create a vertical garden.
Some companies are also finding ways to reuse plastic. For example, TerraCycle offers free nationwide recycling programs for typically hard-to-recycle waste streams. They accept items such as contact lenses, makeup products, e-waste, and oral care products, and turn them into raw materials to be used in new products.
While reusing plastic is a great way to reduce waste, it is also important to reduce plastic use and switch to reusable options, such as travel mugs, cups, or thermoses, and biodegradable or reusable cutlery.
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Recycle through specialist companies
If your local recycling center does not have the capacity to recycle your plastics, there are specialist companies that can help.
One such company is TerraCycle, which offers free nationwide recycling programs for typically hard-to-recycle waste. TerraCycle accepts items like contact lenses, makeup products, e-waste, oral care products, and cigarette waste. The company transforms these products into raw materials, which are then sold back to factories to create new products.
Another company, Plastic Expert, provides plastic recycling services for businesses across various sectors, including manufacturers, construction, distribution centers, retailers, and food companies. They have helped recycle over 100,000 tonnes of waste and operate an environmentally friendly service.
Additionally, there are companies like BlueAlp, which uses chemical-based conversion upcycling to transform hard-to-recycle plastics into high-quality oil, reducing the need for virgin fossil fuels.
These specialist companies are dedicated to finding innovative solutions for recycling unrecyclable plastics, ensuring that even the most challenging waste streams can be managed sustainably.
It is important to note that some plastics, such as those with the resin identification codes #3, #6, and #7, are more difficult to recycle and may require specialized technology. However, advancements in technology, such as the development of vitrimers, are offering new possibilities for recycling these challenging plastics.
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Support anti-plastic legislation
While recycling is a great way to reduce plastic waste, it is not always possible, as some plastics are not recyclable. This is where anti-plastic legislation comes in—to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and the environment.
One of the most prominent pieces of anti-plastic legislation in the United States is California's Senate Bill 270, enacted in 2014, which made California the first state to ban single-use plastic bags at large retail stores. Since then, California has continued to expand and improve its anti-plastic laws. For example, in June 2022, a bill proposal was put forward to reduce single-use plastic products by 25%. This bill aims to ensure that 65% of single-use products are recycled by 2032 and would transform how companies package and ship their products.
Another example of anti-plastic legislation is Vermont's Senate Bill 113, which is the most comprehensive single-use plastic ban in the United States. At the federal level, the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 (BFFPPA) is a significant piece of legislation. Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Alan Lowenthal, it outlines practical plastic reduction strategies and represents a comprehensive set of policy solutions to address the plastic pollution crisis.
To support anti-plastic legislation, individuals can advocate for and show their support for these laws and policies. This can be done by contacting local, state, and federal government officials, signing petitions, and joining organizations dedicated to reducing plastic pollution. Additionally, staying informed about the latest developments in anti-plastic legislation and sharing this information with others can help build awareness and momentum for these important initiatives.
By supporting anti-plastic legislation, we can reduce plastic waste, protect the environment, and promote a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic utensils, plastic with food debris, and compostable plastics are often considered unrecyclable. It is important to check with your local recycling program to see what types of plastic they accept.
You can reuse plastic items as many times as possible to reduce the need to create new plastic. For example, plastic bottles can be reused as cups for pens and craft supplies, or as a piggy bank. You can also drill holes in laundry detergent containers to make a watering can.
You can look for products made with recycled plastic to help save this valuable material from going to waste. You can also set up a separate bin for recyclables and ask your guests to use it. You can also recycle plastic bags and wrappings at some supermarkets and retailers.
