Maya Ellison
Plastic waste is a critical concern for environmentalists, governments, and organizations, as the majority of plastics are disposed of in non-environmentally friendly ways, resulting in polluted oceans, overextended landfills, and ecological damage. While recycling is not the best zero-waste strategy, it is an important bridge strategy in reducing single-use plastic and minimizing the need to produce new plastics. However, the recycling process is complex, and not all plastics are created equal when it comes to recyclability. The type of plastic, its ability to be effectively recovered, and the existence of markets for specific plastic types all influence whether it can be recycled. This article will explore the different types of plastics and their recyclability, providing consumers with the knowledge to make more sustainable choices.
Characteristics and Values of Recyclable Plastics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Type | PET/PETE, HDPE, PP, LDPE, PVC |
| Plastic Number | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Examples | Bottles, jars, jugs, tubs, grocery bags, straws, rope, carpet, bottle caps, plastic wrap |
| Recyclability | PET bottles have a 57% recovery rate in Michigan |
| Acceptance by Recycling Programs | Varies by location and type of plastic |
| Difficulty in Recycling | Varies; some plastics are hard to recycle due to their size, flexibility, and weight |
| Environmental Impact | Positive; helps reduce single-use plastic and minimize extraction |
| Financial Impact | Recycling can be costly and may not always be financially worthwhile |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic resin codes range from 1 to 7, with 7 being 'other'
- LDPE, or plastic-type #4, is used for grocery bags and bread bags
- PP, or polypropylene, is used for food containers and bottle caps
- PET or PETE, is used for soda bottles, cooking oil containers and jars
- HDPE, or plastic-type #2, is used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles and detergent bottles
Plastic resin codes range from 1 to 7, with 7 being 'other'
Plastic resin codes, also known as resin identification codes (RICs), are numbers used to identify the type of plastic an item is made of. These codes range from 1 to 7, with 7 being "other". The system was established by the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. in 1988 to help recyclers sort plastics more effectively. However, it is important to note that the presence of a recycling symbol or a number does not always indicate that an item is recyclable.
Plastic Resin Code 1: PET or PETE
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) is a commonly recycled plastic. It is used to make bottles for water, soda, and other drinks, as well as food containers like peanut butter jars and cooking oil containers. PET/PETE products have a high recovery rate, with a reported 57% recovery rate in Michigan.
Plastic Resin Code 2: HDPE
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is another commonly recycled plastic. It is used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and other similar containers. HDPE is also sometimes downcycled into products like plastic lumber, tables, and benches.
Plastic Resin Codes 3, 4, and 6: PVC, LDPE, and PS
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polystyrene (PS) are types of plastic that are generally not recyclable in standard recycling programs. LDPE is used for plastic bags, plastic wrap, and grocery bags, while PVC is used for tubing, furniture, and children's toys. PS, also known as Styrofoam, is used for disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, and food containers. These plastics can be challenging to recycle due to their physical properties or the presence of contaminants.
Plastic Resin Code 5: PP
Polypropylene (PP) is a type of plastic that is sometimes recyclable, depending on your local recycling program. It is commonly used for food containers like yogurt pots, margarine tubs, and bottle caps. However, PP has a low recovery rate, and only a small percentage of it is recycled in the US.
Plastic Resin Code 7: Other
Products stamped with a 7 often contain multiple types of plastic or plastics that are difficult to recycle. This category includes bioplastics, composite plastics, and plastic-coated materials. The recyclability of these items depends on the specific combination of plastics and the capabilities of your local recycling facilities.
It is important to note that the recyclability of plastics can vary based on location and the capabilities of local recycling facilities. While some plastics are technically recyclable, they may not be accepted by your local recycling program due to market demands, contamination risks, or processing limitations. Always check with your local guidelines to understand what types of plastics can be included in your recycling.
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LDPE, or plastic-type #4, is used for grocery bags and bread bags
LDPE, or plastic-type #4, is a low-density plastic that is used for grocery bags and bread bags, as well as other food packaging. It is also used for plastic wrappings and the bags that hold newspapers, sliced bread loaves, and fresh produce. LDPE is technically recyclable, but it is often not recycled due to several reasons. Firstly, it is a very cheap and low-quality plastic, making its recycling financially unviable. Secondly, LDPE plastic bags tend to tangle in recycling machinery, endangering the entire recycling process. Finally, the ratio of dirt to plastic tends to be high, especially in bread bags, making it difficult to clean and separate the different types of plastic for proper recycling.
While LDPE plastic bags cannot be recycled through standard recycling bins, some grocery stores and retailers collect these bags for proper plastics recycling. It is important to check with local stores or recycling centers as policies and regulations may vary. For example, in Massachusetts, there is a statewide waste ban that prohibits the disposal of any single-resin narrow-necked bottles (such as soda bottles) in trash bins, making recycling these containers mandatory.
To reduce the environmental impact of LDPE plastic bags, it is recommended to avoid using them whenever possible. Reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags, are a more sustainable option. Additionally, consumers can look for products packaged in more recyclable materials, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which has a higher recovery rate and is accepted in many recycling programs.
It is worth noting that even recyclable plastics face challenges in the recycling process. For instance, food contamination, the presence of multiple types of plastic in a single item, and the high costs of building and operating recycling facilities can hinder the recyclability of certain plastics. Nonetheless, recycling remains an important strategy in reducing single-use plastic waste and encouraging the reuse of materials.
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PP, or polypropylene, is used for food containers and bottle caps
PP, or polypropylene, is one of the most common plastics used in food and beverage packaging. It is also one of the safest plastics, with no known carcinogenic effects, and is FDA-approved for food contact. It is often used for products like yoghurt, sour cream, margarine, and butter containers, as well as bottle caps, straws, rope, and carpets. Its high melting point makes it suitable for hot-fill applications and it is also microwave-safe.
Polypropylene is lightweight, strong, and offers good protection from moisture and chemicals. It is also pliable, allowing it to be bent and twisted while retaining its shape. These qualities make it ideal for food containers and bottle caps.
Despite being recyclable, PP is rarely recycled. Only around 1-3% of PP is recycled in the US, with most of it ending up in landfills. This is because polypropylene recycling is difficult and expensive. Recycled PP often ends up in colours unsuitable for packaging, such as black or grey, making it less desirable for packaging use.
However, recycled PP can be used for other purposes, such as plastic lumber, park benches, auto parts, and speed bumps. It is important to note that not all recycling programs accept PP, and it is essential to check local guidelines.
When it comes to recycling, PP is marked with a 5 surrounded by a triangle or the letters "PP". It is important to separate PP products from other plastics to ensure they are properly recycled.
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PET or PETE, is used for soda bottles, cooking oil containers and jars
PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is one of the most commonly used and widely recycled plastics in the world. It is a common type of plastic used for packaging and is known for its clarity, lightweight, strength, and good barrier properties.
PET or PETE is used for soda bottles, cooking oil containers, and jars. It is also used for water and other beverage bottles, food containers, and personal care products. Its low melting temperature makes it easy and sustainable to turn PET packaging into more PET packaging in a closed loop.
PET or PETE can be recycled using traditional methods, and it is easily recyclable. The recycling process involves collecting and sorting the plastic, cleaning it, crushing it into small pieces called "flakes", melting it, and forming it into pellets, which can then be used to create new products. This process requires less energy and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than producing new plastic.
PET can also undergo advanced recycling, which involves breaking the plastic down into its individual chemical parts through a chemical reaction. These chemical parts can then be recombined into PET or other types of plastic. However, this method is more complex and resource-intensive, and traditional methods are usually sufficient due to PET's highly recyclable nature.
Recycling PET products helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment and conserve natural resources. It is important to properly recycle PET or PETE products to minimize their environmental impact.
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HDPE, or plastic-type #2, is used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles and detergent bottles
There are seven different types of plastic in use around the world, and not all of them are recyclable. One type of plastic that can be recycled is HDPE, or plastic-type #2. HDPE stands for High-Density Polyethylene, a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. It is very stiff, has good temperature resistance, a good water vapour barrier, and high chemical resistance. It is also completely free from BPA and safe for human use.
HDPE is used for making milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, bleach bottles, and other similar containers. It is one of the most common types of plastic and is widely used in the UK for fresh milk bottles. In 2011, HDPE bottles made up almost 50% of the 306,000 tonnes of plastic bottles captured for recycling through local authority collections in the UK. The previous year, 76% of HDPE milk bottles were recycled in the UK.
HDPE is also sometimes downcycled, which means it is reused for lower-value products like plastic lumber, tables, roadside curbs, and benches. This is because, while HDPE is technically recyclable, it can be difficult to find markets for the recycled product. For example, recycled PP (polypropylene) usually ends up being black or grey, making it unsuitable for packaging use, so it is instead used in industrial applications like plastic lumber and auto parts.
It is important to note that not all plastic containers are recyclable, even if they are made from HDPE. For example, containers with a narrower opening, like bottles and jugs, are made differently than other containers and require a unique type of reprocessing to be turned into new products. Additionally, some municipalities may not accept certain types of plastic for recycling, so it is important to check your local guidelines.
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Frequently asked questions
The general rule of thumb is, the lower the resin code, the more likely the plastic type is to be easily recyclable. Types 1 and 2 plastics may be tossed into standard recycling bins. Other plastic types may not be permitted in your bin, depending on your municipality’s guidelines.
Type 1 plastics include PET or PETE, which are used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks. Type 2 plastics include HDPE, which are used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers, and detergent bottles.
Plastic bags, plastic straws, and Styrofoam are examples of non-recyclable plastics. Plastic bags and straws can get tangled or stuck in recycling machinery. Styrofoam is hard to recycle and is not accepted by some recycling companies.
Polypropylene (PP), or Type 5 plastic, is recyclable but only around 1-3% of it is recycled in the US. This is because it is difficult and expensive to recycle, and the recycled product is often black or grey, making it unsuitable for packaging.
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