Ethan Clarke
Plastic waste is a critical environmental concern, with plastic taking up to 1000 years to biodegrade and polluting oceans, landfills, and ecosystems. While almost all plastic can be recycled in theory, the process is complex and costly, and not all plastics are recycled equally. The type of plastic is indicated by a number from 1-7 inside a small triangle, with some types recycled more commonly than others. Type 1 and 2 plastics are the most widely accepted by recyclers, while types 3-6 are more difficult to recycle, and type 7 plastics are rarely recycled. The most recycled plastic globally is PET, used for soda and water bottles, while other types like PVC and LDPE are less commonly recycled.
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What You'll Learn
PET/PETE, used for bottles, is the most recycled plastic globally
PET, also known as PETE or plastic #1, is the most common material used for plastic drink bottles. It is a durable, clear, non-reactive, and lightweight plastic, making up more than 10% of global plastic production. PET is used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks, as well as cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and containers for other popular food items.
PET is fully recyclable and has one of the highest plastic recycling values. It can be melted, cooled, and reheated multiple times. It can be recycled curbside, in a local recycling centre, or at a bottle bill depot in countries and states with container deposit laws. However, despite being relatively easy to recycle, some countries are still struggling to reach high recycling rates. For example, in the United States, only 27.1% of PET plastic is recycled, compared to 97% in Norway and 75% in Canada.
To recycle PET plastic, one must collect, filter, sort, rinse, and recycle plastic bottles, containers, and packaging. Nearly all recycled polyester fibres, commonly used in apparel and footwear, come from recycled PET bottles. In addition, PET can be drawn into thin yarns and fibres to make polyester fabric, which is popular for its quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant properties.
While PET is the most recycled plastic globally, other types of plastic can also be recycled. For example, Types 1 and 2 plastics may be placed in standard recycling bins, while other types may or may not be permitted, depending on the local municipality's guidelines. Hard-to-recycle plastics, such as Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, require specialised handling.
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HDPE, used for milk jugs, is 100% recyclable
HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, is the main material used for milk jugs and crates. It is lightweight, sturdy, and highly recyclable. Its high tensile strength ensures that the jugs can withstand drops and impacts during transportation, making it a durable and safe option for the dairy industry. HDPE is also food-grade, meaning it doesn't leach harmful chemicals into the milk.
The recyclability of HDPE makes it a desirable material for recycling companies. Milk jugs made from HDPE can be recycled into a wide range of items, such as toys, outdoor furniture, and even new milk jugs. The demand for HDPE plastic is high, and it is recycled almost everywhere. However, according to the EPA, fewer than 3 in 10 milk jugs are currently being recycled.
The process of recycling HDPE milk jugs involves cutting up the bottles, stewing them in hot canola oil, and then pressing the hot plastic into a form to cool. The melting point of HDPE is in the mid-200°F range, but the "extrusion" temperature range is 350-500°F. It is important to note that melting some plastics can release toxic fumes, so proper precautions should be taken.
HDPE is also commonly used in shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers, detergent bottles, and other containers. Its versatility, durability, and recyclability make it a popular choice for various industries. HDPE can also be downcycled into products like plastic lumber, tables, roadside curbs, and benches. This recycling practice involves reusing the material for lower-value products, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Overall, HDPE, used for milk jugs, is highly recyclable and plays a significant role in both consumer safety and environmental sustainability. Its recyclability, combined with its durability and cost-effectiveness, makes it a preferred material for the dairy industry and other sectors.
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LDPE, used for bags, is technically recyclable but often not accepted
LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a thermoplastic created from the monomer ethylene. It is thin, soft, flexible, and has a low melting point. It is used in the creation of many common products, including plastic bags, bubble wrap, cling film, and bottle tops. LDPE is technically recyclable and can be used to create new products such as garbage cans, plastic bags, and manufactured lumber. However, LDPE is not widely recycled and often ends up in landfills.
There are several reasons why LDPE is not always accepted for recycling. Firstly, LDPE is a very cheap and low-quality plastic, making its recycling financially unviable. Recycling LDPE can be costly and time-consuming, as it tends to tangle in recycling machinery, risking damage to equipment and endangering workers. In addition, soft LDPE products, such as plastic bags and cling film, are more likely to be contaminated and can be challenging to recycle. As a result, some local authorities and recycling programs only accept rigid LDPE items and not soft LDPE products.
The recyclability of LDPE also depends on the local guidelines and infrastructure. Some municipalities and recycling centers do not accept LDPE in curbside recycling bins or standard recycling bins due to the challenges mentioned above. Instead, they may require LDPE plastic bags to be taken to specific carrier bag recycling points found in supermarkets or local household waste recycling centers (HWRCs). However, even when LDPE is collected separately, the recycling rates remain low. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, only 6.2% of LDPE generated in 2015 was recycled, compared to higher recycling rates for other types of plastics.
Despite the challenges, some organizations specialize in LDPE recycling and accept LDPE waste from businesses and individuals. These organizations may offer competitive prices for LDPE and other recyclable plastics, helping to keep them out of landfills. Additionally, some grocery stores and businesses that provide LDPE bags set up collection bins where customers can return used bags for proper recycling. While LDPE recycling faces obstacles, these efforts contribute to reducing LDPE waste and promoting the reuse of this material.
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PVC, used for pipes, is not commonly recycled
Plastic resins are used in a variety of products, from containers and packaging to pipes, cables, and plumbing. While almost all plastic can be recycled in principle, several barriers make it difficult to recycle certain types of plastic.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is one such type of plastic. It is the third most common plastic in the US, used in a variety of applications, including long rigid pipes and fittings, home siding, and cables. PVC is considered harmful to the environment due to its complex composition and low thermal stability. Its chemical composition makes incinerating it or leaving it in landfills dangerous and terrible for the environment.
However, it is a misconception that PVC is difficult to recycle due to these reasons. In fact, PVC recycling has become one of the most advanced processes in mechanical recycling. The thermal recycling of PVC waste includes the thermal treatment of the waste stream to recover hydrogen chloride, which is recycled for PVC production or other processes. Several thermal recycling processes are used, such as pyrolysis, gasification, and incineration. Nevertheless, many problems in thermal recycling are caused by process additives, such as stabilizers and plasticizers, which are on the list of prohibited substances.
Despite the advancements in PVC recycling, not every recycling plant will process plastics, and PVC is not typically recycled through standard municipal recycling programs. Therefore, it is essential to contact a local recycling center or waste management company to determine if they accept PVC for recycling. Individuals should not discard PVC with other recyclables but instead take it to a special plastics recycling facility to ensure it is being reused.
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PS, used for disposable cups, can sometimes be recycled
Plastic is used to make a wide range of products, from beverage bottles to electronic components. While almost all plastic can theoretically be recycled, the process is often complex and costly, and some types of plastic are more commonly recycled than others.
Polystyrene, also known as PS or Styrofoam, is a popular plastic used in a variety of industries. It is lightweight, rigid, and has excellent insulation properties, which is why it is often used for disposable cups, plates, and food containers. However, PS is one of the most difficult plastics to recycle. The process is complicated, expensive, and only sometimes economically feasible. The low value of recycled PS compared to other materials and the lower quality of the recycled product also pose challenges.
Despite these challenges, recycling PS can have several positive environmental impacts. It helps reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills, which is significant as plastic waste can take hundreds of years to break down and can release harmful chemicals into the environment. Recycling PS can also help conserve natural resources and reduce the need for new plastic production.
Some companies specialize in recycling PS and turning it into new products. However, PS recycling rates remain relatively low compared to other materials, and many countries lack the infrastructure and resources to implement effective PS recycling programs.
It is important to note that not all recycling programs accept PS for recycling, and individuals should check with their local municipality before placing PS products in their recycling bins.
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Frequently asked questions
PET (or PETE/Polyethylene Terephthalate) is the most recycled plastic globally. It is used to make soda bottles, water bottles, and other food packaging.
There are seven types of plastics, numbered from 1 to 7, with corresponding resin codes. Types 1 and 2 are generally accepted by recyclers. Types 3 to 6 are harder to recycle and may not be accepted by all centres. Type 7 is the most challenging to recycle and is often excluded.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is not commonly recycled. It is a strong and diverse plastic that can be rigid or elastic, and it is used in building materials, medical equipment, food packaging, and more.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is 100% recyclable and is the second most recovered plastic after PET. It is used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and more.
Plastic recycling can be hindered by economic, environmental, and technical factors. For example, some plastics are hard to process and separate, making them costly to recycle. Additionally, some plastics are not accepted by local municipalities and require specialised handling.
