Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, and while almost all plastic can be recycled, there are many barriers that can undermine this process. There are seven different types of plastic used around the world, each with different properties and uses. The Society of the Plastics Industry has developed a classification system for plastic, with numbers ranging from 1 to 7, with 7 being 'other'. The lower the number, the easier it is to recycle. For example, Types 1 and 2 plastics may be tossed into standard recycling bins, while other types may not be permitted depending on local guidelines. Some of the most commonly recycled plastics include PET (or PETE), HDPE, and PP. However, it's important to note that the recyclability of plastic also depends on factors such as its design, thickness, and whether it's been used for food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most widely recycled plastic | PET |
| Second most widely recycled plastic | HDPE |
| LDPE recyclability | Technically recyclable but not financially worthwhile |
| PP recyclability | Only around 1-3% is recycled in the US |
| PVC recyclability | Not commonly recycled |
| PS recyclability | Sometimes recycled |
| Plastic resin codes | Range from 1 to 7, with 7 being 'other' |
| Resin code 7 products | Often made of multiple plastic types or other hard-to-recycle plastics |
| Resin code 4 products | Should not be put into recycling bins as they can get tangled in equipment |
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What You'll Learn
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most widely recycled plastic globally
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is 100% recyclable
- Polypropylene (PP) is easily recyclable but includes toxic substances
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is technically recyclable but not financially worthwhile
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is not commonly recycled
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most widely recycled plastic globally
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most commonly used plastics worldwide. It is an inexpensive, lightweight, and durable material that can be easily moulded into a variety of products. PET is most often used for single-use packaging materials, such as disposable consumer items and beverage bottles. Its transparency, durability, and lightweight nature make it a desirable substitute for glass.
Despite its widespread use, PET has contributed to a global crisis in waste management. The improper disposal of PET products has caused significant environmental damage, with plastic pollution threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of marine animals. PET is a major source of accumulated waste in landfills, and it can take hundreds of years for plastic to biodegrade, with some types taking up to 1000 years.
Recycling is one of the most important actions to reduce the negative environmental impact of PET. Fortunately, PET is one of the most widely recycled plastics globally, with a 52% recycling rate in Europe compared to 31% in the United States. Recycled PET (rPET) is highly sought after as it can be reused for bottles or polyester fibres, reducing the need for new plastic. Using rPET to create new bottles reduces total energy consumption by 79% and limits greenhouse gas emissions by 67%.
However, despite being a relatively easy plastic to recycle, some countries are still struggling to reach decent recycling rates. While India, Europe, and South Korea have PET recycling rates higher than 50%, other countries, such as the US and China, lag behind. The demand for recycled PET is not currently being met by existing recovery processes, and further improvements in recycling technologies are needed to address this issue.
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High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is 100% recyclable
HDPE is a flexible plastic polymer and one of the most commonly used materials in manufacturing today. It is strong, sturdy, flexible, non-toxic, and food-safe. It has a strong internal structure, which means there is a low risk of leaching toxins into the foods or liquids it contains. It is also lightweight, strong, and acts as a moisture barrier, making it ideal for products that need to travel long distances.
HDPE can be recycled via a process of shredding, melting, and subsequent pelletization. It can also be chemically recycled, although this is challenging due to the lack of cleavable functional groups. When recycled, HDPE is typically reused for non-food containers and crates, although it can also be downcycled into plastic lumber, tables, roadside curbs, benches, and other durable plastic products.
The use of 100% recycled and recyclable HDPE in products is a sustainable solution, as it allows us to reuse the plastic we already have indefinitely.
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Polypropylene (PP) is easily recyclable but includes toxic substances
Polypropylene (PP) is a type of plastic that is commonly used in packaging materials, plastic hinges, waterproofing insulation, and more. It is easily recyclable and is considered one of the safer plastics. However, it is important to note that it includes some toxic substances that can pose health risks.
Polypropylene is derived from petroleum and is a robust, heat-resistant plastic. It has a high heat tolerance, which makes it unlikely to leach even when exposed to warm or hot water. It is often used in food and beverage storage, such as yogurt containers, water bottles, and other types of food packaging. Polypropylene is also used in medical devices due to its resistance to chemicals and bacteria. Despite its safety advantages over other plastics, there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with its use.
One of the main concerns with polypropylene is the presence of microplastics. Studies have shown that irregular-shaped polypropylene microplastics can affect human breast cancer cells by driving the cancer's progression. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for polypropylene to leach plastic additives and cause occupational asthma. While it is generally considered safe, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health risks associated with this plastic.
Another concern with polypropylene is the presence of bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical used to make hard plastics. BPA has been linked to various health problems, including potential infertility, early puberty, and higher chances of cardiovascular disease. While polypropylene itself does not contain BPA, it is important to look for plastic products with a "BPA-free" label to avoid exposure to this toxic substance. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid heating food in plastic containers, as heat can cause chemicals to seep out and contaminate the food.
Despite the concerns over toxic substances, polypropylene is still considered a better alternative to other plastics. It is approved by the FDA for food contact and is used in various consumer goods, such as plastic furniture, appliances, and toys. It is also important to note that recycling polypropylene can be difficult and expensive, and most PP ends up in landfills, taking around 20-30 years to completely decompose. However, recycled PP is used in industrial applications such as plastic lumber, park benches, and auto parts.
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Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is technically recyclable but not financially worthwhile
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a type of plastic commonly used in everyday products. LDPE is technically recyclable, but it is not widely recycled. LDPE is a thin, flexible plastic used in plastic bags, food wrappings, and packaging materials. While LDPE can be recycled, it is often not accepted by recyclers due to the challenges and costs associated with its recycling.
LDPE is known as plastic-type #4 and is often used to make plastic shopping bags provided by grocery stores and other retailers. It is also used for bread bags, garbage bags, and plastic sandwich bags, food wrappings, squeezable bottles, and tops for plastic containers. LDPE is a very cheap and low-quality plastic, and its recycling is not considered financially worthwhile. The low value of LDPE means that it is often not accepted in curbside recycling bins and can end up in landfills.
One of the main challenges of recycling LDPE is that it tends to tangle in recycling machinery, endangering the entire recycling process and causing damage to equipment. This tangling can also result in employees having to routinely stop the machines and manually remove the plastic, which is time-consuming and inefficient. These complications are why many municipalities and recycling centres do not accept LDPE for recycling.
Despite these challenges, LDPE can be recycled and transformed into new products such as bin liners, packaging films, plastic lumber, compost bins, and drainage pipes. Recycled LDPE has several benefits, including reduced energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and the conservation of natural resources. Additionally, recycled LDPE is typically less expensive than virgin LDPE, making it an attractive option for manufacturers.
To increase the recycling rate of LDPE, consumers must properly dispose of their plastic waste. This includes separating LDPE from other types of waste, such as paper and glass, and ensuring it is clean and free of contaminants. Individuals can also support LDPE recycling by purchasing products made from recycled LDPE and participating in local recycling programs.
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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is not commonly recycled
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most recycled plastic globally. However, the demand for recycled PET is not being met by existing recovery processes. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is another plastic that is commonly recycled. It is typically reused for non-food containers and crates. HDPE is 100% recyclable and is commonly accepted at most recycling centres globally.
Despite being the third-most used plastic in the world, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is not commonly recycled. PVC is a hardy, strong, and diverse plastic that can be either rigid or elastic. It is widely used in the construction industry for pipes, fittings, and signs, as well as in healthcare applications and clothing.
PVC is not widely recycled due to several challenges. Firstly, PVC waste is often contaminated with other materials, such as adhesives, paints, or metals, which complicates the recycling process and requires extensive cleaning. Secondly, the use of additives like plasticisers, stabilisers, and fillers during production can affect the quality of the recycled material, making it less suitable for certain applications. These additives can also cause corrosion of processing equipment and release harmful chemicals when melted down, posing potential risks to the environment and human health.
Although recycling PVC is challenging, it is possible. Feedstock or chemical recycling of PVC involves processes such as pyrolysis, hydrolysis, and heating to break down the plastic into its chemical components. These components can then be used to create new PVC, feed for manufacturing processes, or fuel for energy recovery. However, incinerating PVC should be avoided due to the release of dangerous emissions.
Some companies have introduced building materials made from recycled PVC, such as synthetic timber and decking. Recycled PVC is also used in automotive applications, drainage mats, speed bumps, and shoes.
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Frequently asked questions
The most widely recycled plastic in the world is PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate). It is lightweight, durable, and commonly used for soda bottles, water bottles, and food packaging. It is also one of the easiest plastics to recycle. Other types of plastic that are easier to recycle include HDPE, PP, and LDPE.
HDPE stands for High-Density Polyethylene. It is commonly used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and other containers. HDPE is 100% recyclable and is the second most recovered plastic after PET.
LDPE stands for Low-Density Polyethylene. It is a thin, flexible plastic commonly used for plastic bags, wrapping, and packaging. LDPE can be recycled, but it is often not accepted by kerbside recycling programs due to the risk of clogging or tangling in the recycling machinery.
