Ethan Clarke
Plastic is everywhere, and it's no secret that it's harmful to the environment. But what happens to it when we throw it away? And what types of plastic can be recycled? These are important questions for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint. While almost all plastic can be recycled in theory, in practice, there are several barriers to this process, including the environmental, economic, and technical costs. For example, polypropylene (PP) is one of the most popular plastic packaging materials globally, but only 1-3% is recycled in the US due to the difficulties and expenses of polypropylene recycling. Other types of plastic that can be recycled include PET, which is the most widely recycled plastic in the world, and flexible polyethylene-based plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). However, it's important to note that recycling is a complex system influenced by market demand, price, and local regulations, and not all plastic items with the recycling symbol will actually be recycled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of plastic types | 7 |
| Most widely recycled plastic | PET |
| Other easily recycled plastics | Polyethylene, Polypropylene |
| Plastic recycling rate in the US (2018) | 8.7% |
| Plastic recycling rate in India, Europe, and South Korea | >50% |
| Plastic recycling barriers | Environmental, Economic, Technical |
| Plastic recycling process | Sorting, Washing, Cutting, Reheating, Transforming |
| Plastic disposal options | Recycling, Landfill, Incineration |
| Plastic contamination sources | Food residue, Other products |
| Plastic recycling tips | Wash plastics, Check local programs |
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What You'll Learn
What plastics are recyclable?
Plastic waste is a key concern for environmentalists, governments, and organizations, as the majority of plastics are disposed of in non-environmentally friendly ways. Plastic recycling is critical to improving the environment and bettering waste management solutions.
In principle, almost all plastic can be recycled. However, in practice, there are a variety of different barriers that can undermine this process. For example, items can include multiple types of plastic and different layers that are hard to separate, making the process difficult and costly. Additionally, some types of plastic are not accepted by community recycling programs, and it is important to check with your local recycling program to find out which types of plastic they accept.
The most widely recycled plastic in the world is PET, which is mostly found in plastic bottles. PET can be recycled into new bottles, but it can also be transformed into flakes that are then spun into yarn and used to manufacture clothes and other textile products. Other types of plastic that can be recycled include HDPE, which is used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers, and detergent bottles, and PP, which is used to make food containers for products like yogurt, sour cream, and margarine, as well as straws, rope, carpet, and bottle caps.
It's important to note that not all plastic is recyclable. For example, PVC, a soft and flexible plastic used for household products like tubing, kids' toys, and furniture, cannot be recycled. Additionally, compostable plastics are not intended for recycling and can contaminate the recycling stream if mixed with non-compostable plastics. To determine if a bio-based plastic item can be recycled, it is necessary to read the product's label.
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What plastics are not recyclable?
Plastic is a key concern for environmentalists, governments, and organizations, as the vast majority of plastics are disposed of in non-environmentally friendly ways. While almost all plastic can be recycled in theory, in practice, there are various barriers that can undermine this process. For instance, some plastics are not widely recyclable, and incineration is not possible as burning plastics releases harmful gases.
Some types of plastic are not accepted by community recycling programs. It is always good to check with your local recycling program to confirm which types of plastic they accept. For example, plastic bags, plastic wraps, and films can clog recycling machines if not separated properly, so they are often not accepted by kerbside collections. Netted produce bags for fruits, which resemble fishing nets, are also not recyclable because they get caught in the sorting equipment at recycling facilities.
Some other examples of non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper, and polycarbonate. Plastic hazardous substance containers, such as automotive fluids, pesticides, and drain cleaners, should be disposed of in the trash as they are not recyclable. Any type of plastic used for personal hygiene, such as diapers or feminine hygiene products, or for medical purposes, such as syringes, gloves, and tubing, should also be disposed of in the trash. These items are not recyclable because they contain hazardous substances.
Additionally, plastic items that are heavily contaminated with food, such as plastic straws, cups, plates, and takeout boxes, are not recyclable and should be thrown in the trash. Plastic knives, forks, spoons, and trays should also be disposed of in the trash as they are made from low-value plastic resins. Prescription and over-the-counter medication bottles are not recyclable and should be disposed of in the trash as well. They are too small, can contain traces of medication, and are made from low-value plastic resins.
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What happens to recycled plastic?
The recycling process for plastic involves several stages: collection, sorting, and reprocessing. Plastic waste is collected from homes, businesses, and recycling centres, then sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRFs) to be sorted. The plastic is shredded, melted, and extruded into new recycled plastic pellets, which are sold to manufacturers to create new products. However, it is important to note that not all plastic placed in recycling bins is actually recycled.
During the collection stage, plastic waste is picked up by local authorities or waste management contractors and taken to MRFs or PRFs. These facilities handle the sorting of plastic from other materials and the separation of different types of plastic. The plastic is then shredded into smaller pieces to facilitate further processing.
The shredded plastic is then melted and extruded into new recycled plastic pellets. These pellets are sold to manufacturers who use them to create new products. This stage, known as reprocessing, involves washing, grinding, heating, and extruding the plastic into the desired form.
While the above process describes the ideal journey of recycled plastic, it is important to note that the reality is often different. Many factors, such as the global waste industry, contamination, and the cost of collection and sorting, contribute to the low recycling rates of plastic.
For example, once plastic is collected and sorted, it enters the global waste industry, where it becomes a commodity traded between various entities. This trade has led to the export of plastic waste to countries with inadequate waste management systems, resulting in burning, dumping in landfills, or pollution of rivers and oceans. Additionally, contamination and the presence of thousands of different types of plastic make it challenging to recycle plastic effectively.
Furthermore, the cost of collecting and sorting plastic waste can be high, and with the increasing production of new plastic, it is often cheaper to produce "new" plastic than to recycle existing plastic. This has resulted in low recycling rates, with some reports indicating that a significant portion of plastic ends up in landfills or is incinerated, contributing to environmental pollution and health risks for nearby communities.
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How to recycle plastic properly
Recycling plastic is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint and ensure that plastic products are disposed of properly. Here are some detailed steps and guidelines on how to recycle plastic properly:
Know Your Plastics
Plastics are classified into seven categories, known as Resin Identification Codes (RIC). These categories are differentiated by the temperature at which the plastic has been heated and are assigned a number from 1 to 7. For example, #1 (PET) is often used for water bottles, while #3 PVC is found in pipes, and #6 PS (Styrofoam) is commonly used for food and drink containers. Familiarize yourself with these codes to better understand the types of plastic you encounter daily.
Check Local Recycling Programs
Not all types of plastic are accepted by community recycling programs. Always check with your local recycling guidelines to confirm which specific types of plastic are recyclable in your area. This step is crucial because different regions have different capabilities and infrastructure for recycling certain plastics.
Prepare Plastics for Recycling
To ensure your plastics have the best chance of being recycled, it is important to keep them clean. Wash your plastics after every use to remove any food remnants or residues. This increases the likelihood of your plastics being recycled into new materials. Additionally, make sure to separate different types of plastics and remove any non-plastic components, such as lids or straws, to facilitate the recycling process.
Recycle or Reuse Compostable Plastics
Compostable plastics are not meant for traditional recycling streams. If your community has a composting program, make sure to separate compostable plastics and dispose of them accordingly. If not, contact your local garbage/recycling company or government to inquire about drop-off locations for compostable plastic items.
Choose Recycled Products
Support the recycled plastic market by choosing products made from recycled materials whenever possible. For example, many companies now produce shampoo bottles, cosmetic caps, and packaging films from post-consumer recycled plastic. By purchasing these products, you encourage the recycling of plastic and promote a more sustainable economy.
Reduce Plastic Waste
In addition to recycling, focus on reducing your overall plastic consumption and waste generation. This can be achieved by buying only what you need, avoiding single-use plastics, and opting for reusable alternatives whenever possible. Remember, recycling is just one part of the equation; reducing and reusing are equally important in our journey towards a more sustainable future.
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Plastic recycling statistics
In 2018, the United States generated approximately 35 million tons of plastic, with a recycling rate of 8.7%. This rate varies across plastic types, with PET bottles and jars at 29.1% and HDPE natural bottles at 29.3% in the same year. However, the recycling rate for post-consumer plastic was estimated to be significantly lower, at just 5% to 6% in 2021. This highlights the need for improved recycling infrastructure and consumer education.
The majority of recycled plastic comes from post-consumer sources, such as milk jugs, bottles, and packaging films. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is the most widely recycled plastic globally, often transformed into fashion items like polar fleece clothing, backpacks, and carpets. However, some countries, including the US and China, have lower recycling rates for PET.
Another recyclable plastic is PP (polypropylene), which is commonly used for packaging. Yet, only 1-3% of PP is recycled in the US, with the majority ending up in landfills. This is due to the financial and technical challenges associated with PP recycling, such as the difficulty in removing the smell of the previously contained product.
Mechanical recycling, or traditional recycling, is the most common method for plastic. It involves physically grinding, washing, separating, drying, and re-granulating plastic waste. However, this process is better suited for simpler items like bottles and containers, and struggles with more complex plastic products.
To address these challenges, advancements in technology, including AI, robotics, and advanced recycling, are being introduced. These innovations aim to strengthen the recycling process, improve sorting, and increase the range of plastics that can be effectively recycled.
Overall, plastic recycling statistics showcase a dynamic field with ongoing efforts to enhance recycling rates, adapt to changing consumer habits, and develop more sustainable practices for plastic waste management.
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Frequently asked questions
Technically, all types of plastic can be thrown out, but this is not environmentally friendly. It is recommended to recycle plastics where possible.
The types of plastic that can be recycled vary depending on your local program. It is recommended to check with your local recycling provider to learn which types of plastic they accept. Generally, it is safe to recycle milk jugs, soda bottles, and any other "No. 1 and No. 2 bottles and jugs".
Plastic bags, food wrappers, plastic mailing envelopes, plastic silverware, garden hoses, coffee pods, and most plastic cups and lids are some examples of plastics that are often not accepted by community recycling programs.
PET (or polyethylene terephthalate) is the most widely recycled plastic in the world. It is commonly found in plastic bottles and can be recycled into new bottles or transformed into other items such as polar fleece clothing, backpacks, and carpets.
PP, or polypropylene, is another type of plastic that can be recycled. However, only around 1-3% of PP is recycled in the US due to the difficulties and expenses associated with the recycling process. Recycled PP is often used in industrial applications such as plastic lumber, park benches, and auto parts.
