Chloe Zhang
Plastic is everywhere, and it's time to address the problem. While many commonly used plastics can theoretically be recycled, the reality is that only a tiny fraction ever gets recycled, with the vast majority of global plastic production consisting of primary plastics made from non-renewable petroleum products. This has led to an environmental crisis, with plastic waste polluting our land and water and breaking down into microplastics. To combat this, we need to scale up and improve recycling technologies, develop solutions for hard-to-recycle plastics, and reduce the production and use of single-use plastics. So, where can we harvest recyclable plastic? This involves checking with local recycling programs, which may have different rules, and looking for specific recycling labels on plastic products. Curbside or drop-off bins, recycling businesses, and even some retailers may accept certain plastics for recycling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic recycling rate in the US | 8.7% in 2018 |
| Plastic production reliance | 90%+ of global plastic production is primary plastic |
| Plastic recycling challenges | Plastic is cheap to produce, profitable, recyclable technologies are not widely available |
| Plastic waste issues | Microplastics, pollution of land and water, contamination of other materials |
| Plastic recycling methods | Curbside or drop-off bins, store drop-off, community recycling programs |
| Plastic types for recycling | Polyethylene-based plastics, flexible plastics, plastic film, plastic bags, plastic wrap, plastic packaging |
| Plastic cleaning | Plastics should be clean and dry before recycling |
| Plastic recycling encouragement | Purchase recycled products, reuse gift bags and boxes, recycle flexible plastics |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags
Most plastic bags are made from high-density polyethylene (#2 plastic), but thinner bags, like produce bags, are made from low-density polyethylene (#4 plastic). Before recycling, ensure the bags are empty of any crumbs, stickers, or receipts, and that they have a #2 or #4 plastic symbol on them. If they do not have this symbol, reuse the bag until it is no longer usable, and then throw it away.
Some states and local communities have implemented bag bans or bag taxes, while others have mandated that retailers who distribute bags must also accept them for recycling. Check with your local recycling program to see what options are available in your area.
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Plastic film
Recycling plastic film conserves resources, reduces waste, and decreases environmental impact by diverting plastics from landfills and reducing the strain on raw materials. Recycling flexible plastic films can save anywhere from 8 to 23% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to manufacturing new plastic films. However, plastic film is not always accepted by recycling centers and often ends up in landfills.
To recycle plastic film, look for store drop-off bins at participating retail and grocery stores. Some programs, like Ridwell, offer to pick up plastic film from your doorstep. Before dropping off or picking up plastic film for recycling, ensure that it is clean and dry. Recycled plastic films can be turned into products such as lumber, decking, stormwater management systems, construction materials, and new flexible plastic films.
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Plastic packaging
Before placing plastic packaging in recycling bins, ensure that it is clean and dry, and that any labels that could contaminate the recycling have been removed. Some plastic packaging may also need to be separated by type. For example, flexible polyethylene-based plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (#2 plastic) and low-density polyethylene (#4 plastic), are often labelled for store drop-off recycling.
Some plastic packaging is also compostable and biodegradable. For example, some companies use post-consumer recycled materials (PCR) in their packaging, which indicates that a percentage of the packaging is made from recycled materials.
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Plastic windows
To recycle envelopes with plastic windows, it is recommended to remove the plastic component before placing the paper envelope in the recycling bin. This separation ensures that the paper can be properly recycled, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. However, it is important to note that the recyclability of the plastic window depends on factors such as the type of plastic used and the local recycling infrastructure.
Some sources suggest that certain recycling facilities have the capability to process plastic windows, while others indicate that these windows are not typically recyclable and can be sent directly to landfills. It is advisable to check with local recycling centers or refer to recycling symbols on the plastic to determine its recyclability.
In addition to envelope plastic windows, it is also possible to recycle windows made from PVC-U, a highly sustainable material due to its recyclability. PVC-U windows can be recycled up to seven times, and each window has a lifespan of around 40 years, making it a long-lasting and environmentally friendly option for construction. Recycling PVC-U prevents the emission of large amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to a significant reduction in environmental harm.
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Plastic bottles, jars, buckets, and round containers
For plastic bottles and jars, it is important to check if your local council accepts these in their curbside recycling program. If they do, ensure that any plastic caps are screwed on tightly, as loose caps can fall through the cracks of recycling machinery and will be treated as trash. Most recycling programs ask that you rinse your bottles and jars before recycling them. Some programs may also require you to remove the cap from the bottle before placing it in the recycling.
Plastic buckets, especially those used for paint, are also widely recycled. These are often made from HDPE and can be 5-gallon buckets or smaller. They are used in a variety of industries, including construction, renovation, and art.
To recycle plastic bottles, jars, and buckets, you can also choose to repurpose them yourself. For example, plastic jars can be reused for non-food storage, and plastic bottles can be refilled and reused instead of being recycled.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bags cannot be recycled at the curb. Take them back to stores or drop them off at recycling centres where they are collected separately from other plastics.
Plastic bottles, jugs, and jars 6 ounces or larger can be recycled. This includes milk jugs, peanut butter jars, and bottles that held personal care and cleaning products.
Round plastic containers that can hold 6 ounces or more, with a wider rim than the base, can be recycled. This includes containers that typically hold products such as salsa, margarine, cottage cheese, or hummus.
Plastic packaging that doesn't conform to the bottle, jar, bucket, or round container shapes, such as blister packaging or plastic wrap, cannot be recycled at home. However, some recycling businesses may accept these materials for recycling.
Some retailers and grocery stores accept plastic materials for recycling. You can also look for the How2Recycle Store Drop-off label or scan the Smart Label on your package for guidance on where and how to recycle flexible films.
