Sofia Martinez
Plastic recycling has become increasingly challenging, especially for non-HI-5 plastics such as the hard-to-recycle number 5 plastics. Number 5 plastics, also known as polypropylene or PP, are commonly used in products like prescription medicine bottles, yogurt cups, and single-use cutlery. While these plastics can be recycled, the process has become more difficult since China's National Sword policy was introduced in 2018, restricting contaminated plastic waste. To recycle number 5 plastics, individuals can explore curbside and drop-off programs, mail-in options, or organizations like TerraCycle that specialize in recycling hard-to-recycle materials. It's also important to contact manufacturers to encourage them to use more eco-friendly packaging.
Where to recycle non-Hi5 plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Polypropylene, often shortened to PP |
| Identification | Number 5 surrounded by chasing arrows |
| Plastic properties | Hard and heat-resistant |
| Uses | Prescription medicine bottles, yoghurt cups, hummus tubs, single-use cutlery, lids of single-use drink bottles, and packaging for personal care products |
| Recycling options | Curbside and drop-off programs, mail-in options, local solid waste districts, humanitarian aid organizations, TerraCycle |
| Challenges | Films and bags are not accepted, China's restrictions on contaminated plastic waste, need to check local options |
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What You'll Learn
Number 5 plastics are hard to recycle
The difficulty in recycling polypropylene is due to economic and technical reasons. Recycled PP usually ends up being black or grey, making it unsuitable for reuse in packaging. It is also difficult to get rid of the smell of the product this plastic contained in its first life. For this reason, rPP is usually included in plastic lumbers, park benches, auto parts, and speed bumps.
The latest global statistics tell us that, in 2011, approximately 7.5 million tons of PET were collected worldwide. However, number 5 plastics were not included in these statistics as they are hard to recycle. While some curbside and drop-off recycling programs are reintroducing #5 rigid plastic recycling, films and bags remain a problem.
To recycle number 5 plastics, you may have to look beyond your standard recycling bin. Some companies, like TerraCycle, offer programs that allow you to recycle almost any type of waste, including number 5 plastics. There are also free recycling programs for a variety of home and personal care products, as well as fee-based services.
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China's 2018 National Sword Policy
China's National Sword Policy, also known as China Sword or Operation National Sword (ONS), is a policy initiative launched in 2017 by the Chinese government to monitor and more stringently review recyclable waste imports. The policy came into effect in March 2018, banning the import of 24 categories of scrap materials, including low-grade plastics, unsorted mixed paper, and waste textile materials.
One of the main reasons China implemented the National Sword Policy was to decrease the importation of low-quality plastics that are challenging to sort and recycle. These plastics were accumulating in trash dumps and at recyclers, causing environmental concerns such as air and water pollution. Before the policy, China was importing the majority of recyclables from North America and Europe, with 95% of plastics collected in the European Union and 70% of plastics collected in the US being sent to China.
The National Sword Policy imposed strict contamination limits on recyclable materials, allowing only 0.5% contaminants in recycled materials, down from the previously allowed 5-10%. This ban on solid waste imports included plastics waste with a contamination level above 0.05%, significantly lower than the previous 10% threshold. As a result, plastic imports to China dropped by 99% after the policy's implementation, leading to waste stream backlogs across Europe and North America.
The impact of China's National Sword Policy has been significant, with a 2018 study estimating that it could displace around 111 million tons of discarded plastic by 2030. It has also led to a shift in how American companies export their paper waste and recycled pulp to China, despite logistical challenges. Other Southeast Asian nations have stepped up to fill the gap left by the policy, impacting the global trade of waste.
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The resin identification code for polypropylene
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is a technical standard with a set of symbols that appear on plastic products to identify the type of plastic resin used in their manufacture. The RIC was developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States, but since 2008 has been administered by ASTM International, an international standards organisation. The RIC facilitates the collection, disposal, and recycling of plastic products in the post-consumer stage.
The RIC for polypropylene is '5'. Polypropylene is a versatile plastic used in a wide variety of products, including furniture, bags, carpets, ropes, and food storage containers. Due to its high melting point, many companies use polypropylene to manufacture food storage products. However, recent research has found that certain chemicals may leak out of polypropylene containers at high temperatures. Therefore, while most polypropylene containers are considered microwave-safe, it is recommended to exercise caution when using them in the microwave.
It is important to note that the RIC does not indicate whether a plastic product is made from recycled materials or is recyclable itself. The recyclability of a product depends on various factors, including the capabilities of local recycling programs and the specific type of plastic. When many plastic recycling programs were first implemented in the United States, only plastics with RICs "1" (polyethylene terephthalate) and "2" (high-density polyethylene) were accepted for recycling. However, the list of acceptable plastic items has expanded since then, and some municipal recycling programs can now recycle most plastic products regardless of their RIC.
To address consumer confusion regarding plastic recycling, the American Chemistry Council launched the "Recycling Terms & Tools" program to promote standardised language for educating consumers about recycling plastic products. Additionally, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition in the U.S. created the "How2Recycle" label to replace the RIC with a label that better aligns with how the public uses the RIC. Rather than indicating the type of plastic resin, the "How2Recycle" labels indicate the recyclability of a product based on the percentage of the U.S. that can recycle it through curbside or municipal drop-off programs.
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Curbside and drop-off recycling programs
Some organizations, like Earth911, are seeing more curbside and drop-off programs reintroducing rigid plastic recycling, but films and bags remain challenging to recycle. It is always important to check with your local solid waste district to understand the specific plastics accepted in your region. Additionally, some retailers may offer store drop-off recycling for certain types of plastics. For instance, the How2Recycle Store Drop-off label can be found on flexible polyethylene-based plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). These plastics are then collected, baled, and sold to independent companies to be recycled into new products like synthetic lumber or new plastic packaging.
To find local curbside and drop-off recycling options near you, you can utilize online platforms like Earth911, which allows you to search for recycling locations by entering your ZIP Code. It is worth noting that some curbside and drop-off programs may have specific requirements for the plastics they accept. For instance, they may require that the plastic be clean and dry, or that certain types of plastic be separated from each other.
You can also reduce plastic waste by choosing to avoid plastics that are not easily recyclable in your area. Buying products in bulk or in reusable containers, such as glass, can help reduce the amount of plastic packaging you consume. Additionally, consider reusing or upcycling plastic containers for new purposes, such as storage or creative projects.
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Mail-in options for recycling polypropylene
If you are looking to recycle polypropylene through the mail, there are a few options available to you.
One option is to check with your local municipality or recycling program. Some cities and towns have mail-in recycling programs that accept a variety of materials, including polypropylene. These programs may have specific packaging requirements or instructions, so be sure to review their guidelines before sending in your items.
Another option is to look for private recycling companies that offer mail-in services. For example, TerraCycle offers free recycling programs for hard-to-recycle items, such as beauty products and snack packaging. You can sign up for their programs online and mail in your items for recycling. Some companies, like TerraCycle, may even offer to pay for shipping costs.
When preparing your polypropylene items for mailing, make sure they are clean and dry to avoid any residue transfer. It is also a good idea to check if the recycling program has any specific requirements or instructions for preparing the items.
Additionally, keep in mind that some mail-in recycling programs may charge a fee, so be sure to review their policies before choosing a program. By using mail-in options, you can ensure that your polypropylene items are properly recycled and diverted from landfills.
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Frequently asked questions
Non-Hi5 plastic refers to plastic that is not accepted by Hi5 recycling programs. An example of this is polypropylene, commonly known as number 5 plastic.
In 2018, China tightened restrictions on the import of contaminated plastic waste for recycling, which included number 5 plastics. This has resulted in challenges for the recycling industry, particularly in the United States.
There are a few options for recycling number 5 plastics. You can check with your local solid waste district to find out about any recycling programs in your region. Additionally, some organizations, such as Mathew 25: Ministries, accept clean, empty pill bottles, including prescription medicine bottles. Another option is to contact the manufacturer of your favourite products and request that they use more environmentally friendly packaging.
