Omar Khalid
Plastic recycling is becoming increasingly challenging, especially for plastics with the number 4 and 5 surrounded by chasing arrows, known as resin identification codes. These codes indicate the type of plastic, with #4 being LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) and #5 being PP (Polypropylene). While #4 plastics are now accepted at many retail locations, #5 plastics are harder to recycle and were impacted by China's National Sword policy in 2018, which stopped the acceptance of contaminated plastic waste. To recycle these plastics, individuals may need to look beyond their usual curbside or drop-off locations and explore alternative options like dedicated recycling companies or specific store drop-off locations.
Where to recycle plastics 4 and 5
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Polypropylene (PP) for #5, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) for #4 |
| Common items | #5: prescription medicine bottles, yogurt cups, hummus tubs, single-use cutlery, personal care products, single-use drink bottle lids, laboratory and medical supplies; #4: bags, films, lighter plastics |
| Recycling options | #5: curbside and drop-off recycling centers, mail to recyclers like Preserve's Gimme 5 program; #4: accepted at many retail locations, Earth911's Recycling Locator |
| Challenges | #5: widely accepted before China's National Sword policy in 2018, films and bags remain a problem; #4: n/a |
| Suggestions | Reuse or upcycle plastic containers, provide feedback to manufacturers, support companies like TerraCycle that specialize in hard-to-recycle plastics |
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What You'll Learn
Recycling centres and programs that accept plastics 4 and 5
Plastic #4 (LDPE—Low-Density Polyethylene) is a thin and flexible plastic used in shopping bags, bread bags, and other plastic films. Plastic #5 (PP—Polypropylene) is a hard and heat-resistant plastic used in yogurt containers, prescription medicine bottles, and single-use cutlery, among other things. Both types of plastic are recyclable, but they may require specialized handling and may not be accepted by all recycling centers or programs.
Some recycling centers and programs that accept plastics #4 and #5 include:
- Retail locations and stores: Plastic #4 is now accepted at many retail locations, including grocery stores. You can search for a store drop-off location near you using resources like the How2Recycle Store Drop-off label and the NexTrex Directory. These directories provide information on stores that accept plastic film and bags for recycling, which typically includes plastic #4.
- Curbside recycling programs: Some cities and towns have curbside recycling programs that accept a wide range of plastics, including plastics #4 and #5. However, it's important to check with your local waste management company or municipality to confirm which types of plastic they accept.
- Mail-in recycling programs: If you cannot find a local recycler, you can mail your plastics #4 and #5 to specialized recyclers. For example, Preserve has a program called "Gimme 5" that accepts plastic #5, and the Trex Company buys baled plastic film for processing into composite decking.
- TerraCycle: TerraCycle is a company that offers recycling programs for a variety of hard-to-recycle materials, including some #5 plastics. They have free and fee-based programs, and you can mail your recyclables to them.
It is important to note that the availability and accessibility of these recycling centers and programs may vary depending on your location. Additionally, it is always a good idea to contact the recycling center or program beforehand to confirm which types of plastic they accept and to follow any preparation guidelines, such as cleaning and drying your recyclables.
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Retail locations that accept plastic 4
Plastic #4, also known as LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), is commonly used in shopping bags, bread bags, garbage bags, and plastic wraps. While it is not typically accepted in curbside recycling programs, it can be recycled in many retail locations.
- Grocery stores: Many local grocery stores or smaller retailers may accept plastic bags for recycling. However, it is always a good idea to check with the store before dropping off your recyclables.
- Big-box retailers: Larger retailers, such as Target or Walmart, often have recycling bins for plastic bags and other soft plastics.
- Ziploc bags: Clean and dry Ziploc bags can be recycled, but it is important to remove the zippers and any food remnants first.
- Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap, which is also made from LDPE plastic #4, can be recycled in the same bins that accept grocery bags and other plastic film.
- Retailers with bag takeback programs: Some retailers have bag takeback programs where they collect plastic bags for recycling. You can inquire at your local stores to see if they have similar programs in place.
It is important to note that plastic #4 should not be placed in curbside recycling bins as it can contaminate the recycling systems and cause entanglement in the machinery. Always separate different types of plastics and ensure they are clean and dry before dropping them off at recycling locations.
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Reusing and upcycling plastic containers
Plastic containers can be reused and upcycled in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Reusing Plastic Containers
- Laundry detergent containers can be cleaned out and repurposed as watering cans by drilling or punching holes in the cap.
- Milk cartons can be turned into scoopers, which are useful for gardening or cleaning up after pets.
- Plastic containers can be used to store dry goods and room-temperature items. Avoid using them for hot foods, acidic or saucy items, as these can encourage leaching of chemicals.
- Take-out containers can be reused, but it is important to exercise caution as there is limited research on the chemicals used in these containers. It is recommended to only use them for cold or room-temperature items and to avoid microwaving or dishwashing them, as heat can increase the likelihood of leaching.
Upcycling Plastic Containers
- Cut plastic bottles in half and thread a string through the cap to create a self-watering planter for your plants.
- Transform plastic bottles into bird feeders by cutting holes in the sides and sliding wooden spoons through them to serve as perches and feed catchers.
- Make a plastic bottle piggy bank and paint it for a creative way to save money.
- Cut colourful spray bottles in half and smooth the edges with a hot iron to create unique toiletries organisers.
- Create a recycled cell phone charging dock using a lotion bottle, a marker, and a box cutter.
- Use clear lids to make suncatchers or plastic bottle bowling pins.
- Yogurt containers can be reused as organisers for small items such as pencils or crayons.
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Mailing plastics 4 and 5 to specialist recyclers
Plastic recycling is becoming a challenge, especially for plastics numbered 4 and 5. However, there are still ways to recycle these plastics, including mailing them to specialist recyclers.
Plastics numbered 4 are low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is used in bags, films, and lighter plastics. These plastics are now accepted at many retail locations, and you can find your nearest drop-off point by searching for your zip code on Earth911's Recycling Locator. However, if you cannot find any local takers, you can mail your plastics to specialist recyclers.
Plastics numbered 5 are polypropylene, often shortened to PP. This type of plastic is hard and heat-resistant and is used in prescription medicine bottles, yogurt cups, hummus tubs, single-use cutlery, and some packaging for personal care products. Again, these plastics are often accepted at curbside and drop-off recycling centers, but if you cannot find a local taker, you can mail them to a specialist recycler.
One such specialist recycler is Preserve, which has a program called Gimme 5 that accepts number 5 plastics. Another option is TerraCycle, which does not have a specific program for number 5 plastics but does offer free and fee-based recycling programs for a variety of home and personal care products that can be mailed to them.
When mailing plastics to specialist recyclers, be sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the recycler. Additionally, make sure that the plastics are clean and dry before sending them, and consider reusing or upcycling your plastic containers whenever possible to reduce waste.
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Online recycling locators for local drop-off points
Online recycling locators can be a great way to find local drop-off points for your plastic waste. These platforms provide users with convenient and accessible information on nearby recycling centres, making it easier to properly dispose of different types of plastics. Here are some details on online recycling locators and how they can help you with your plastic recycling needs:
Online Recycling Locators
Online recycling locators are websites or applications that provide users with information on nearby recycling centres and drop-off points. These tools can be extremely helpful in finding convenient and proper ways to recycle plastics, especially for specific types of plastic waste. By entering your location, you can quickly find the nearest facilities equipped to handle your recyclable materials.
Local Drop-Off Points for Plastics
When it comes to recycling plastics, knowing the specific type of plastic is crucial. Different types of plastics have varying recycling requirements, and not all recycling centres accept all kinds. For instance, Type 4 plastic bags, such as produce and grocery bags, should not be placed in standard recycling bins as they can tangle in recycling equipment. Instead, these bags can be returned to grocery stores for proper recycling.
Recycling Plastic #5
Plastic #5, or polypropylene, is commonly used in medicine bottles, yogurt cups, and personal care product packaging. While it used to be widely accepted by recycling centres, China's National Sword policy in 2018 caused a shift, and it became harder to recycle. However, some curbside and drop-off programs are now reintroducing #5 rigid plastic recycling, though films and bags remain challenging to recycle.
Other Options
In addition to online locators, some websites offer comprehensive guides to understanding plastic recycling symbols and their respective recycling procedures. These guides can help you determine whether a specific type of plastic can be recycled and how to properly prepare it for recycling, such as cleaning and drying.
By utilising online recycling locators and staying informed about plastic recycling procedures, you can play a vital role in ensuring that your plastic waste is properly disposed of and diverted from landfills. Remember to always check with your local guidelines and recycling centres to stay updated on any changes or specific requirements they may have.
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