Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, and it's important to know how to recycle it properly. Plastic products are usually stamped with a number from 1 to 7 inside a small triangle, which is a resin code indicating the type of plastic and its recyclability. While most recycling centers accept numbers 1 and 2, the higher numbers are more difficult to recycle and may not be permitted in your local recycling bin. Number 3 plastics are usually rigid and not as easily recycled, and number 4 plastics, which include plastic bags, are rarely recycled. Number 5 plastics are more widely accepted by municipalities, but it's important to check your local guidelines, as some plastics require specialized handling or mail-in recycling programs.
Recycling Plastics Number 3 and Higher
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Number 3 | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) |
| Recyclability | Not widely accepted by recycling programs |
| Disposal | Check with your municipality |
| Plastic Number 4 | Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) |
| Recyclability | Accepted by many retail locations |
| Plastic Number 5 | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Recyclability | Accepted by many municipalities |
| Plastic Number 6 | Polystyrene (PS) |
| Recyclability | Rarely recycled |
| Plastic Number 7 | Polycarbonate, PLA (polylactic acid) |
| Recyclability | Rarely recycled |
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What You'll Learn
Check your municipality's guidelines
Checking your municipality's guidelines is an important step in responsible recycling. Recycling guidelines can vary significantly between municipalities, so it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the specific rules and regulations in your area. These guidelines are usually readily available on your municipality's website or through other official channels.
When it comes to plastic recycling, different types of plastics have different recycling requirements. Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, also known as a Plastic Resin Identification Code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This code helps identify the type of plastic and its recyclability.
While some types of plastics, such as PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene), are widely accepted by most recycling centres, others can be more challenging to recycle. For example, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), used in pipes, sheets, and toys, is not as commonly recycled and may need to be disposed of in the trash, depending on your local guidelines.
Additionally, it's important to pay attention to the specific instructions provided by your municipality. For instance, some municipalities may require you to separate different types of recyclables, while others may accept all recyclables in a single stream. It's also essential to ensure that containers are not contaminated with food residue or other materials, as this can hinder the recycling process.
By checking your municipality's guidelines, you can ensure that you are recycling plastics properly and contributing to a more sustainable future. Remember, even if a plastic item can be recycled, your local municipality may have specific instructions or limitations on how to recycle it. Taking the time to familiarise yourself with these guidelines is a crucial step in responsible citizenship and environmental stewardship.
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Plastic #3: PVC
Plastic #3, also known as polyvinyl chloride or PVC, is one of the least recyclable plastics. It is widely used in products like plastic pipes, sheets, shower curtains, window and door frames, and many children's toys. It is also used in softer, flexible products like plastic tubing, trays, and furniture.
PVC is considered dangerous due to the presence of softening chemicals, such as phthalates, which can cause hormonal problems and other health issues. The lifecycle of PVC also produces other highly toxic chemicals, such as DEHA, which have been linked to developmental issues, immune system dysfunction, endocrine disruption, and cancer.
Due to the health risks associated with PVC, it is recommended to avoid using products made from this plastic, especially when microwaving food or beverages. However, if you have PVC products that you need to dispose of, you can check with your local municipality to see if they accept #3 plastic for recycling. Some municipalities may require #3 plastic to be placed in the trash.
To find specific locations that recycle #3 plastic, you can refer to resources such as the Vinyl Institute, which provides a list of vinyl (#3) recyclers. Remember that recycling guidelines can vary between municipalities, so it is always a good idea to check with your local guidelines to ensure proper disposal or recycling of PVC products.
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Plastic #4: LDPE
Plastic #4, also known as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), is a type of plastic commonly used in plastic bags, plastic wrap, and cling film. LDPE is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene, which gives it properties such as durability, flexibility, and transparency. It is also resistant to acids, bases, and oils, making it a safe choice for food storage. LDPE has a lower density than HDPE, making it more malleable and less strong. It is important to note that soft LDPE, such as plastic bags, is rarely recyclable, but rigid LDPE items like squeezable bottles, caps, and toys can be recycled.
While LDPE plastic bags are not commonly recycled, some grocery stores, including Safeway and Lucky Food Centers in the US and Canada, accept them for recycling through drop-off programs. It is always a good idea to check with your local grocery stores to see if they have similar programs. Additionally, many curbside recycling programs now accept rigid LDPE bottles and containers, but it is crucial to verify with your local program to ensure they take this type of plastic. It is worth noting that some programs will accept items like milk cartons and food container lids but not LDPE plastic bags, so be sure to clarify with your local recycling program.
To identify if a plastic item is LDPE, look for the resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. Plastic #4 LDPE can be identified by the number 4 inside these chasing arrows. Remember that even if a plastic type can be recycled, your local municipality may have specific guidelines about what can be included in your recycling bin. Always check with your local guidelines or recycling program to ensure you are properly disposing of LDPE plastics.
To reduce your use of plastic #4 and other plastics, it is recommended to minimize the number of plastic products you use. Some suggestions include using reusable grocery bags, buying concentrated cleaners that can be diluted, and making your own sauces and condiments to reduce the use of plastic bottles and containers. Composting and cutting down on food waste can also help reduce the use of bin liners.
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Plastic #5: PP
Plastic #5, also known as PP or polypropylene, is a flexible hard plastic that is hard and heat-resistant. It is used to make food containers for products like yogurt, sour cream, margarine, and cottage cheese. It is also used for bottle caps, straws, rope, carpet, and "clamshell" containers.
PP products can sometimes be recycled. Previously, they were widely accepted in both curbside and drop-off recycling centers, but this changed in 2018 when China stopped accepting contaminated plastic waste for recycling. More and more municipalities have started to recycle #5 plastics, and they can be recycled into items like battery cables and cases, brooms, brushes, bicycle racks, and ice scrapers. However, it is important to check with your local municipality, as some may not accept #5 plastics.
If your local recycling program does not accept #5 plastics, there are still options to recycle them. You can mail your #5 plastics to a recycler like Preserve, which has a program called Gimme 5 specifically for these plastics. Another option is to use the Earth911 platform, which provides a list of local options for recycling #5 plastics by zip code. Additionally, TerraCycle offers free and fee-based recycling programs for a variety of home and personal care products, including some #5 plastics.
When recycling #5 plastic containers, it is important to ensure they are empty and scraped clean of any food or liquid residue. Leaving food or liquid in the containers can contaminate entire batches of recycling, resulting in them being sent to landfills. It is also recommended to leave the caps on the containers, as they can now be easily recycled along with the bottles.
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Plastic #6: PS
Plastic #6, or polystyrene (PS), is a foam plastic used for packing materials, Styrofoam cups, trays, disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers. It is rarely recycled, but some services do accept it. The Plastic Loose Fill Council, for example, provides a directory of places that accept the fluffy peanuts used in packaging. The trade organization EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Industry Alliance also provides a list of recyclers that accept #6 plastic by mail.
It is important to check your municipality's recycling guidelines to determine if #6 plastic is accepted in your area. Many municipalities do not recycle #6 plastic, and it is often considered unsafe due to the presence of toxic chemicals. Even if your municipality does not accept #6 plastic, there may be other ways to recycle it through private companies or specialized programs.
To recycle #6 plastic effectively, it is crucial to separate it from other types of plastic and different layers of packaging. This can be challenging and costly, but it is possible with the right facilities and expertise.
When dealing with #6 plastic, it is essential to prioritize reducing plastic use, reusing plastic items, and recycling through reputable programs. It is also worth noting that all plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged, so transitioning to alternative materials like metal and glass is advisable.
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Frequently asked questions
Number 3 plastics are made with polyvinyl resin, also known as PVC. They are usually rigid and not as easily recycled. Plastic numbers 4, 5, 6, and 7 are also not widely accepted by recycling centers.
Number 3 plastics can be recycled through the Vinyl Institute. You can check the list of recyclers on their website and find locations in your state. Number 4 plastics are now accepted at many retail locations. You can use Earth911's Recycling Locator to find out which stores take them by typing in your zip code. For number 5 plastics, you can mail them to a recycler called Preserve, which has a program called Gimme 5. Number 6 plastics can be recycled through the Plastic Loose Fill Council or the EPS Industry Alliance.
If you cannot find a way to recycle these plastics, you can try to reduce your plastic consumption or switch to reusable options such as glass food storage containers and metal straws.
