Despite producing 7 billion metric tons of plastic do you know only less than 10% is recycled? This happens due to the non-biodegradable nature that poses environmental concerns. We can combat the issue and promote sustainability by learning which plastics can be recycled. Come let us find out more about this.
Which Plastic Can be Recycled?
It varies in each type due to their unique properties. PET and HDPE are widely recyclable while LDPE, PP and PS may require comprehensive processing methods.
1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): These are commonly used in the making of soda and water bottles. The process involves PET being broken down into flakes, transformed into yarn, and used in industries for clothing, fibers, backpacks, and carpets.
2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Commonly used in milk and detergent containers. Do you know that post-consumer recycled natural HDPE is used for non-food application bottles while colored ones are used in pipes and lawn products? Additionally, they are downcycled for making plastic lumber and roadside curbs.
3. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): These types are commonly used for wrapping and packaging but aren’t accepted for recycling in curbside programmes. Never mind, you can get it recycled at grocery shops. Despite their low-quality content, they can be transformed into shipping envelopes, garbage can liners, and packing films, with rigid ones recycled into heavier-duty items.
4. PP (Polypropylene): They are frequently used in clothes and food containers, but have low recycling rates due to difficulties in removing odors and discoloration. The recycled ones are frequently used in products such as plastic timber, park benches, auto parts, speed bumps and other industrial uses.
5. PS (Polystyrene): It is used for hard or foam products such as disposable cups, takeout containers and egg cartons which face recycling issues. While some centers accept it, the demand has decreased due to local limits on its use. Recycled ones are found in egg cartons, electronics casings, license plate frames, and packaging materials.
6. Other: Polycarbonate categorized under Recycling Code 7 can be recycled but it usually requires chemical processing rather than mechanical processes.
Also See: How to Recycle Plastic Properly at Home: 10 Creative Ways
Which Plastic Cannot be Recycled?
Thermoset polymers, cling film, blister packaging, bioplastics, PVC, thin bags or films are the ones that cannot be recycled. They are sent to landfills but they have the potential to be repurposed or reused. Let us find out about them in detail.
1. Thermoset polymers are used in some of the plastics that have irreversible chemical bonds. This can pose processing challenges making them non-recyclable.
2. Cling film, blister packaging, bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-lined wrapping paper and polycarbonate are some of the examples of non-recyclable plastics.
Cross-reference: The Problem with Polystyrene and Other Non-Recyclable Plastics
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) with a recycling code of 3 is commonly used in making household products, toys and furniture and is also non-recyclable due to its specific properties.
4. Thin bags or films might end up disrupting recycling machinery due to their improper separation, causing them to be excluded from curbside recycling collection.
For more insights into these issues, check out problems with recycling plastic and solutions.
Can Plastic Bags be Recycled?
Yes, you can recycle them but not in normal street-side bins due to potential machine jams and worker risks. Nevertheless, you can get them to recycling centres and businesses that have dedicated drop-off locations for clean and dry plastic bags.
Which Plastic Numbers are Recyclable?
The following are the plastic numbers that are recyclable:
- Number 1 PETE and 2 HDPE are easily recyclable.
- 3 to 7 numbers pose significant issues and may not be widely accepted by local recycling programs.
The recycling symbol on plastic doesn’t necessarily mean that they are recyclable. In fact, it is resin identification code that specifies which type of plastic is used in its production.
Note: Guidelines for recycling plastic may differ area-wise, so it is best that you reach out to your local waste management services since they may accept certain types of plastic.
Ultimately, polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene are the plastics that can be recycled. However, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride can present notable processing challenges. Despite all these complexities, you can bring a positive change. You just need to opt for proper waste disposal and choose non-recyclable plastic alternatives. To broaden your knowledge about recycling, check out the dedicated category.
