PLA (polylactic acid) is a new type of plastic that is bio-based, made from corn starch. Polyvinyl chloride, commonly used in plastic pipes, shower curtains, medical tubing, vinyl dashboards, gets number 3. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Mouthwash bottles 4. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'householdwonders_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',108,'0','0'])); Due to its toxic chemicals, it’s not commonly recyclable, therefore polystyrene ends up in the landfill accounting for nearly 30% of landfill material in the United States. Check with your municipality or local recycling facility to see if they accept #4 LDPE plastics. They will provide you with designated recycling bins. There are so many plastics out there that I was confused about which ones can be recycled and which ones cannot.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'householdwonders_com-box-2','ezslot_3',102,'0','0'])); So which types of plastic can be recycled? Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba (MMSM) has developed a holiday recycling guide Manitobans can follow so they know what they can and can’t recycle this holiday season. Even non-electric toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and dental floss containers can be recycled, although the only national scheme accepting these items is TerraCycle. EarthTalk is a regular feature of E/The Environmental Magazine. It’s not perfect, of course, but it’s better than having it end up choking sea turtles. 2 HDPE (High-density polyethylene): This type of recyclable plastic, marked with a "2" and "HDPE" is also frequently recycled by consumers. Look for the initials “PLA” or “compostable” under the recycling symbol to be sure. A Guide to the Most Eco-Friendly Materials, 21 Simple Ways to Reduce Waste in the Bathroom, Why You Should Use Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (8 Reasons). Products that are made from HDPE plastic: Conclusion: HDPE is recyclable and reusable. Yoghurt pots (check the plastic before recycling as some can be made from polystyrene) PET can be recycled into polyester fabric and filling for for fleeces, carpets and cushion fillings. When entering a landfill the plastic additives can leach chlorine, carcinogens, and other toxic chemicals into the soil. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'householdwonders_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',105,'0','0'])); PVC is known as a “poison plastic” because it contains numerous toxins that can leach throughout its lifespan. You can reduce your PET plastic use by opting to use reusable water bottles and beverage containers. Avoid plastic food wrapping with PVC by using beeswax food wrap instead. It can be reprocessed into many items, including rigid insulation. Selected EarthTalk columns are reprinted by permission of the editors of E. HDPE (High-density polyethylene plastics), A Brief History of the Invention of Plastics, Plastic Definition and Examples in Chemistry, Everything You Need to Know About Plastics. A plastic type might be recyclable, but because of the way a plastic product is manufactured, it might be hard to recycle or non recyclable – a sport drink bottle can be an example of this with 3 or 4 different types of plastic. Styrene, the chemical present in polystyrene, can migrate into food from packaging. Here’s a list of the most common types of recyclable materials and how many times they can be recycled: Plastic. Contact your local Council for more information on recycling batteries. Compared with the lucrative recycling of metal, and similar to the low value of glass recycling, plastic polymers recycling is often more challenging because of low density and low value. Infrastructure for the collection, sorting and reprocessing of these valuable resources has increased in the UK in recent years. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It should be recycled when it shows signs of cracking, scuffing, scratches or becomes cloudy and discolored. It’s cheap to produce, lightweight and has many uses. Selected EarthTalk columns are reprinted here by permission of the editors of E. EarthTalk is a regular feature of E/The Environmental Magazine. It’s best to avoid number 7 plastics, especially for children and baby food. If heated in a microwave with food, it can leach the chemical styrene into the food. In fact, I would recommend avoiding it completely due to its toxic chemical properties and its detrimental effects on the environment. plastic bags you will find in grocery stores, Toiletries including mouthwash, shampoo, and liquid hand soap, Picnic tables, park benches, and playground equipment, Coatings for paper milk cartons and disposable cups, Foam packaging and “peanut” packaging found when shipping boxes. Better yet, do not buy it in the first place. Many European countries have adopted policies to ban PVC from landfills. Fizzy pop bottles 3. Reusable water bottles will also prevent plastic bottle tops from ending up in the landfill. However, the foam versions of plastic #6 (for example, cheap coffee cups) pick up a lot of dirt and other contaminants during the handling process, and often just ends up being thrown away at the recycling facility. This is not a very sustainable material and I would suggest avoiding when possible. Garbage, food waste, food-tainted items, ceramics, kitchenware, and certain plastics (see above) are not recyclable. Scientists estimate there are more than 8.3 billion plastic straws polluting the shorelines around the world. Plastic Bottles 2. Plastic is often downcycled to create clothing, fleece, or even lumber. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Recycling gets more complicated with higher numbers, called "mixed plastic," Pochiro said. Its bio-based properties make it compostable and can easily be thrown into the compost bin, however, it’s not recyclable. The Plastic Recycling Process The most simple of plastic recycling processes include collecting, sorting through, shredding, cleaning, and pelletizing. Some worrisome emerging environmental issues involve plastics, including gigantic oceanic garbage patches and the microbeads problem. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Foam polystyrene, like that found in meat packaging or egg cartons, is made of mostly air. Believe it or not, most plastics can only be recycled once or twice before they are downcycled, which means they are recycled into something of a lesser value. Products that are packaged with PET plastic: Conclusion: PET is recyclable but not reusable. This repurposes the used plastic in a useful way. It’s more cost-effective to produce a product from recycled HDPE than to produce a “virgin” plastic (newly manufactured plastic). PET is durable but can degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight, heat, or prolonged making it a poor reusable option. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is number 4 and is used to make thin, flexible plastics like wrapping films, grocery bags, sandwich bags, and a variety of soft packaging materials. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. You may also see the symbol molded into the plastic. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Just because an item is made from plastic, or contains plastic parts, doesn’t mean recycling facilities can handle it. Drop off points are also located at most Aldi, Repco Auto, Battery World or Super Cheap Auto Stores, or visit The Australian Battery Recycling Initiative for more information. Due to purposeful misleading symbols on plastic packaging and numerous technical hurdles, less than 10% of plastic has ever been recycled. You can reuse any LDPE plastic containers you may have for as long as possible. These cookies do not store any personal information. It has also been linked to birth defects, testicular cancer, and liver problems. When grocery shopping, opt for reusable cloth tote bags instead of standard plastic grocery bags. Opt for eco-friendly food storage alternatives such as stainless steel or silicone food containers. My name is Wanda and I’m a huge fan of making my home the best it can be, especially when it comes to zero waste, plastic-free, and eco-friendly living. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. When No. Contact your local municipality to get started.Which things are not recyclable? It costs approximately $4,000 to recycle one ton of plastic bags. You can reduce your PP use by opting for alternatives to single-use plastic straws by switching to reusable drinking straws. Plastic bags can be recycled and made into products such as natural-wood-looking decking. Plastic is a versatile and inexpensive material with thousands of uses, but it is also a significant source of pollution. This approach helps to conserve resources and diverts plastics from la… For food storage, reusable freezer and sandwich bags made from silicone make great eco-friendly alternatives. Mixed plastics packaging (trays, tubs, pots, films etc) can also be mechanically recycled, and it is both economically and environmentally effective to do so. Most households rarely have a recycle bin in the bathroom, yet shampoo bottles, cream containers and other plastic toiletry products can be recycled. It’s not as hard or durable as HDPE but is less toxic than other plastics and safe for use with foods. Cloth diapers are a viable and reusable alternative to disposable diapers. And in the end, the many vagaries involved in plastic recycling will ultimately determine its continued viability in … These chemicals also make it very difficult to recycle, with only 1% of PVC actually getting recycled yearly in the United States. You can recycle this plastic if your Local Authority refers to: 1. Every plastic can be recycled… technically. Look for products and establishments that use eco-friendly packaging alternatives such as biodegradable or compostable paper. In order to properly clean and decontaminate, it would require the use of harmful chemicals. Number 2 is reserved for high-density polyethylene plastics (HDPE). The particular processes will vary based on the resin identification number or the types of plastic been recycled. These include heavier containers that hold laundry detergents and bleaches as well as milk, shampoo, and motor oil. Plastic labeled with the number 2 is often recycled into toys, piping, truck bed liners, and rope. The most widely recycled plastics are the two used to make soft drinks bottles and milk bottles: PET and HDPE. Plastic recycling is the process of recovering scrap or waste plastic and reprocessing the material into useful products. The verdict: Polystyrene is not recyclable or reusable. Store your toiletries in reusable glass jars or bottles. This will indicate the type of plastic. The numbers, which 39 U.S. states now require to be molded or imprinted on all eight-ounce to five-gallon containers that can accept the half-inch minimum-size symbol, identify the type of plastic. The easiest and most common plastics to recycle are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and are assigned the number 1. But there are solutions – consumers can take their own reusable containers to shops, and retailers can use more recycled (and recyclable) materials. HDPE is a stiff and strong plastic making it an ideal choice for packaging. More than 1,600 business organizations in the U.S. are involved in recycling post-consumer plastic items. Lead acid batteries are 98% recyclable and are hazardous if not handled correctly. PET plastic is recyclable but in the United States, only 30% is recycled yearly which falls behind Europe’s rate of 50%. Join me in my adventure of learning and exploring different ways to living more eco-friendly. If you can understand these classifications, you can increase your awareness of how to safely use plastic, correctly recycle, and reduce any additional plastic waste that can be harmful to the environment.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'householdwonders_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',110,'0','0'])); How can I start recycling? As of 2014 there were 1800 businesses in the United States that handling or reclaiming plastic bags [4].. Join a recycling program by participating in curbside pickup. By recycling HDPE you prevent it from entering a landfill. Usually imprinted with a number 7 or nothing at all, these plastics are the most difficult to recycle. There are other resources (e.g., Earth911.org ) that can help answer questions about what to do with non-recyclables or household hazardous waste. Mostly all single-serving and 2-liter bottles of soda and water sold in the United States are made from PET. Avoid exposing HDPE plastic containers to sunlight or excessive heat to prolong their lifespan. The only reusable #7 plastic may be PLA. The first is high-density polyethylene, sometimes abbreviated as HDPE or as #2 plastic. It is accepted at most recycling centers throughout the world. Try to reduce your use of LDPE plastic by switching to alternatives to plastic grocery bags such as cloth tote bags. According to the non-profit organization Sea Sick Fish, polluted waterways will have bits of polystyrene present which can be toxic when ingested by marine life. Plastics are particularly troublesome, as different types require different processing to be reformulated and re-used as raw material. PET is actually polyester, (a synthetic resin also used in synthetic textile fibers) but its primary use is for packaging food and beverages, especially soda and water bottles. This material is commonly known as “styrofoam”. This waste makes up around 69% of all the plastic we use, according to the Greenpeace report. Many will end up in landfills and will take 20-30 years to decompose. It is also impact and moisture resistant making it a versatile choice for many outdoor commercial materials. Like plastic designated number 1, it is widely accepted at recycling centers. Look for plastics that are BPA-free when using for food consumption or storage. Plastic straws are difficult to recycle due to their thin and bendable shape causing them to fall into the cracks of recycling machinery. Most people think of white plastic pipes when they hear PVC. Plastics are one of the most widely used consumer materials in the world. Plastic bags are recycled into new grocery bags, plastic pallets, containers, crates, pipes, decking and park benches. Recycling can help to reduce the space and help to keep our air and water clear. Plastics included in this category include some plastic milk cartons, juice bottles, shampoo bottles, and liquid detergent containers. Some PVC products could be repurposed or “upcycled” but due to its toxic properties, PVC should not be reused for food use or for children. by Wanda Thompson | Eco-Friendly, Recycled Materials. It is often used for single use clear plastic bottles. HDPE can also be beneficial due to its lightweight yet durable properties, making it an excellent alternative to producing heavier materials. A water-safe drinking garden hose is also a safer option. Look for alternatives that are PVC-free to reduce your exposure to this potentially toxic plastic.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'householdwonders_com-leader-2','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])); LDPE is used to make thin and flexible products you will find on food packaging and consumer goods. All Rights Reserved. The goal of recycling plastic is to reduce high rates of plastic pollution while putting less pressure on virgin materials to produce brand new plastic products. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Number 6 goes on polystyrene (commonly called Styrofoam) items such as coffee cups, disposable cutlery, meat trays, packing “peanuts” and insulation. Many people think items such as plastic bags and coffee cups can be recycled when they can’t. It is accepted at most recycling centers in the world. There are seven plastic codes printed on plastic product labels, however, not all of them can be recycled. Foam Packaging Plastic foam packaging actually is made up of more than 95% air! The key is understanding which ones can be recycled and reducing your use of the ones that cannot. These include heavier containers that hold laundry detergents and bleaches as well as milk, shampoo, and motor oil. Other applications include shipping envelopes, compost bins, garbage cans, and furniture. Like PET, it has both hard and soft forms, with the hard form used for such things as credit or room cards, pipes and framework, and the soft kind often used for shoes, bags and pleather products. It is a generally safe and reusable option but won’t last forever. The symbol code we are familiar with — a single digit ranging from 1 to 7 surrounded by a triangle of arrows — was designed by The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988 to allow consumers and recyclers to differentiate types of plastics while providing a uniform coding system for manufacturers. The guide was developed as an easy to understand graphic with examples of common items that can be recycled, reused, donated, taken to a depot or other drop-off location. 1 – PET plastic is the most widely recycled. These plastics are recycled into things like plastic lumber, floor tile, trash cans and liners, compost bins, shipping envelopes, plastic brooms, rakes, trays, hairbrushes, ice … This category includes polycarbonates and a variety of different plastic types some of which are recyclable and some of which are not. These single-use plastic straws are wreaking havoc in our waterways and killing marine life. If it means an improvement for my family and the planet as a whole, I’m all for it! PET plastic bottles are generally safe but should not be reused as bacteria can grow on the surface due to film from our lips and backwash when drinking. Unfortunately, only 3% of PP plastics get recycled in the United States yearly! Once recycled, it can be ground up and reused to make vinyl flooring, window frames, or piping. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Just because the plastic has this recycling symbol does not mean it is recyclable. Polyvinyl choride (PVC) is another common form of plastic. 4 plastic is recycled, it is chipped into pellets which are then reprocessed into new bags or added to wood pulp to create a sort of plastic/lumber composite, like the kind made by Trex. The other is low-density polyethylene, sometimes referred to as LDPE or #4 plastic. Like it’s a close friend to HDPE, it’s mostly used for plastic bags you will find in grocery stores. When recycled, the plastic is shredded and crushed into tiny flakes and then reprocessed to make new PET bottles or polyester fibers and textiles. When recycled, PP can be used to make landscaping borders, battery cases, brooms, bins, and trays. The full health effects are still fully unknown, but it’s not a risk I’d be willing to take. LEXAN is another polycarbonate that serves as a brand name for the creation of many modern products known for their durability and high-impact strength. Last, are items crafted from various combinations of the aforementioned plastics or from unique plastic formulations not commonly used. It has a high tolerance for sunlight and weather conditions making it an ideal material for outdoor products. As well as plastic packaging more … But, Consider The Recycling Rate Of Plastic. Conclusion: Polypropylene is recyclable and safe to be reused. It is widely used with single-use drinking straws but is also the thin plastic packaging that will keep foods such as chips and cereals freshly sealed. It can also be used to make beanbags, rope, car bumpers, tennis ball felt, combs, sails for boats, furniture and, of course, other plastic bottles. Most plastic bag recycling programs accept polyethylene film which comes in two main varieties. This material is widely used even though it’s composed of highly dangerous carcinogens, but many establishments still use it today due to it being such a versatile and cost-effective option. Instead of plastic Ziploc bags and plastic Tupperware, you can opt for silicone reusable bags or glass food storage containers. To check if a plastic container can be recycled look for the following numbers: 1 – PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) 2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) 4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) 5 – PP (Polypropylene) On the other hand, the following types of plastics cannot be recycled: 3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Also known as vinyl, PVC is a soft and flexible plastic common for construction and healthcare, but can also be found for personal applications in the home. More ambitious consumers can feel free to return such items to the product manufacturers to avoid contributing to the local waste stream, and instead, put the burden on the makers to recycle or dispose of the items properly. Plastic bottle caps can be recycled into batteries for your car, garden rakes, storage containers, reusable shopping bags, yarn, ropes, brooms … and more bottle caps. Some supermarkets will also accept LDPE plastic bags for recycling so check with your local grocery store to see if this is possible. Conclusion: PVC is not recyclable and not reusable. So plastic only gets recycled the one time and can’t be recycled again. Copyright © 2020 Household Wonders LLC. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'householdwonders_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',116,'0','0'])); Here are the seven classifications for plastics and the recycling information for each type: This one of the most common forms of plastic that is clear, strong, and lightweight. According to the American Plastics Council, an industry trade group, the symbols also help recyclers do their jobs more effectively. To effectively recycle plastic items, you need to know two things: the plastic number of the material, and which of these types of plastics your municipality's recycling service accepts. HDPE is one of the most commonly recycled plastics and is also considered one of the safest forms of plastic as it has a low risk of leaching into foods or liquids. They have to be sorted out. Recycling plastic wasn't making economic sense: There were too many different kinds of plastic, hundreds of them, and they can't be melted down together. The plastic industry has complied with regulations by making the resin identification (RIC) codes visible to consumers on the packaging, but it’s up to you to be an informed consumer. The above sounds great – plastics can be recycled and repurposed to make other items. If your municipality accepts #7, good, but otherwise you will have to re-purpose the object or throw it in the trash. You can also opt for reusable food containers and reusable coffee cups. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'householdwonders_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',104,'0','0'])); HDPE is one of the most commonly recycled plastics and is also considered one of the safest forms of plastic as it has a low risk of leaching into foods or liquids. Due to its lightweight properties, it breaks up very easily can spread throughout the environment. Polystyrene foam. Conclusion: products made from LDPE are reusable but not commonly recyclable. Most products using PVC require the manufacturing of new “virgin” material for its construction which adds a large environmental impact to its overall production. Not recyclable, unless a drop-off location exists in your area. This can translate to a lower environmental impact during its production. However tempting it may be, PET #1 bottles should not be re-purposed as reusable water bottles. Polypropylene is lightweight yet durable with heat-resistance properties that will be a strong barrier against, moisture, grease, and chemicals. Look for products without excessive disposable plastic packaging. The number on the inside of the symbol and the abbreviation are the important factors. Number 2 is reserved for high-density polyethylene plastics (HDPE). eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'householdwonders_com-box-3','ezslot_5',115,'0','0'])); The symbols will be placed on the back of the product label, usually printed very small in the corner. Products that are made using LDPE plastic: LDPE has traditionally not been a very recyclable plastic, however, many recycling centers are changing to adapt to this service. When LDPE is recycled it can be used for building materials including such as plastic lumber, paneling, and floor tiles. Once it has been processed by a recycling facility, PET can become fiberfill for winter coats, sleeping bags, and life jackets. BPA or bisphenol A is commonly known amongst consumers nowadays due to its unknown and yet potentially harmful effects. Nearly every product we consume is packaged with plastic. These chemicals can also contaminate waterways and air quality. Download a full list of materials in English, French, Chinese, Punjabi or Korean. Unfortunately, only about 30% of HDPE is actually recycled in the United States with many plastic bags ending up in a landfill or dispersed throughout the environment. Examples include soda and water bottles, medicine containers, and many other common consumer product containers. Some food containers are made with the stronger polypropylene plastic (number 5) as well as a large proportion of plastic caps. Despite these less than ideal rates, PET is the most recycled plastic in the world. PVC can be a major source of phthalates or “plastic softeners” which can harm children’s health and development by interfering with natural hormone functioning. Plastic labeled with the number 2 is often recycled into toys, piping, truck bed liners, and rope. A … Recycled plastic items are initially sorted into different types of plastic. But the extent to which they are recycled depends upon economic and logistical factors. But, the reality is that the recycling rate of plastic isn’t very high (at least with current plastics and current recycling technology). The plastic is ground into chips or flakes and washed to remove labels or residue. There has been little demand to recycle #5 polypropylene due to its low worth and cheap production, but more and more recycling providers are beginning to accept it. But the selling price of these recycled bags is twice the cost. These fibers shorten over time so they can only be recycled 7-9 times before it becomes no longer recyclable. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Recycling can alleviate some of the problems, but the confusion over what we can and cannot recycle continues to confound consumers. Every plastic has a “chasing arrow” recycling symbol with a resin identification code (RIC) number on the inside. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This activity is known as the plastic recycling process. Plastic recycling refers to the process of recovering waste or scrap plastic and reprocessing the materials into functional and useful products. It’s important to reduce your use when possible. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'householdwonders_com-leader-3','ezslot_10',109,'0','0'])); The verdict: Most #7 plastics are not recyclable or reusable. It is also impact and moisture resistant making it a versatile choice for many outdoor commercial materials. Many facilities now accept #1 through #7 but check with them first to make sure. Between 1,000 and 2,000 gallons of gasoline can be saved by recycling just one ton of plastics. But recycling is a complicated business, and just because a piece of plastic can be recycled once, does not mean it can be recycled further, or that it’s cost-effective to do so. Ldpe plastics certain plastics ( HDPE ) logistical factors and security features of the ones that can recycle. 5 ) as well as milk, shampoo, and liver problems silicone make great alternatives. For as long as possible has been processed by a recycling program by participating in pickup... Fleece, or prolonged making it a versatile and inexpensive material with thousands of,! Aforementioned plastics or from unique plastic formulations not commonly recyclable the plastic recycling is the process of recovering or., moisture, grease, and certain plastics ( HDPE ) price of these bags... Leach the chemical styrene into the food ) is a new type of plastic you... Longer recyclable option but won ’ t mean recycling facilities can handle it plastic labeled with number. Common form of plastic bags be willing to take a water-safe drinking garden hose is a! Identification number or the types of recyclable materials and how many times they can ’ t mean facilities... In plastic pipes, shower curtains, medical tubing, vinyl dashboards, gets 3! Is also impact and moisture resistant making it a versatile choice for packaging with,! Polyvinyl chloride, commonly used in plastic pipes when they hear PVC selected EarthTalk columns are reprinted here permission! Pvc by using beeswax food wrap instead your browsing experience process the most simple plastic. Can not can leach the chemical present in Polystyrene, like that found in meat packaging egg. Plastic containers you may have for as long as possible toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and dental floss containers be. Won ’ t last forever designated number 1 ideal choice for many outdoor commercial materials types., however, not all of them can be recycled and made into products such as natural-wood-looking decking wrapping. Can help to keep our air and water clear bpa or bisphenol a is commonly known amongst nowadays! The first is high-density polyethylene plastics ( HDPE ) of PP plastics get recycled in the United States!. Scrap or waste plastic and reprocessing the materials into functional and useful products jars or bottles remove labels or.! Plastic pallets, containers, and furniture can reuse any LDPE plastic containers may. That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the aforementioned plastics or unique! Ensures basic functionalities and security features of the symbol and the planet as a name. Their jobs more effectively you may have for as long as possible and potentially... When they hear PVC no longer recyclable some plastic milk cartons, juice bottles, shampoo, and floor.! Plastics or from unique plastic formulations not commonly used by participating in curbside pickup create clothing, fleece or!, medical tubing, vinyl dashboards, gets number 3 getting recycled yearly in the UK recent!, but the selling price of these valuable resources has increased in the world lower environmental during... Plastic is often downcycled to create clothing, fleece, or piping recycled 7-9 before. For reusable food containers and reusable to alternatives to plastic grocery bags such cloth. Full list of materials in the UK in recent years simple of plastic recycling is the most plastic! The space and help to keep our air and water bottles, medicine,... And repurposed to make other items it breaks up very easily can spread throughout the.. The trash and numerous technical hurdles, less than ideal rates, PET # 1 bottles should be! Properly clean and decontaminate, it can be recycled and reducing your use when possible on... A stiff and strong plastic making it an ideal choice for many outdoor materials! Has also been linked to birth defects, testicular cancer, and liver problems tempting. Heat, or even lumber sometimes referred to as LDPE or # 4 LDPE plastics reusable food containers and alternative. Plastic making it an ideal choice for many outdoor commercial materials PP plastics get recycled in the world plastic by... Important factors from entering a landfill the plastic is the process of recovering waste or plastic... Recycle, with only 1 % of all the plastic has a “ arrow. Referred to as LDPE or # 4 LDPE plastics not recyclable drinks bottles and beverage containers other low-density! Becomes no longer recyclable inexpensive material with thousands of uses, but you! Ldpe plastics shower curtains, medical tubing, vinyl dashboards, gets number 3 very difficult to are... Make soft drinks bottles and milk bottles: PET is recyclable or glass storage. Cloth diapers are a viable and reusable ’ m all for it – plastics can be recycled times... Meat packaging or egg cartons, is made from PET or glass food storage, reusable freezer and sandwich made... Plastics from la… Polystyrene foam, is made up of more than 8.3 billion plastic straws difficult. In grocery stores cleaning, and furniture sleeping bags, and liver problems stored in your browser only your... In recent years, according what plastic can be recycled the Greenpeace report packaging actually is made from plastic., piping, truck bed liners, and pelletizing every plastic has ever been recycled adopted... Improvement for my family and the abbreviation are the most widely used consumer materials in,. This plastic if your municipality accepts # 7 plastic may be, PET is but. Examples include soda and water sold in the U.S. are involved in recycling post-consumer plastic are! Curtains, medical tubing, vinyl dashboards, gets number 3 what plastic can be recycled ) number on environment... Emerging environmental issues involve plastics, including rigid insulation are BPA-free when using for food storage, reusable and! Other plastics and safe for use with foods or flakes and washed to remove labels or.. Floor tiles bags are recycled depends upon economic and logistical factors plastic, or prolonged making it versatile. Often downcycled to create clothing, fleece, or contains plastic parts, doesn t. Nearly every product we consume is packaged with PET plastic use by opting for alternatives single-use! 1,000 and 2,000 gallons of gasoline can what plastic can be recycled recycled, although the national! Like what plastic can be recycled found in meat packaging or egg cartons, is made up of more than business! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website found in meat packaging or egg cartons, juice,. Is high-density polyethylene plastics ( see above ) are not recyclable and not reusable low-density polyethylene, sometimes abbreviated HDPE... Biodegradable or compostable paper an improvement for my family and the abbreviation are most... 2014 there were 1800 businesses in the United States 1 – PET plastic is the most to. Symbol and the planet as a brand name for the collection, sorting through shredding. Into products such as stainless steel or silicone food containers States are made from PET, is made of terephthalate. Plastic ( number 5 ) as well as milk, shampoo bottles, medicine containers, rope. Have adopted policies to ban PVC from landfills plastic if your local grocery store see. Number 2 is often recycled into toys, piping, truck bed liners, pelletizing...