Plastic Recyclers Anonymous: A 7 Step Guide

We all know the ubiquitous symbol for recycling and the premise behind it, but do we really understand how the process works? Will our refuse actually be recycled and reused? For the millions of households in America, recycling can be boiled down to a couple of convenient bins- metals, glass and plastic, and paper. These bins then conveniently get placed curb side and picked up at a regular, designated time.

Unbeknownst to us, the recycling process is more complex than it seems at first glance. The average American creates around 5 pounds of garbage a day, both directly (by discarding product and packaging material actually consumed) and indirectly (the packaging waste created by transfer of goods from business to business). Due to an increased rate of waste per person (particularly plastic waste) it is time to take a closer look at the recycling process and outline some of the complexities for the casual recycler and help you become a more conscious consumer and recycler.

PLASTICS 101
Thankfully certain aspects of recycling can be pretty straightforward. For instance paper, glass and metal are all highly recyclable and comparatively easy to sort, process and reuse. The majority of paper waste can be recycled as long is it is not been soiled with food waste or oils, and most metals can be easily melted down and reused over and over again. Plastics on the other hand require a much finer touch. They make up a large portion of the disposable products on shelves around the globe, and come in all shapes, sizes, compositions and levels of toxicity.

Unlike metal, glass and paper, plastics pose a very unique challenge to both the recycler and the waste processing industry. In 1988, due to the vast amount of different plastics on the market, The Society Of The Plastics Industry created a numerical labeling system numbering 1- 7 for each type of plastic resin found in commercial and industrial goods. The labeling system has been a very effective tool for recycling plants, and waste management companies to increase efficiency and recycle properly. This uniform identification code has increased the efficiency, transparency and accuracy in the sorting and processing of waste from the numerous types of plastic products that are discarded daily.

Although the plastic labels have provided manufactures and recycling organizations with a standard system of identification, it has also left many consumers confused as to what each number means, and how or even if it can be recycled.

Below is a list of all the types of plastics stamped with the recycling logo ranging from 1-7.

1 - PETE Polyethylene Terephthalate : PET is one of the easiest plastics to recycle and also one of the most common plastics used by consumers. It is inexpensive, lightweight, and in high demand. PET is used in soda bottles, medicine containers, water bottles and many common food packages. It can be recycled back into bottles and containers or manufactured into polyester fibers, and can be picked up in curbside recycling programs.

2 - HDPE High density Polyethylene : HDPE is also a readily recyclable plastic that can be found in numerous household products and is recycled in most curbside programs. It is primarily used for heavier packaging such as detergents, bleach, milk containers, hair care products and motor oil. It can be recycled into more bottles or bags, recycled into toys, piping, plastic lumber, rope, pens, and drainage pipe.

3 - PVC Polyvinyl Chloride: PVC is an abundant yet difficult plastic to recycle, and can be a major environmental and health hazard. The production of PVC releases toxins and other persistent organic pollutants into the air and when burned releases hydrogen chloride gas that is fatal when inhaled. PVC is used in pipes, toys, furniture, packaging, wire jacketing, and windows.

4 - LDPE Low-density Polyethylene: LDPE lacks the stiffness, hardness and strength of HDPE do to its lower density, yet it is very ductile. LDPE is used for many different kinds of wrapping, squeezable bottles, grocery bags, sandwich bags and clothing, LDPE can be recycled back into many its original products and is commonly used in curbside recycling programs.

5 - PP Polypropylene: PP can be used in bottles, tubs, caps, straws, rigid containers like Tupperware and fabric for clothing. It can be recycled into fibers, bins, pallets, and trays.

6 - PS Polystyrene: PS (Styrofoam) can be used in cups, foam food trays, packing peanuts. Polystyrene can be a real problem as it’s bulky yet very lightweight and not always cost effective to recyclers. Discarded polystyrene does not biodegrade, and its low scrap value does not lend itself to widespread use in curbside pickup programs.

7 - Other: These could be a mixture of any and all of the above, or plastics not readily recyclable such as polyurethane. Compostable plastic made from corn, bagasse, or potatoes is also labeled as number 7 as it doesn’t fall into any other categories. Many recyclers avoid plastics labeled as #7 and deem them destined for the waste stream. Other types of #7 plastics include acrylic, PLA, polycarbonate, nylon, fiberglass, and others. This category contains many thermoset plastics that cannot be melted down once they have been cured.

PLASTIC RECYCLING 2.0:
A common misconception in plastic recycling is that any product stamped with a recycled plastic rating will actually be recycled. Many recyclers will often discard plastics labeled #3, #6, or #7 due to the lack of robust recycling programs throughout the country. Also one might be fooled into thinking that the lower the number, the easier it is to recycle, this again is not always true.

Some “easily recyclable” #1 and #2 plastics may not be clean or processed enough to be recycled back into food or drink packaging — the largest and most profitable market for plastics. Instead, a lot of plastic is “downcycled” or used to make lower grade products such as plastic lumber, composite material or used in industrial packaging and textiles. The downcycling of plastic has a negative impact on the plastics resale value and as a result much of the plastic collected for recycling is shipped to Asia bringing with it a whole new set of environmental issues.

Recycling has been around for centuries, yet the current system we recognize today started only around 50 years ago. Since then, recycling has gone in and out of the public view. In the last decade, more and more comprehensive recycling programs have started to gain traction due to the growing awareness of environmental issues, advances in technology and the prospects of increased profits for recyclers. The old, water intensive method of removing contaminants from plastic bottles has given way to a new generation of recycling plants. New plants utilize a reusable solvent that generates no liquid waste that needs to be disposed of or cleaned. This process is not only less resource-intensive, it also reduces cost incurred through waste and dumping fines.

With more effective methods to clean and reprocess plastic, recyclers are finding it more and more profitable to recycle. This alone has greatly increased demand for plastic waste. As the demand increases, so too has our desire to consume more plastic goods. According to statistics from CNN.com, “In the US, the world’s biggest consumer market for bottled water, sales hit a record 8.82 billion gallons in 2007, a 9.5 percent increase from 2005. Sales of bottled water in the U.S. have now overtaken sales of milk and are close to outselling beer.” The growing public desire for plastic sadly does not mean increased rates of recycling. Improving our recycling rate will help bolster local manufacturing by making a readily available resource of recycled plastic for domestic industries, while continuing to limit the flow of waste to landfills.

Our enormous appetite for all things plastic, the complex nature of its make up, and the numerous varieties on the market have all contributed to the tricky business of reclaiming our plastic waste. Still the most important role of the consumer is to first reduce our proclivity for single use disposable plastics, then reuse, and finally recycle. The knowledge of what the plastics we use are made of, and how they can be recycled is a definite step in the right direction. When using plastic products, take a glance at the label and remember the easiest plastic to recycle is labeled with a #1 or #2. Check with your local recycling programs to see what other plastic is accepted, as programs vary widely from city to city and state to state. The future of plastic recycling in the US is bright and will significantly lessen our dependence on virgin petroleum-based products.

further information
www.nrc-recycle.org
www.greenlivingtips.com
www.thedailygreen.com
www.newscientist.com
www.cnn.com

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