Why Can't All Plastics Be Recycled?

With curbside recycling becoming widespread and recycling centers popping up, more and more people are turning to recycling when it comes time to dispose of their trash. While almost all paper and glass can be efficiently recycled, plastic products pose a bit more of a dilemma when it comes to recycling them. As a result of the various types of plastic used in packaging, only some of these bottles, bags and containers can be recycled.

Identification

The numbers within the "chasing triangle" symbol at the bottom of most plastic containers designate which type of plastic was used to create it. Number 1 designates polyethelyne terphthalate. Number 2 designates high density polyethylene. Number 3 is polyvinyl chloride. Number 4 is for low density polyethylene, number 6 is for polystyrene, and number 7 designates all other food containers.

Misconceptions

One of the most common misconceptions in recycling plastic is the notion that if the container has a number on the bottom then it is recyclable. This is far from the truth. At present time only plastic containers with the number 1 or 2 stamped on the bottom are usually eligible for recycling and even some of those like yogurt cups are commonly shunned. Wide-mouthed bottles with a number 1 or 2 on the bottom are also not eligible for recycling.

Features

There are several reasons all plastics cannot be recycled. Unlike glass and paper, plastic products degrade significantly in the recycling process. Also unlike glass bottles which are reused or melted into new bottles, recycled plastic containers are usually made into other items like construction material. Plastics like PVC are toxic and can contaminate loads if mistakenly mixed with number 1 and 2 plastics. All of these factors contribute to a decreased industry demand for recycled plastic as corporations instead use a new or "virgin" plastic product.

Prevention/Solution

There has been pressure put on the plastics industry to change the way they label their containers to make it more concise what is recyclable and what is not. So far they have resisted changing the labeling and contend that their usage of the triangular chasing arrows logo was never intended to represent recyclables and that the numbering system is only used to sort the different types of plastic.

Considerations

If you are willing to get a bit more creative than just dropping your bottles in the curbside bins, there are a number of different options for recycling plastic that your community recycling program won't take. See if there is a plastics lumber manufacturer in your area, as many of them take all kinds of plastics. You can often recycle clean plastic grocery bags even if they are number 4 by bringing them back into the store. Some facilities accept solid polystyrene, better known as Styrofoam. Check with the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers for more details.

References

• Ecology Center
• Charity Guide