Types of Recycled Plastics
Plastics and plastic products are used extensively in consumer products and packaging. With increased use of plastic containers, recycling becomes more important to save both materials and landfill space. Because there are so many different plastic components, recycling plastic is more challenging than recycling aluminum or glass. Does this Spark an idea?
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Designations
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Plastics containers and products are stamped with a numeric designation inside the recycling logo indicating its composition. There are different recycling success rates with various types of plastic. Additionally, not all recycling centers or curb-side pick-up services will collect all types. To find a center near you as well as the types of plastics accepted, click on the earth911.com link in the Resource section. Enter "plastic" as the material to be recycled and your zip code.
Polyethylene Terephthalate
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Plastics made of polyethylene terephthalate are designated with the number one and are abbreviated PET. Soda and water bottles as well as salad dressing and other food containers are often made with PET plastic. This composition is also a good choice for any products made by way of injection molding techniques. Most recycling centers will accept PET ( #1) plastics.
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High Density Polyethylene
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High density polyethylene plastic (HDPE) is designated as number two. The chemical composition of HDPE plastic makes it a good choice for household and industrial chemical containers because it's very solvent-resistant. Products like bleach, detergent and paint thinners are often contained in bottles made from HDPE. Like PET plastic, it's easier to recycle than other types and most recycling centers accept and collect #2 plastics.
Polyvinyl Chloride
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Plastics made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are marked with the number three. Its properties make it a good choice for a wide range of products and applications. PVC is also very weather-resistant, so it is often used for outdoor products like vinyl siding, window frames and fencing. Polyvinyl chloride is also a leading choice for protective blister packaging due to its rigidity. It is not as widely accepted, so check with your recycling center before dropping off plastics designated as number three.
Other Plastics
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The other types of designated plastics are low density polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP) and Polystyrene (PS). They carry the numbers four, five and six, respectively. All other plastics that are made with polymers other than these six or with a combination of them are designated with the number seven. Polypropylene and polystyrene are both widely used for hot-fill liquids (including containers for yogurt and margarine) and as take-out food containers as they have high melting points and are low heat conductors. LDPE plastic is often used in film type products because of its flexibility. Plastics with higher numeric designations are the most difficult to recycle and are often not accepted.
End Results
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Many new products can be made from recycled plastic. PET is one of the few that is recycled to become food or beverage containers again. Polystyrene is sometimes recycled for food service containers like egg cartons. Recycled HDPE is typically used for nonfood containers as well as outdoor decking and fencing. PVC is often reused for floor tiles and mats while carpeting and textiles can be made from recycled polypropylene. The film quality of LDPE makes it a good choice for reusing for trash can liners and similar products.
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