How to Recycle Soft Plastic
Soft plastics are also known as low-density polyethylene, or LDPE. This type of plastic is used for certain plastic retail bags, some heavy duty trashcan liners, and certain packaging materials such as shrink wrap. Some squeezable plastic bottles, such as those containing mustard or honey, are also made of low-density polyethylene. The process of recycling soft plastic will vary depending on your city's recycling program. Companies might also be able to recycle mass quantities of LDPE plastics for a fee from your business.
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Instructions
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Research the curbside recycling program in your city to see if it accepts LDPE plastics. Check to see if the Society of the Plastics Industry code for LDPE plastics, the number 4, is listed on the side of the recycling bin as an accepted plastic. If the accepted plastics are not listed on the recycling bin itself, call the number on the bin to ask if LDPE plastics are accepted. If the answer is yes, simply include soft plastics in with the rest of your plastic recycling to be picked up by the curbside service.
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Locate the nearest recycling plant in your city and contact its office to ask if they accept LDPE plastics. If your curbside recycling program does not accept LDPE plastics, your local recycling plant should.
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Collect all your LDPE plastic items in a large bin or bag and transport it to the recycling center to dispose of. Allow the amount of LDPE plastics to accumulate so that you do not need to make frequent trips to the recycling center.
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Tips & Warnings
It is possible that a plant may pay you for mass quantities of LDPE. However, LDPE must be collected in bundles that weigh several tons and be delivered by semi-trucks in articulated loads to be worth anything. Therefore, this option is only possible for large companies looking to recycle LDPE.
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