Which Plastics Can You Recycle?
Almost all types of plastics can be recycled, but it doesn't mean your local recycling center will accept them all. Plastic types are coded by numbers, found on the bottom of the container, that identify the material the plastic is made out of. Some types of plastics are easier to recycle than others so it is important to check with your local recycling center to see which types of plastic it accepts. Does this Spark an idea?
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Type 1 and Type 2 Plastic
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Type 1 plastic, also known as polyethylene terephthlate and poly ethylene terephthalate, is used to make soft drink bottles, food containers and nonfood containers because it is good at retaining moisture. Type 1 plastic is commonly recycled and made into tote bags, carpet yarn and containers for food and drinks. Type 2 plastic, known as high density polyethylene, has a strong resistance to chemicals so it is used to make bottles and containers for household chemicals like bleach. Type 2 plastic can be recycled and made into other containers and bottles or it can be made into plastic pipes and pens.
Type 3 and Type 4 Plastic
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Type 3 plastic, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is often used to make carpet backing and pipes. The more flexible type of polyvinyl chloride is chemical resistant so it is commonly used to make blood bags and medical tubing. Type 3 plastic can be recycled and made into packaging, floor tiles, cables, traffic cones and garden hoses. Type 4 plastic, also known as low density polyethylene, is a flexible and tough yet transparent plastic used to make squeezable bottles, cable insulation and dry cleaning bags. Recycled type 4 plastic can be made into garbage can liners, bins and floor tiles.
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Type 5 and Type 6 Plastic
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Type 5 plastic, also known as polypropylene, is very resistant to chemicals and has a high melting point which makes it suitable for car parts and containers filled with hot liquids. Recycled Type 5 plastic is used to make brooms, brushes, rakes, ice scrapers and trays. Type 6 plastic, also known as polystyrene, is a hard, clear plastic used to make protective packaging on CD cases but Type 6 plastic can also be foamed which makes it suitable for plastic foam. Recycled Type 6 plastic can be made into license plate frames, foam utensils, plates and cups and switchboards.
Type 7 and PLA Plastic
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Type 7 plastic is a mix of many other types of plastic and is also known as acrylonitrile styrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate. Type 7 plastic is used to make car parts, toothbrushes, 3- and 5-gallon jugs, water bottles, sunglasses and cell phones. Type 7 plastic is not commonly recycled because the unknown mixture of plastic used in the plastic makes recycling it too challenging, but some recycling centers do accept it and recycle it into plastic lumber or bottles, according to the eWashtenaw website. PLA plastic, also known as polylactic acid resins, is made from corn. PLA plastic is commonly used to make disposable cups and plates as well as hard plastic items like pens. PLA plastic cannot be recycled because the plastic breaks down easily under heat and contaminates other plastics collected with it.
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References
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