While sustainable practices such as recycling plastics are discussed, the nitty-gritty of recycling plastics is easier said than done. Did you know that a plastic bottle of water or a shampoo bottle can be made from various recyclable plastic materials? The recycle symbols are labeled with numbers that indicate the type of plastic and how to recycle it properly. The three arrows symbol in the shape of a triangle that we commonly see on plastic packages and products does not always indicate that the product is recyclable. The small number inside the triangle determines the type of plastic used for the development and whether or not it is recyclable.
SWM practitioners working to promote the adoption of sustainable waste management practices shared information about the various types of plastic and their unique numbers.
“Most plastics, in theory, are recyclable!” In practice, it’s a little more complicated. Different plastics require different recycling methods, and some end up in landfills simply because they are too expensive and time-consuming to recycle, so no one bothers.
PETG, PETE, or PET
Soft drink bottles, water bottles, and fruit juice containers are examples of this type of container. Because it is easily recyclable, it is frequently included in recycling programs.
HDPE
Shampoo bottles, laundry detergents, and grocery bags fall into this category.
HDPE is an abbreviation for high-density polyethylene, represented by Symbol 2. HDPE plastics are lightweight, have a high strength-to-weight ratio, and are recyclable.
PVC VS. VINYL
Also known as polyvinyl chloride, PVC plastic is represented by symbol 3 with the letter “V.” This is common in cleaning products, sheets such as foil, and fruit trays. It isn’t as much recycled as it once was.
LDPE
Bread bags and low-density polyethylene plastic films are examples of Symbol 4. This is rarely recycled.
PP
PP, or polypropylene plastic with the symbol 5, is used for yogurt cups, straws, and hangers and is said to be safer for food and medicine storage due to its durability, strength, and low weight. It’s also biodegradable.
PS
Polystyrene is created by chaining together or polymerizing styrene, and a chemical building block is used to create various products.
Styrene plastic, also known as polystyrene with the symbol 6, is commonly used in toys, cosmetic bags, and other products made of multiple materials and is not easily recyclable. Styrene is also found naturally in foods such as strawberries, cinnamon, and coffee.
Polystyrene is a versatile plastic that can manufacture various consumer goods. According to Gaurav Jalan, founder of Packman, as hard, solid plastic is typically used in outcomes that require clearness, such as food packaging and laboratory ware.
“Polystyrene is commonly used to make appliances, electronic products, toys, automobile parts, gardening pots, and various other items when mixed with various additives, colorants, and other types of plastics.” Polystyrene, also known as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), is a foam material valued for its insulating and cushioning properties. Foam polystyrene can contain more than 95% air and is commonly used to create home and appliance insulation, surfboards, lightweight packaging, food service items and food packaging, automobile parts, etc.
Others
Symbol 7 with the word others denotes “other plastics,” including more than one type of plastic, such as acrylic plastic, polylactic fibers, and fiberglass. Not all plastics are recyclable. According to the note, “some of these are recycled into buckets, mugs, and other household items by informal recyclers.”
What is the significance of this?
According to experts, understanding these would help us reduce waste, reduce our carbon footprint, and help the environment.
This release is articulated by Prittle Prattle News in the form of an authored article.
