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Plastics
Resources
Recycling.
Good for the environment!
Once we’re familiar with the varieties of polymers that people make, such
as plastics, we can recycle many of them and use them again. That’s good
for the environment.
Plastics are
becoming increasingly more prevalent and important in today's society.
There is a wide range of uses for this synthetic polymer. There is also
a wide range of opinions as to its benefits versus its impact on the environment.
Regardless, recycling plastics is becoming increasingly more important
in waste management.
By weight, plastic makes up about 7 percent of the waste stream according
to the EPA. By volume it's closer to 20 percent. The EPA estimates that
by 2005, the amount of plastics discarded in the U.S. will increase 55
percent from the early 1990's level. Although plastic recycling has increased
substantially, EPA estimates that less than 1 percent of plastics are
currently being recycled.
The primary concern about the use of plastics is the depletion of nonrenewable
natural resources. Plastics are polymers (long chains of molecules) that
are manufactured from petroleum products, a limited resource with potentially
volatile markets. According to the EcoWeb (by the University of Virginia),
1 billion barrels of oil were used in the U.S. in 1987 just for the production
of plastic. Reducing, reuse and recycling then, mean less dependence on
petroleum.
Many plastics are recyclable. They are classified in categories called
"resins." You know these types by the numbers found on the bottom of your
recyclables. Below are listed the seven categories, what products they
are made into and what they can be made into when recycled (from the Institute
of Recycling Industries).
Recyclable
Many plastics
are recyclable. They are classified in categories called "resins." You
know these types by the numbers found on the bottom of your recyclables.
Below are listed the seven categories, what products they are made into
and what they can be made into when recycled (from the Institute of Recycling
Industries).
Some interesting facts about PETE
The average
household will generate about 17 pounds of PET or PETE waste per year.
It takes 5 two-liter PET or PETE bottles will make one XL T-shirt.
Half of all polyester carpet produced in the U.S. is made from recycled
bottles.
No. 2, HDPE - high-density polyethylene: This hard, durable plastic is
used in milk jugs, detergent and bleach bottles and motor oil bottles.
It is recycled into plastic lumber, pipe, traffic cones, trash cans, recycling
bins, industrial pallets, flower pots, and outdoor furniture.
No. 3, PVC - polyvinyl chloride or vinyl: Items made from PVC include
high pressure pipes, doors, windows, clear bottles and food wrap. Recycled
PVC can be made into drainage pipes, traffic cones, fencing, house siding,
tiles, handrails, and hoses.
No. 4, LDPE - Low Density Polyethylene: LDPE is used to make shrink and
stretch wrap, film for sacks and trash bags. It can be recycled into the
same items.
No. 5, PP - Polypropylene: This plastic is widely used because it is resistant
to chemicals and heat. It is used in food packaging, as screw on caps
and lids, for yogurt and margarine tubs, juice bottles, drinking straws
and auto battery cases. It is recycled into auto parts, new auto battery
cases, bird feeders, pails, golf equipment, furniture and industrial fibers.
No. 6, PS - Polystyrene: More commonly known by the brand name, sytrofoam,
this plastic is used in hot and cold drink cups, plates, egg cartons and
meat trays. Recycled polystyrene is made into insulation board, packing
peanuts, office and desk accessories, waste baskets, videotape cassettes,
and reusable cafeteria trays.
No. 7, Other Plastics: These are composite plastics made with resins and
fiber reinforcements and/or fillers. They are found in automotive and
other durable goods. This type of resin is very difficult to recycle and
few products are made from it.
About
the Programs
Number 1 and 2 plastics are recycled most often in existing recycling
programs. Many programs are beginning to add Numbers 3 and 5 as well.
Be sure to check out what kinds of plastics your local recycler accepts.
And please remember to rinse and flatten your plastic containers.
Be Sure to
check out the Association of
Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers for the most efficient use of the nation’s
plastics recycling.
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