Plastic 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.

See List of Plastic Recyclers - Learn More

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 2002, the amount of plastics discarded in the U.S. will increase 50 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 PETE waste per year.
It takes 5 two-liter 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.

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