Recycling: Understanding what Can and Can’t be Thrown in the Green Bin
We all know that recycling helps keep our planet clean, but it can be confusing trying to decipher what can and can’t be recycled – and why. Use this guide to help understand your plastics.
# 1 PET (polyethylene Terephthalate): YES - This type of plastic is widely accepted and includes soft drink bottles, cooking oil bottles, salad dressing bottles, and mouthwash bottles. It is typically clear in color and is a single-use plastic.
#2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): YES - This type is also widely accepted. It is typically used for household cleaners and cosmetic products (think toilet bowl cleaner and shampoo), milk jugs, plastic chairs, and toys. It can be re-used without harm and is fairly durable.
#3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): NO - PVC is not safe to recycle because of the chemicals that are used in production. Most people think of this type of plastic as only being PVC piping, but it can also be found in shower curtains, window and door frames, floors, some lawn chairs, and some detergent bottles.
#4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): MOSTLY NO – While it isn’t recyclable, this type of plastic is reusable, and you probably already do re-use it to take the garbage out, clean cat litter, or collect your returnables. Shopping bags, plastic wrap, packing foam, bread bags, and produce bags fall into this category. Some grocery stores have a recycling program for their plastic bags, so check to see if yours has a collection bin!
#5 PP (Polypropylene): SOMETIMES – PP is the second most widely produced plastic. Because it is sturdy but light and heat resistant, it is used in many types of packaging. While some recycling plants accept #5, only about 3% is actually recycled. Disposable cutlery, plastic bottle caps, cereal bags, and yogurt containers are typically made from this type of plastic.
#6 PS (Polystyrene): SOMETIMES – More commonly known as styrofoam, it’s smart to either avoid this plastic or find a way to re-use it, because it is hard to recycle and breaks easily, meaning it easily ends up in the environment and on beaches. Unfortunately, it’s very cheap to produce which is why it is so abundant. Styrofoam is most commonly found in egg cartons, disposable cups, to-go food containers, and insulation.
#7 OTHER (Miscellaneous): Basically, this is any other plastic that wasn’t mentioned above. It can include, 5-gallon water containers, DVDs, car parts, sporting equipment, medical equipment, and electrical wire.
If you are ever unsure whether something is recyclable or not, contact the company that collects your recycling, they will be able to give you clarification!
Photo source: www.entsorgbar.ch
