PLASTIC RECYCLING VS GARBAGE
Knowing what can and cannot go in the bins will help maximize the benefits of your recycling program. It is important to know that not all plastics can be recycled through a recycling center. The American Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) developed an identification system to identify the materials used in different plastics and to help the recycling sorting process.
Polyethylene Terephthaline – This is a form of polyester that is found in most consumer sized plastic bottles. This includes carbonated beverages and things like salad dressing or shampoo.
High Density Polyethylene – This plastic is strong and versatile, but still light in weight. Common household products include grocery bags, milk-jugs, and bottles of laundry detergent.
Polyvinyl Chloride – Often times simply referred to as PVC this can be found in many household construction applications including pipes and windows.
Low Density Polyethylene – Commonly used for containers and as plastic bags. Another common use is plastic rings on a 6-pack of beverage cans.
Polypropylene – Common uses include Tupperware containers with many uses in laboratories and the medical industry. Famously used as the lid of a Tic-Tac container.
Polystyrene – This plastic also has many household applications including CD cases and disposable food utensils. It is also commonly produced as Styrofoam and can be used for fast-food take away meals.
Other Plastics – This category simply means that the plastic is not any of the six listed above.
Not all plastics have a number code included on them. In general, any plastic with a numbered symbol (# 1 – 7) can be recycled as part of a large-scale program. The big exception is polystyrene foam products including packing peanuts, cups, and food containers which are not accepted.
Plastic bags are often un-coded, but can still be recycled. For large-scale programs the rule of thumb is to try and stretch the bag. If the bag stretches, like a grocery bag, then it can be recycled in the blue bins. If the bag crinkles like a cereal box liner, then it cannot be recycled in the blue bins.
