Plastic Paralysis: The Realities of Disposable Culture
When it comes to recycling, not all plastics are treated equally. The familiar triangular arrow symbol with a number inside, often found at the bottom of plastic items, doesn't necessarily mean the item is easily recyclable.
“Downcycling prolongs the life of the plastic but doesn't address the root issue. It merely delays the inevitable disposal problem and does little to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic pollution.”
Plastic has become a double-edged sword.
On one hand, its versatility and durability have revolutionized various industries, but on the other hand, the environmental repercussions of plastic consumption are undeniable. One of the key challenges lies in the complex world of plastic recycling, where not all plastics are created equal, and the pursuit of a sustainable solution requires a deeper understanding of the issue.
The misconception that all plastics are easily recyclable has led to contamination in recycling streams and overflowing landfills. Many people assume that as long as an item has the recycling symbol, it can be tossed into the recycling bin (sometimes referred to as Wishcycling). However, the recycling process is intricate, and facilities may only be equipped to handle specific types of plastics. It is important for all of us to understand the different types of plastics so that we are better informed about what we are purchasing and how we can dispose of the material properly.
Understanding Plastic Types:
When it comes to recycling, not all plastics are treated equally. The familiar triangular arrow symbol with a number inside, often found at the bottom of plastic items, doesn't necessarily mean the item is easily recyclable. This number, known as the resin identification code, simply indicates the type of plastic used. There are seven main types, each with its own recycling challenges.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) - #1:
Commonly used for beverage bottles, food containers, and packaging.
Turned into items such as fibers, polar fleece, recycled plastic bottles and food containers.
How to Recycle: Widely accepted for recycling by most curbside recycling programs. You should make sure you rinse and remove any leftover food and you don't need to remove the labels as this is done during the recycling process. Also it's usually best to remove bottle tops and caps, as these are usually made of #5 Polypropelene.
Single-Use Plastic Bottles are made from PET. As one of the biggest offenders of plastic entering landfills and waterways, finding alternatives is critical. Bring your own reusable bottle or make a conscious effort to purchase from companies such as PATH that are forging the path to end single-use bottles. Their product is already found in major airports, stores, and arenas.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) - #2:
Found in bottles for milk, detergent, shampoo, and household clear bottles.
Turned into items such as plastic lumber (companies such as Trex), drainage pipes, recycling containers, and shampoo bottles.
How to Recycle: Generally accepted for recycling, considered one of the safest types of plastic. Most curbside recycling programs will accept HDPE but not plastic wrappers or grocery bags. Bring your wrappers or grocery bags to large stores and supermarkets that have collection bins.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) - #3:
Commonly found in shampoo bottles, pipes, clothing, toys, furniture, cables, and construction materials.
Recycling can be challenging, and some facilities may not accept it. Turned into guttering, cables, speed bumps, mud flaps, and garage/workshop floor tiles.
How to Recycle: PVC contains chlorine which releases toxins if burned. It is rare that PVC needs to be recycled but some programs and lumber makes do accept it.
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) - #4:
Used in plastic bags, squeeze bottles, clingfilm, and some packaging.
Turned into items such as compost bins, trash can liners, floor tiles, and paneling.
How to Recycle: Recycling capabilities vary and can be recycled in to trash bags, but some facilities may accept it. Unfortunately LDPE is not commonly accepted by curbside recycling programs, but you can check with local stores that have collection bins. If not, this item does end up in the trash and in landfill; try purchasing eco-friendly products with bio-degradable or eco-friendly packaging if you can!
PP (Polypropylene) - #5:
Found in medical bottles, yogurt containers, bottle caps, kitchenware, and single-use straws.
Turned into bins, pallets, trays, battery cases, and cables.
How to Recycle: Often accepted for recycling and can be recycled into bike racks, brushes, or battery cases. Only some curbside recycling does accept PP, so it is important to check before you throw it in to the bin. However, less than 3% of PP is actually recycled, so this is a very important plastic to try to find alternatives for. Plastic straws are made from PP and cannot be recycled — skip the straw!
PS (Polystyrene aka Styrofoam) - #6:
Used in foam products, disposable cutlery, carry out containers, and some packaging.
Turned into egg cartons, insulation, and foam packaging.
How to Recycle: Recycling is limited, and facilities may not accept it. Polystyrene is notoriously difficult to recycle and it rarely accepted by curbside recycling programs. Unfortunately, when this material is burned it releases dangerous toxins in the atmosphere in which large amounts could cause health irritation. This is another important plastic that is important to find alternatives such as reusable coffee cups, paper or stainless steel takeaway containers, and compostable cutlery.
Other - #7:
Represents a mix of various plastics not covered by the other categories such as baby bottles, CDs, lenses, interior car panels, and electronics.
Turned into plastic lumber or other customized material.
How to Recycle: Recycling depends on the specific type of plastic, and not all are widely accepted. The #7 symbol represents ‘miscellaneous’ for plastic packaging that doesn’t fit the other six categories. Be sure to check with your local pickup to determine how to recycle or dispose of these materials. It is important to note that some compostable plastics carry this label, so make sure that is it marked as compostable before throwing the material into the trash.
Remember: Recycling plastic merely delays the inevitable disposal problem.
While downcycling – the process of turning plastic into lower-grade products – may seem like a step in the right direction, it is not a solution. Downcycling prolongs the life of the plastic but doesn't address the root issue. It merely delays the inevitable disposal problem and does little to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic pollution. Plastics cannot be recycled endlessly.
To combat the plastic predicament, considering alternatives becomes imperative. Materials like glass and aluminum are not only more easily recyclable but also have a lower environmental footprint. Glass, for example, is infinitely recyclable without a loss of quality. Aluminum, too, boasts high recyclability and is lighter than glass, reducing transportation emissions.
Sustainability Comparisons of Plastic, Aluminum, and Glass
Individuals play a crucial role in mitigating the plastic problem. Being informed about the recyclability of different plastics, opting for alternatives when possible, and supporting businesses that prioritize sustainable packaging are impactful steps. Additionally, reducing overall plastic consumption is a fundamental strategy. It's time to unravel the complexities of plastic recycling and navigate towards a cleaner, greener planet.