Yes, plastic can be recycled, but not all types of plastic are treated equally. Let’s break this down into easy-to-understand facts and answer some common questions.
How Much Plastic Is Recycled?
A lot of plastic waste is generated each year, but only a small percentage gets recycled. According to the EPA, in 2018, about 3 million tons of plastic were recycled in the United States, making up an 8.5% recycling rate for all plastics. Most plastic ends up in landfills, oceans, or as litter in the environment. This highlights why reducing plastic use and improving recycling methods are so important.
Can All Plastic Be Recycled?
Not all plastic can be recycled. Plastics are made from different materials, and only some of them are recyclable. Here’s a quick overview:
- Recyclable Plastics: Most household plastics, like water bottles, detergent bottles, and food containers, are made of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) or HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene). These plastics can be recycled in most curbside programs. Check the recycling symbol and number on the plastic to see if it’s recyclable.
- Non-Recyclable Plastics: Items like plastic bags, straws, and some food packaging are often made of mixed plastics, which makes them difficult or impossible to recycle. Additionally, certain plastics labeled as “biodegradable” are not suitable for traditional recycling.
Why Can’t Some Plastics Be Recycled?
The reason some plastics can’t be recycled comes down to their chemical structure and how they’re made. Plastics that have been mixed with other materials, like metal or fabric, or those that have been contaminated with food waste, can’t be processed in the same way as cleaner, simpler plastics.
How Can You Tell if a Plastic Can Be Recycled?
Look for the recycling symbol on the plastic item. This symbol usually includes a number from 1 to 7:
- Numbers 1 & 2 (PET, HDPE): Widely recycled.
- Numbers 3-7: These include PVC, LDPE, PP, PS, and other mixed plastics, which are often not accepted in standard recycling programs.
Always check your local recycling guidelines to see what types of plastic they accept.
What Happens to Recycled Plastic?
When plastic is recycled, it’s cleaned, sorted, shredded, melted down, and then formed into pellets that can be used to create new products. This process saves resources and energy. However, each time plastic is recycled, its quality degrades, which limits how many times it can be reused.
How Can You Help?
- Reduce: Use less plastic by opting for reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
- Recycle Correctly: Rinse your plastics and ensure they’re sorted into the correct recycling bins.
- Educate: Share information with others about recycling to promote better practices in your community.
By recycling properly and reducing plastic use, you can help lower the amount of plastic waste and protect the environment.