The Different Types of Plastic and Their Recyclability
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
PET is a #1 plastic, used in water bottles and beverage containers because it doesn’t leak toxins like other plastics. PET is 100% recyclable and accepted by all recycling programs. PET is unique in that it can be recycled multiple times—unlike different types of plastic, which degrade after the first cycle.
There are some caveats, though. PET can be infinitely recycled back into beverage containers, but the recycled product is also made into fiber for carpets, pillows, and upholstery, which can’t be recycled. Plus, many of these bottles are discarded as litter or into landfill-bound trash, meaning they are not recycled. According to the EPA, the recycling rate for PET was only 29.1% in 2018.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE plastics are a #4 plastic used to make trash bags, shopping bags, films and sheeting, food containers, food wrap, etc. When recycled, it is turned into composite lumber, piping, trash bags, food wrap, and items used in construction, agriculture, and more.
The EPA reports that 4.2 million tons of LDPE plastic bags (and the like) were made in 2018, while only .42 million tons were recycled.
Ultimately, LDPE is recyclable, but there are barriers to doing so. The film jams recycling machinery, and many recyclers feel it’s not worth their while to accept it. As a result, many curbside programs do not take LDPE. Look for store drop-off programs in your area as an alternative.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a #2 plastic and is stronger are more durable than LDPE. It is used for milk, soap, detergents, and motor oil because it can withstand higher stress and temperature than other plastics.
HDPE containers are accepted by recycling programs and can be disposed of through curbside programs. However, the EPA reports that only 29.3% of “natural” HDPE containers were recycled in 2018 (the natural category refers to lighter, translucent bottles); but of all HDPE containers combined, just 18.1% are recycled.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC is a #3 plastic and is considered non-recyclable by most standards. It’s commonly used for pipes, fittings, and high-tech applications, such as medical devices, wire, and cable, as well as for containers, roofing materials, window frames, automotive interior parts, footwear, and clothing.
PVC is chemically recyclable and can be converted into new plastics. However, heat releases hydrogen chloride from PVC, so even in its functional state, it poses a danger to humans and the environment. The EPA reports negative volumes of PVC recycled vs. amounts produced in 2018. From this, we can only assume that PVC waste is entering landfills and contributing to environmental concerns.
Because of its hazardous nature, PVC is not accepted in curbside programs—but it should not be taken to the landfill. If you have PVC to dispose of, contact your local recycling facility and arrange to drop it off. You might also consider donating PVC pipe or building materials to Habitat for Humanity so they can be reused.
Polypropylene (PP)
PP is a #5 plastic often used in food and chemical containers due to its resistance to heat and corrosion. It’s also used to make plastic furniture, gears, machine parts, kitchenware, disposable diapers, cereal box liners, disposable plates, cups, and cutlery.
Of all PP plastics manufactured, only 0.6% are recycled, making it one of the least recycled post-consumer plastics. That said, it can be recycled into fibers for industrial materials, mailing envelopes, and many of the same types of products for which they were initially intended.
Curbside programs do not accept PP. Like LDPE, PP tends to jam recycling machinery unless it’s shredded first. However, when it is not disposed of properly, it can be extremely harmful to the environment, so it’s critical to seek out safe avenues. Contact your local recycling provider to find out what you can do.
Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene is a #6 plastic commonly used to make takeout food containers, coffee cups, egg cartons, foam insulation, packing material, housings, and electronics casings.
Though PS is technically 100% recyclable, because it has such low density (it is 90% air), it requires special handling and is not often accepted in curbside programs. It needs to be compacted and densified to convert it into something useful, and most recycling facilities don’t have the equipment to do this.
Plus, when incinerated, PS emits many harmful compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and other carcinogenic molecules—besides many other serious dangers to the central nervous system.
Conclusion
Plastic waste is a global issue due to the range of products it powers and its resistance to degradation. While it is often easier to throw plastic away, this inherent laziness feeds into the environmental disaster we face today. Holding companies accountable for their environmental impact will go a long way toward ensuring our planet stays healthy for future generations. By understanding proper plastic disposal methods, we do our part to make the world a better place.
References
- https://bottledwater.org/rpet-facts/
- https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/plastics-material-specific-data
- https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/documents/2018_tables_and_figures_dec_2020_fnl_508.pdf
- https://how2recycle.info/sdo
- https://www.habitat.org/
- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-its-so-hard-to-recycle-plastic/
- https://recyclingpartnership.org/communitiesforrecycling/is-styrofoam-recyclable/
- https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Styrene_FactSheet.html
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