Plastic Recycling

Plastic Recycling Information

Plastic recycling is one of the most important environmental subjects. This material offers great convenience for consumers. Unfortunately, it wreaks havoc on our ecosystem.

Many plastic containers were not designed with reuse in consideration. This makes them particularly dangerous for the environment. Landfills are overwhelmed with waste and plastic is one of the most threatening materials left behind.

Plastic recycling strategies are complex. There are many different types of this material. Some can be reused. Others cannot. Some pose a threat of cancer because of their unstable makeup.

Each type of plastic needs to be sorted and organized. Proper plastic recycling efforts begin with education. Consumers need to know more about the composition of this material and the ramifications it has on recycling efforts.

Two Types of Plastic

Two types of plastic can be recycled. Type 1 is PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate). Manufacturers reuse this material to make various items. PETE can be found in parts for vehicles, paintbrushes and carpeting. Some industrial paint contains this material as well.

PETE is typically used to make beverage and food containers. After the consumer uses the product, they can recycle the plastic. The material is used in the production of many items including those listed above.

Type 2 plastic is HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). Manufacturers reuse this material to make convenient items. HDPE can be found in liquid detergent containers, recycling bins and trashcans.

Typical products initially made of HDPE include laundry detergent containers and milk bottles among other things. Items used in plastic recycling in the Type 2 classification are often recycled back into their original form.

Identification

Those who are interested can see which kind of plastic they have by looking at the bottom of the container. There is a triangle imprint located on the base of the unit. The triangle surrounds numbers or letters.

Type 1 plastics are given the number one. Some containers have the letters PETE or PET on them. Type 2 plastics are given the number two. Some containers have the letters HDPE. Some logos have both letters and number on them to help identify the type of material they contain. The identification logo makes plastic recycling much easier for the people processing the materials.

There are also plastic types numbered three to seven. These plastic recycling materials are very expensive and difficult to process. Type 7 is particularly tricky because it contains unstable elements that have been linked to cancer.

Plastic recycling is a complex process. Consumers can help to make the task easier by taking a little time to explore this subject.

News About Plastic Recycling

City is Years Away from Recycling Takeout Containers 29 Jul 2010 at 3:12pm
New York's City Council has expanded city waste laws to add plastic takeout containers, yogurt tubs and medicine bottles to the list required for recycling.

Public works to pull some recycling bins in Murrysville 29 Jul 2010 at 8:10pm
Because of the expansion of its residential curbside recycling program, Murrysville will remove some recycling bins located near the public works facility on Sardis Road on Aug. 6.

PHOTOS: Plastic-Bottle Catamaran Crosses Pacific 28 Jul 2010 at 11:04am
Sailing a plastic bottle ship across the Pacific spotlighted the serious problem of plastic trash at sea?and showed that solutions are possible by simply thinking smarter. Pacific Ocean - Plastic - Plastiki - David Mayer de Rothschild - Recycling

City Council Moves Into New Digs; Takes Up Recycling Expansion Bill 29 Jul 2010 at 9:49pm
The City Council took action on a number of issues inside their new temporary home Thursday, including a major expansion of the city's recycling program.

Gallatin tries to cut back on non-resident recycling drop-off 29 Jul 2010 at 6:09pm
The city of Gallatin is looking to crackdown on outsiders dropping off items at the city's recycling center.

NYC years away from recycling takeout containers 29 Jul 2010 at 3:11pm
Associated Press - July 29, 2010 4:05 PM ET NEW YORK (AP) - New York's City Council has expanded city waste laws to add plastic takeout containers, yogurt tubs and medicine bottles to the list...

Citywide recycling booms in Levelland 28 Jul 2010 at 11:14pm
City leaders say for years residents wanted a recycling program in Levelland, so when it started last year, they knew there would be community interest, but nothing like this.

HERB BENHAM: Paper or plastic? Oh, plastic -- and lots of it 29 Jul 2010 at 7:47pm
What is it about getting older and collecting bags?

Paper recycling shortfall could cost MMU $50k 28 Jul 2010 at 1:55pm
Slow paper recycling in Marshall may cost Marshall Municipal Utilities $50,000 if a back-up natural gas burner is approved for the pellet boiler. Paper recycling in Marshall currently brings in between 85 and 90 tons of various forms of paper per month for MMU, said Jim Johnson.

EASIER RECYCLING 29 Jul 2010 at 10:20am
Gloria Moseley, shows that the new recycle bins are large enough to fit 2-liter bottles with no problem. The bins are available for special events including family reunions and wedding receptions.

Recycling Books & Resources

Suncast Recycle Bin Kit BH183PK

Suncast Recycle Bin Kit BH183PK (Lawn & Patio)
By Suncast

Buy new: $35.00
Customer Rating:

Pacific Precision Metals THE CRUSHER Aluminum Can Compactor

Pacific Precision Metals THE CRUSHER Aluminum Can Compactor (Kitchen)
By Basic Industries

Buy new: $23.27
15 used and new from $14.19
Customer Rating:

Colonel Trash Truck