Things You Didn't Know About Plastic (and Recycling)

 

Recycling is a complicated system dictated by market demand, price determinations, local regulations, the success of which is contingent upon everyone, from the product-designer, to the trash-thrower, to the waste collector, to the recycling factory worker. We consumers play a much more critical role than we might imagine-- depending on how we use our products and in what shape we throw them away, determines their value and quality post-use....

 

For many, environmentalism begins with the recycling symbol and ends at the recycling bin. The simple act of throwing something away into a large box marked with a recycling sign is enough to make some of us feel like we've done our part.

 

It's like eating only half of a chocolate chip cookie- we indulge, but not that much. Similarly, our faith in the magic of the recycling bin makes purchasing and using plastic products a little more guilt-free.

 

But recycling is a lot more complicated, and the process of recycling plastics is significantly less transparent than the much-Googled recipe for baking cookies.

 

Not All Plastic Is Recyclable

ㆍPlastic bags- Not recyclable.

 

ㆍStraws- Not recyclable.

 

ㆍCoffee Cups- you need a special machine; without it, no.

 

ㆍKeyboards- maybe, if you get it to the right person.

 

"Recycling" is determined by two really important things: the market and city government. Tweet this If there's a demand in the market, then recyclers and companies will pay for your post-consumer recyclables.

 

But without a market demand, those recyclables are almost useless; placing them in the recycling bin won't make a difference if you can't make money off of them. If the demand isn't there, or the quality of the materials post-use is incurably dirty, they end up in landfill or incinerators.

 

Your local government also plays an essential role. Government regulations create market opportunities for companies to recycle legally-mandated products. But every municipality is different. Before you throw something away, check what your city actually recycles.

 

Public investment in recycling systems, moreover, is integral to their long-term sustainability and success. While the price of purchasing a new piece of plastic is far cheaper than paying someone's salary to manage and sort recyclables, the environmental cost is substantially greater. Subsidies, investments and public support go a long way.

 

*JUST BECAUSE IT HAS THE RECYCLING SIGN DOESN'T MEAN IT ACTUALLY GETS RECYCLED.

 

Waste Plastic PP PE Crushing Washing Recycling Line

 

Waste Plastic PP PE Crushing Washing Recycling Line

 

Not All Plastic Is Created Equal

 

 

Plastics are classified into 7 categories according to Resin Identification Codes (RIC). They are differentiated by the temperature at which the material has been heated, and their numerical classification (#1 - #7) only informs you what type of plastic it is. For example:

 

#1 (PET), ex: water bottles — highest recycling value; keep out of the sun to prevent toxins leaking into the container (no bueno for your health).

 

#7 (OTHER) is the catch-all category. It includes non-recyclables and corn-based plastics (PLA). (As a consumer, you can't tell the difference.)

 

What it doesn't tell you:

 

1. HEALTH EFFECTS: plastic has been linked to disrupting hormonal growth and carcinogens. While its use is also associated with public hygiene and preventing bacteria contamination (many Taiwanese, for example, use plastic straws to drink everything from beer to milk out of fear of a contaminated supply chain), consumers should be wary of chemicals leaching into food or drink products.

 

According to the Science History Institute, "[c]urrent health concerns focus on additives (such as bisphenol A [BPA] and a class of chemicals called phthalates) that go into plastics during the manufacturing process, making them more flexible, durable, and transparent."

 

Most experts agree that you should stay away from #3 PVC (often found in pipes) and #6 PS (Styrofoam, often used as food/drink containers).

 

2. HOW IT'S MADE: Did you know that most plastics originate from crude oil? Only plastics labeled PLA are made from the sugars in corn or other plant-starches like cassava.

 

3. RECYCLABILITY: Oftentimes we just throw things away into the recycling bin with the full faith that theywill be recycled just because the label says its recyclable. But that's not always the case.

 

Moreover, there are 2 types of plastics: thermoset vs. thermoplastics. Thermoplastics are plastics that can be re-melted and re-molded into new products, and therefore, recycled. However, thermoset plastics "contain polymers that cross-link to form an irreversible chemical bond," meaning that no matter how much heat you apply, they cannot be remelted into new material and hence, non-recyclable.

 

*WHILE SO MANY PLASTIC PRODUCTS ARE DISPOSABLE, PLASTIC LASTS FOREVER IN THE ENVIRONMENT. IT WAS THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY THAT OFFERED RECYCLING AS A SOLUTION.

 

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