Part 1 : The 7 types of plastics and can they be recycled?
I was going to write a detailed article about the 7 different types of plastics and get into depth about each one. But as I was writing it, I who loves sustainability and learning every detail about how we as individuals can help, started to fall asleep.
Yes, the nuances about the chemistry of each plastic was less than entertaining.. And I didn’t want to put you through that. You’re welcome. So halfway through the article I decided to take a whole new direction and delete the specifics of who, when, where, and why each one was invented.
Long story short…Plastic was invented by the fossil fuel industry to create a relatively cheap and easy-to-produce substance for multiple different usages. Mainly single use. Yes, these are sometimes toxic and produce a lot of waste. All this was known by the fossil fuel industry yet kept secret. Instead, they (fossil fuel companies) used the idea of recycling to convince society that plastic is not producing excessive waste but instead can be reused in other ways while consumers enjoyed the convenience of single-use. When the truth was they knew most types of plastics could not be recycled or was not cost-effective to recycle.
(Want to learn more? Here is a great NPR article about how big oil misled the public.)
So instead, let’s get into if you really can recycle that plastic bottle you are holding right now. 😬
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE or Polyester)
Commonly recyclable
Some examples are single-use water bottles, soap bottles, and cooking oil containers.
PETE is a lightweight plastic that is one of the more common plastics for packaging. The most common use of PETE is single-use bottles.
In the United States, PET is one of the most recycled type of plastic at just under 30% according to the EPA.
2. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Commonly recyclable
Some example include detergent bottles, milk jugs, yogurt containers, and cleaning products.
HDPE plastic is a stiff plastic that is hard-wearing and does not break down under extreme weather.
HDPE is the other most recycled plastic at just under 30% according to the EPA.
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Almost never recyclable
A few examples include pipes, window fitting, car parts, children's or pet toys, and food wrapping.
PVC contains numerous toxins which can leach throughout its entire life cycle. This fact can be scary when knowing it’s used for children’s toys and food wrapping.
Almost all products using PVC require virgin material for their construction while less than 1% of PVC material is recycled.
4. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Sometimes recyclable
Examples include bread bags, shopping or grocery bags, dry cleaner bags and magazine wrapping.
Due to the low toxicity level in LDPE this plastic can be used multiple times before throwing away. Check with your local recycle center to know if they accept LDPE for recycling.
5. Polypropylene (PP)
Commonly recyclable
Examples include microwave trays, yogurt containers, chip bags, cerial bags, and plastic bottle tops.
PP is a lightweight but tough plastic that helps create a barrier against moisture or grease making it a great option for sealed food bags.
Although PP is commonly recyclable only about 1- 3% is currently getting recycled. Check with your local curbside recycling program to see if they accept PP plastics.
6. Polystyrene (PS)
Almost never recyclable
The most common examples include styrofoam containers, egg containers utensils, packaging peanuts, and foam plates and cups.
This is a lightweight, versitlie plastic. Due to its lightweight makeup this plastic breaks down easily leading to widespread pollution in different environments. This plastic leaches toxins such as styreme, a possible human carcinogen.
Avoid if possible, especially around food.
7. Other or Mixed Plastics
Almost never recyclable
This is the catch-all category which can include 5-gallon water bottles, fiberglass, and baby bottles.
This group of plastics usually contains BPA which is a known endocrine disruptor. These can be labeled “PC” for polycarbonates.
On the other hand, new compostable plastics, or bio-plastics like corn starch are also labeled in this category. These compostable plastics are labeled “PLA” or “Compostable.”
Bio-plastics are surprisingly usually not accepted in curbside pickups. Ask your local recycling or compostable center if they are accepted.
RELATED POSTS
3 do’s and don’ts for a sustainable gender reveal party. Take a step back from the cliché wasteful gender reveal party and get creative with sustainable options.