Recycling Plastic? 2 Things You Need To Know

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Recycling is a great way to save our planet's resources. It helps keep unnecessary waste from going into landfills by reusing the materials multiple times. If you're not a recycling enthusiast, you may not understand the codes that are printed on plastics and how much that plastic is actually worth. Here are 2 things everyone that recycles should know about recycling their plastics.

The Resin Code Guide

The different codes on each bottle are actually used to identify the resin that is used to create the plastic. It helps consumers determine what materials are eligible for recycling, and let you know what will happen to the material. Common resin codes include:

• PET or PETE (#1) – Plastics made with polyethylene terephthalate will be smooth, clear, resist heat, and be shatter resistant. They are often used for microwave dinners, beverage containers, condiment bottles, and food containers. This plastic may be reused to create new beverage and food containers, clothing, carpeting, and other goods that are fiber-related.
• HDPE (#2) – High-density polyethylene plastics are strong, stiff, and very resistant to chemicals such as cleaning ingredients. They are used for making containers for milk, laundry detergent cleaning solvent, as well as grocery bags. Once recycled, the plastic will be reused in bottles not used for food, buckets, plastic fencing, and building materials.
• PVC (#3) – The great thing about polyvinyl chloride is that it has the ability to withstand weather conditions that are harsh. The plastic is very strong, and even resistant to grease and oil. The plastic is originally used for creating shrink wrap, blister packs, pipes, and window frames. When recycled, it's transformed into products like garden hoses and carpet backing.
• LDPE (#4) – Low-Density Polyethylene is flexible and tough. You'll find it used for bread bags, frozen food packaging, container lids, and toys. The plastic also resists acid, as well as some oils. Recycling the material allows it to be reused for floor tiles, garbage cans, furniture, and shipping envelopes.

The Value of Plastic Recyclables

The BCMB (Beverage Container Management Board) will give you a refund for returning some of these plastics. With 91% of people in Alberta taking advantage of the program, it has proven to be effective.

You can get 10 cents for smaller containers like beverage bottles, and up to 25 cents for larger containers like milk jugs. You need to leave tabs on aluminum cans, and remove caps from beverage containers.

For more information, visit your local bottle return depot, such as Sur-Del Bottle Depot.

5 November 2015