Ok, we know we need to change our ways to create a better future for everyone! Not just the kids we leave behind, but for ourselves.
How long are we going to live, and what will be the quality of our lives if our planet is full of materials that harm animals and us?
Recycling Symbols – Where are they used, and whether they are recyclable?
Recycling symbol #1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PET is used in:
Beverage bottles, Clear food containers
Is it Recycable?
Yes, but still check within your city recycling facilities to ensure that all #1 types are recyclables.
Pro Tip: Always rinse the bottle and container before disposal!
Recycling symbol #2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is used in:
Chemical drums, janitorial product containers, and rigid packaging
Recycling symbol #3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is used in:
Pipes, shrink wrap, vinyl signage
Is it Recycable?
Not recyclable, again confirm with your local recycling facility!
Recycling symbol #4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
LDPE is used in:
Stretch film, pallet wrap, plastic bags
Is it Recycable?
Yes, but usually through commercial programs
Pro Tip: Usually requires clean separation, put the same kind of film, wrap, and bags together, and place them inside a clear plastic bag.
Recycling symbol #5 PP (Polypropylene)
PP is used in:
Tubs, bottle caps, automotive parts.
Is it Recycable?
Sometimes! Not every facility takes them.
Pro Tip: If you are in Mexico, I have seen programs where they collect bottle caps!
Recycling symbol #6 PS (Polystyrene)
PS is used in:
Foam packaging, disposable trays.
Is it Recycable?
Not in most programs!
Recycling symbol #7 Mixed plastics or Bioplastics
#7 is used in:
Multi-layer packaging, PLA container
Is it Recycable?
No!
Actions when recycling
Depending on your local recycling facilities, you might be able to recycle different plastics. Some facilities can recycle plastic bags! which others can’t do so.
Recycling Plastic Bags:
If you found out that your facility can recycle plastic bags, remember the following tips!
- Empty your plastic bag (like a grocery bag), and ensure there are no leftovers or crumbs.
- In a clear plastic bag, add all stretchable plastic bags and tie it closed!
- Stretchable being the main keyword. If the bag feels like a cereal bag, don’t put it with all the others!
Recycling Shipping Bags:
Did you know that some facilities can recycle shipping bags? Yeap. So check if your local facility takes them. Usually, to recycle them, you need to:
- Bundle all the shipping bags into a stretchy bag and tie it closed!
Recycling rigid plastic containers:
By rigid plastic containers, we mean:
- Beverage, pop and juice bottles
- Tugs
- Milk and juice jugs
- Plastic tubs (for sour cream, kind of tubs!)
- Plastic clamshell containers
- Plastic cookies trays
- Laundry detergent containers
- Lotion containers. FYI. Sometimes the facilities don’t take lotion tubes!
- Shampoo and conditioner bottles, you need to remove the hand pumps if the container has it.
- Large plastic lids, the size of a palm of a hand
Recycling plastic takeout containers:
Once again, check with your local recycling facility if they can process those containers!
- Measuring cups! To recycle them, separate them from the containers.
- Plastic frozen dinner trays
- Paper frozen dinner trays
Recycling Personal care plastic containers:
Once again, check with your local recycling facility if they can process those containers! Examples:
- Shampoo, conditioner, bodywash bottles (remove hand pump)
- Dish soap, hand soap, hand sanitizer bottles (remove hand pump)
- Laundry detergent bottles and laundry pod containers
- Fabric softener bottles
- Contact lens solution bottles, Eye drop bottles
- Air freshener and fabric refresher spray bottles (remove spray nozzle)
- Body lotion bottles (no tubes, like sour cream kind of container)
- Mouthwash botthes
- Vaseline containers
- Cleaning wipes containers
Aerosol cans:
Examples of aerosol cans:
- Personal care aerosols
- Hairspray, mousse, sunscreen, deodorant, shaving cream/foam, bug repellent, air freshener, etc
- Spray paint
- WD- oil
- Cooking oil spray
- Whipped cream spray
- Nitrous oxide cartridges and charges
- Compressed air duster
- CO2 cartridges
- Any aerosol with a hazard symbol on it (flammable, poisonous, etc.)
How to dispose of aerosol cans safely:
Check with your city; sometimes, each city has a waste drop-off location for household hazardous waste.
Pro-tip for the safe disposal of aerosol cans:
- Do NOT puncture or crush aerosol/CO2 containers
- Never put aerosol into any recycling bin, compost or directly into the garbage! It’s a major safety hazard for anyone who handles it after you did an inappropriate disposal. This harm can be to the driver of the garbage truck or the staff at your local recycling/waste facility.
Actions for a sustainable use of plastics
First of all,
- Pay more attention to what you buy, look for the symbol and try to buy only those that are recyclable within your community.
- Avoid using packaging that negatively affects our world. Instead of buying polystyrene plates (one-use), buy the paper ones, or just use plates that you can wash.
- Start comparing them, remember that packaging can affect our health!
- Remember to remove any hand pumps, spray handles and seals; those usually go into the garbage directly, unless instructed differently
- Try to clean your containers before recycling; this will help you and the facilities.