Earth Day is approaching on Monday, April 22, and if you’re interested in ways to help the environment, starting with recycling your plastics is a great idea. It’s important to note that simply throwing all your plastics into the recycling bin is not the correct approach. You should know which plastics are recyclable and which should be disposed of in the trash. Once you understand these important details, you’ll be contributing to waste reduction.
Plastic that is not recycled ends up in landfills, is incinerated, or makes its way into the oceans. Incinerating plastics releases carbon dioxide, contributing to the energy imbalance that leads to rising temperatures on Earth, as stated by NOAA Climate.gov. Plastic can take anywhere from five to 600 years to decompose if it ends up in a landfill, depending on the type. On average, a plastic bottle takes 450 years to decompose.
Experts provide insights on recycling plastics. For more information, check out which takeout containers are recyclable.
How to recycle plastic
Recycling plastic is more complex than you might think. Make sure to rinse out any food and liquids (except water) from containers before placing them in the recycling bin. If the plastic is not clean, it could contaminate the entire load of plastics, resulting in the recycling center sending the entire batch to a landfill, according to a recycling center employee interviewed by CNET.
When recycling plastic bottles, look for the “crush to conserve” label. If present, remove the lid, crush the bottle by twisting it from the top and pressing it down, then replace the lid for recycling.
Identifying recyclable plastics
All plastics are not created equal. Many people toss all their plastics into the recycling bin without knowing if they are recyclable. If a plastic is not accepted at the recycling center, it will be discarded.Â
To determine which plastics are accepted, contact your local recycling company. They often provide information on their website about recyclable items. If your local waste management company supplies your recycling bin, the information may be listed on the bin itself.
Plastic containers typically have numbers on their bottoms indicating the type of plastic. For example, #1 and #2 plastics are usually recyclable, while #6 plastics may not be accepted. Additionally, if a plastic item is labeled “compostable,” it should be composted rather than recycled.
Reduce plastic waste by using reusable bottles, straws, and utensils.
Other Actions to Take
The first step in reducing plastic waste is to minimize your use of non-reusable plastics, such as plastic bottles. Opt for glass or durable plastic bottles that can be refilled and used daily. Here are some other ways to help:
Use reusable straws instead of plastic ones.Avoid disposable plastic utensils unless they can be washed and reused.Recycle plastic bags by checking with local stores or recycling centers.Use cloth shopping bags.Avoid disposable plastic cups and opt for glass or reusable plastic ones instead.Reuse plastic items. According to Tobias Haider, a research associate at PlastX, told CNET in 2022 that “plastic products would not be a problem if we reused them.”Remember that plastic foam is not recyclable, including egg cartons, packaging, and packing peanuts. If you have excess plastic foam at home, consider contacting schools in your area to see if they can use it for projects.
