When you see the recycling symbol on a package, it’s a good sign that you can put the waste into the recycling bin instead of the garbage. These small steps to support the environment add up over time, especially when all households are proactive about their recycling efforts.
Is Everything Recyclable?
Not only does recycling keep garbage out of the landfills, but it is also a way to reuse the materials. Even though it costs a bit of money for the recycling plant to repurpose the plastic, it can be an effective way to minimize the amount of plastic that needs to be manufactured in the future.
But just because you have a plastic item doesn’t necessarily mean that it is recyclable. This process is quite complicated and varies depending on local regulations and access to recycling services in your area.
If you want to do your part by recycling plastic, then be careful to avoid throwing non-recyclable items into the bins. When recyclable plastics are mixed with non-recyclable things, it puts unnecessary strain on the recycling plants. Every consumer needs to do their part to only send the items that are accepted for recycling.
Factors that Determine Whether Plastic Can Be Recycled
Here are a few essential factors that determine which plastics can be recycled:
- Type of Plastic: Certain products can be recycled, while others can’t. For example, plastic bags and straws are not recyclable.
- Market Demand: If there is a strong demand for recycled products, then companies are willing to pay for the cost of recycling. You can promote this effort by buying items that are made from recycled materials.
- Location: Some cities and governments offer robust recycling programs, while others don’t have the facilities or infrastructure to support a city-wide recycling program.
Which plastics cannot be recycled? All plastics fall into seven categories, based on their Resin Identification Code (RIC). You can find the code by reading the number in the recycling symbol, which looks like a triangle with arrows. All numbers can be recycled, but only if recycling services are available for those numbers in your area. So, check with the recycling services to see which numbers need to be sorted into your recycling bins.
Quality of Recycled Plastics
Also, keep in mind that plastic materials with food residuecannot be recycled. In some locations, the plastics can be rinsed at the recycling center. But most places have to throw away the dirty plastic because it’s useless in the factory setting.
Don’t throw the plastic into the recycling bin without first rinsing and washing out the food residue. This step ensures that the recycling plant will be able to use the plastics you are contributing. Quality matters, especially since recycled materials are competing with new plastic production.
Choose Glass Instead of Plastic
One way you can minimize the amount of plastic that ends up in the landfill is by choosing products that are packaged in glass. Our Hana Tonic bottles are environmentally friendly. Not only are they glass, but these small containers can be reused in your home. Try this immune-boosting health shot without worrying about how the packaging will impact the environment.