Recycling
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Description
The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. Recycling depends on a materials ability to first, be separated from other materials and secondly, to reacquire properties that make it into a useful product. In our society of high water, recycling is a key component for waste reduction. The types of recyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, tires, textiles, batteries, and electronics. In addition, composting is the reuse of biodegradable waste from foods and plants.
Some common recycling types are listed below:
| Item; Plastic Designation Number | Yes for recycle bin | No for recycle bin | Comments | Recycled products produced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/Cardboard | Newspaper, magazine, mail (even with plastic windows), food containers, boxes | Gift wrap with shiny surfaces; food particles (spatula clean food containers to recycle) | More paper and cardboard | |
| Polyethylene terephthalate (PET); #1 | Food and beverage containers | Remove plastic labels (not recyclable) and caps (recyclable but different material) | New bottles, clothing like polar fleece, carpets and sleeping bags | |
| High density polyethylene (HDPE); #2 | Bottles for milk, laundry detergent, household cleaners; dairy tubs and cartons | Pipes, floor tiles, plastic sheeting; crates | ||
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC); #3 | None | Some cooking oil and shampoo bottles, cling film; shower curtains; structural boards and boxes, vinyl fabrics | Some can be shredded/melted and reformed (downcycled); As waste, they can release toxic materials; PVC is on many DO NOT USE lists | Plastic wood, insulation; cables |
| Low density polyethylene (LDPE); #4 | None | Grocery bags, bread bags, squeeze containers (toothpaste); cellophane wrap used in packaging | In-store recycle locations; can be shredded/melted and reformed | Envelopes, floor tiles, trash can liners; plastic wood |
| Polypropylene (PP); #5 | Medicine containers, bottle caps; ketchup bottles; some food bags like for cereal | brooms, brushes, plastic trays, ice scrapers | ||
| Polystyrene (PS); #6 | None (banned for use in some cities) | Bubble wrap, Styrofoam, packing peanuts; hot beverage cups | Can be shredded/melted and reformed (downcycled); non-biodegradable but falls apart with age and spreads throughout ecosystems | Plastic wood, insulation, crown molding |
| Other; #7; includes Acrylic, Nylon, Polycarbonate, | ||||
| Glass | Food and beverage containers | Metal caps | More glass containers | |
| Aluminum | Cans, foil | Do not crush cans | More aluminum containers |
Synonyms and Related Terms
recycling; recyclables;
Resources and Citations
- Wikipedia: Recycling
- Wikipedia: Recycling by product
- NPR: Plastic recycling
- EPA: Common recyclables
- Earth 911:Recycling guideline