In honour of global recycling day, we wanted to put together an easy guide for recycling. Whether you're new to recycling or have been doing it for years, we have some tips that we think you can definitely benefit from!
Find out the best tips for recycling, some examples of what is and what is not recyclable, and the types of plastics you can and cannot recycle. I have been recycling for years but only recently found out the various types of plastics and which ones are typically recyclable.
Here is the Ultimate Guide to Recycling:
Tips for Recycling
Keep your bins as clean as possible
Make sure to check out your local areas recycling guidelines and procedures
Pay attention to the symbols on your products (discussed below)
Separate your recyclables if your local program requires it
Not sure if something is recyclable? Use this chart to help figure it out:
What Can Be Recycled?
Cardboard
Glass
Paper
Plastic Water Bottles
Cans
What Cannot Be Recycled?
Paper Towel
Aluminum Foil
Seran Wrap
Styrofoam
Plastic Bags
Food Products
Wax Paper
Dinnerware & Cutlery
Types of Plastics
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE/PET)
Soda and water bottles, salad dressing containers, and peanut butter jars are typically made out of PETE plastic. It can be recycled into products such as tote bags, furniture, fibers, and pillow stuffing
2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE plastic can be found in milk jugs, household cleaner containers, cereal box liners, and yogurt containers. It can be recycled into products such as pens, lumber, detergent bottles, and playground equipment.
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC/V)
PVC plastic can be found in food wrap, plumbing pipes, window cleaner bottles, and detergent bottles. It can be recycled into paneling, flooring, speed bumps, and bubble wrap.
4. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE plastic can be found in squeeze bottles, plastic shopping bags, carpets, and food wraps. It can be recycled into compost bins, trash can liners, floor tiles, and shipping envelopes.
5. Polypropylene (PP)
PP plastic can be found in products such as straws, ketchup bottles, syrup bottles, and medicine bottles. It can be recycled and made into products such as brooms, bins, pallets, and bicycle racks.
6. Polystyrene (PS)
PS is found in compact disk cases, egg cartons, meat trays, and disposable dinnerware. It can be recycled into vents, foam packaging, insulation, and egg cartons. It's considered difficult to recycle.
7. Miscellaneous Plastics
Miscellaneous plastics refers to nylon, styrene, and fiberglass to name a few. It can be found in items such as sunglasses, computer cases, baby bottles, and bulletproof materials. These miscellaneous plastics can be recycled and made into products such as plastic lumber and outdoor signs.
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