Plastic is found almost everywhere. It is in the containers, bottles, caps, wrappers, and other items we use daily. Plastic is a flexible and recyclable material. By recycling plastic, we can reduce our carbon footprint, save our ecosystem, and reduce manufacturing costs.
Most people don’t even realize how many plastic items can be recycled. Let’s take a look!
What Types of Plastic Can Be Recycled?
Plastic is one of the most commonly used products throughout the United States. There are many benefits to recycling plastic. Most people don’t realize the different types of plastic that can effectively be reused to reduce our carbon footprint.
The different types of recyclable plastics include:
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE)
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) is used to create clean plastic bottles. It’s one of the most common types of plastic and can be reused to make polyester and other fabrics used daily.
2. Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene (PS) is most commonly used in beverage cups, insulation, packing materials, egg cartons, and disposable dinnerware. This form of plastic is also frequently used in packaging. The process of making Polystyrene takes a lot of energy, so recycling is a great way to save money, energy, and resources. One everyday and practical use for recycled PS is as insulation for partitions and roofs.
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is commonly found in credit score cards, meal wrap, plumbing pipes, tiles, home windows, and scientific equipment. While PVC is seldomly recycled, you can do so. PVC plastics incorporate harmful chemical compounds related that are believed to contribute to several health conditions, including bone and liver diseases and developmental troubles in kids and infants. PVC can be effectively recycled into flooring, paneling, and roadside gutters, to name a few options.
4. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Another standard plastic is HDPE. This material is mainly used to make children’s toys, yogurt cups, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and other comparable products. Recycled HDPE can be effectively converted into pens, plastic lumber, plastic fencing, picnic tables, and bottles.
5. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is thinner than other plastics and has excessive warmth resilience. Because of its longevity and flexibility, LDPE is typically used in film applications where warmth sealing is needed. Although it isn’t easily flexible, it is recyclable in some cases. Ask your local recycling center whether they can recycle your LDPE.
6. Polypropylene
Some meal packing containers and plastic caps are made with stronger polypropylene plastic. Polypropylene is commonly used as a secure plastic for everyday products such as Tupperware, automobile parts, thermal vests, yogurt packing containers, or even disposable diapers and other items. While it can be recycled, most people don’t realize that polypropylene is reusable. It can be repurposed to produce heavier products such as pallets, ice scrapers, rakes, and battery cables.
Contact MainStreet Fibers Today to Discuss Your Recycling Needs
If you have plastic that you believe can be recycled, we’re here to offer advice! Contact MainStreet Fibers today for all your San Bernardino recycling needs!