Lately, it seems everyone is working harder to do the right thing and recycle to help our planet flourish. It can get hard, though, when you don’t know if you can even recycle something. You don’t want to throw it out if it could be recycled, but you don’t want to put it in the wrong space. With so many types of plastic, knowing how recycling plastic grades work can help make your life a lot easier.
There are seven different types when it comes to recycling plastic grades, which can be found somewhere on your plastic (usually the bottom) inside of the little recycle triangle made of three arrows. The grades are:
PETE or PET: These are made with polyethylene terephthalate. These are usually water bottles, soda bottles, peanut butter jars, etc. These can be recycled into new containers, polar fleece, carpet, and even more. They can be tossed in any commercial recycling bin or picked up by your neighborhood program.
HDPE: These are made with high-density polyethylene. They’re really thin and used for things like plastic bags, yogurt jars, etc. They can be tossed in any commercial recycling bin or picked up by your neighborhood program.
Vinyl or PVC: This type is usually used for holding household cleaners. They are not often recycled, but some centers will take them; you’ll need to call your local recycling center and inquire. They can be recycled into a few products, but they release a lot of toxins from the chemicals, which makes recycling by melting very dangerous.
LDPE: These are made with low-density polyethylene, which means they’re very thin. This is the type of plastic from which shopping bags come. These are not commonly accepted by curbside programs, but most grocery stores which use them offer drop-off locations.
PP: This plastic is made of polypropylene. This is what condiment bottles, straws, and medicine bottles are typically made of. More often than not, curbside programs will accept it.
PS: Made of polystyrene, these make up styrofoam cups, egg cartons, and carry-out food containers. These can be recycled, but rarely are they. You’ll have to inquire with your local program to find out.
Miscellaneous: This is pretty much anything else. Rarely can these items be recycled.
Contact A Garbage Removal Expert
If you need more information on whether other common items can be recycled, or if you need assistance with garbage removal, we’ve got you covered. At TalkLocal, we take the work out of your search. That way, you can get your work done and focus on what really matters.
