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Plastic Recycling Information
from: Frank TerroniPlastic recycling is one of the most important environmental subjects. This material offers great convenience for consumers. Unfortunately, it wreaks havoc on our ecosystem.
Many plastic containers were not designed with reuse in consideration. This makes them particularly dangerous for the environment. Landfills are overwhelmed with waste and plastic is one of the most threatening materials left behind.
Plastic recycling strategies are complex. There are many different types of this material. Some can be reused. Others cannot. Some pose a threat of cancer because of their unstable makeup.
Each type of plastic needs to be sorted and organized. Proper plastic recycling efforts begin with education. Consumers need to know more about the composition of this material and the ramifications it has on recycling efforts.
Two Types of Plastic
Two types of plastic can be recycled. Type 1 is PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate). Manufacturers reuse this material to make various items. PETE can be found in parts for vehicles, paintbrushes and carpeting. Some industrial paint contains this material as well.
PETE is typically used to make beverage and food containers. After the consumer uses the product, they can recycle the plastic. The material is used in the production of many items including those listed above.
Type 2 plastic is HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). Manufacturers reuse this material to make convenient items. HDPE can be found in liquid detergent containers, recycling bins and trashcans.
Typical products initially made of HDPE include laundry detergent containers and milk bottles among other things. Items used in plastic recycling in the Type 2 classification are often recycled back into their original form.
Identification
Those who are interested can see which kind of plastic they have by looking at the bottom of the container. There is a triangle imprint located on the base of the unit. The triangle surrounds numbers or letters.
Type 1 plastics are given the number one. Some containers have the letters PETE or PET on them. Type 2 plastics are given the number two. Some containers have the letters HDPE. Some logos have both letters and number on them to help identify the type of material they contain. The identification logo makes plastic recycling much easier for the people processing the materials.
There are also plastic types numbered three to seven. These plastic recycling materials are very expensive and difficult to process. Type 7 is particularly tricky because it contains unstable elements that have been linked to cancer.
Plastic recycling is a complex process. Consumers can help to make the task easier by taking a little time to explore this subject.
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