Plastic waste is one of today’s most serious environmental challenges. It is anticipated that 8 million tonnes of plastic will wind up in our seas every year. To decrease plastic waste and safeguard the environment, it is critical to understand the various types of plastics available and how to recycle them effectively. 

Plastics exist in many aspects of our life, from the containers we use to keep food and drinks to the packaging of products we buy online. Sadly, many plastics are not biodegradable and can cause pollution in the environment. As a result, it is critical that we understand the many types of plastics and how to recycle them properly. 

We can limit our plastic waste and contribute to environmental protection by recognising which plastics may be recycled and which should be avoided. Furthermore, by learning about responsible recycling procedures, we can guarantee that our efforts as a plastic recycling company can help to create a more sustainable, eco-friendly future. 

The Importance of Plastic Recycling

Many companies, ranging from waste management companies to governments, have a zero waste to landfill policy, which encourages the adoption of alternative, environmentally friendly disposal techniques.

Recycling any item is important for the environment, but recycling plastic offers special advantages. Plastic may take years to biodegrade, up to 1000 years for some forms, which means it takes up landfill space and pollutes the environment for a longer time. 

However, plastic does not lend itself to all environmentally beneficial disposal methods. For example, not all plastic is extensively recyclable, and energy from incineration is not feasible due to the production of hazardous gases while burning plastics.

The importance of post-consumer waste  is also often overlooked. Post consumer recycled items is one of the ways to go if you want to be environmentally conscious. 

This is the long-term goal of CY Group. We aspire to this as a ldpe plastic recycling company. In order to convert plastic trash into reusable plastic items for future generations, we are actively pursuing a pollution-free earth strategy.

As an environmentally friendly plastic recycling company, CY Group takes pride in driving towards a pollution-free planet as our company’s main policy and goal. 

Identifying The Type of Plastic

To recycle plastic, first, identify the type of plastic and whether or not it is recyclable. Most communities have outdoor plastic recycling programmes for recyclable plastics like PET and HDPE. However, these initiatives do not recycle all forms of plastics. To achieve successful plastic recycling, all the various types of plastics must be carefully cleaned and sorted. 

Plastics are classified into 7 types based on their chemical composition, and each requires a unique recycling procedure.

To decrease plastic waste and take responsibility for our environment, we must be aware of these types and the best ways to recycle them. Let’s look at the types of available plastics. 

The 7 Types of Plastics You Must Know

1. PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) 

The simplest and most frequent plastics to recycle are those constructed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is assigned the number 1. Soda and water bottles, prescription bottles, and a variety of other typical consumer goods containers are examples. PET #1 bottles should not be repurposed as reusable water bottles, no matter how tempting they may be.

2. HDPE (High-density polyethylene plastics) 

Containers of high-density polyethylene polymers (HDPE) may carry laundry detergents and bleaches, dairy products, shampoo bottles, and motor oil. HDPE is frequently recycled and used to make toys, pipework, truck bed liners, and rope. This, like PET, is generally accepted at recycling centres.

3. V (Vinyl)

Polyvinyl chloride, widely used in plastic pipes, shower curtains, medical tubing, and vinyl dashboards, is ranked third. It may be crushed and utilised after recycling to manufacture vinyl flooring, window frames, or pipework.

4. LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) 

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is the fourth most common plastic. LDPE plastic is used to manufacture thin, flexible polymers such as wrapping films, shopping bags, sandwich bags, and a range of soft packaging materials. 

5. PP (Polypropylene)

Some food containers are composed of tougher polypropylene plastic (number 5) and have a high proportion of plastic tops.

6. PS (Polystyrene) 

Styrofoam is commonly used in coffee cups, throwaway flatware, meat trays, packaging “peanuts,” and insulation. It can be recycled into a variety of products, including rigid insulation. On the other hand, the foam versions gather a lot of dirt and other impurities throughout the handling process and are frequently discarded at the recycling plant.

7. Other Plastics:

These polymers include the dangerous chemical bisphenol A, or BPA, despite their use in popular goods such as eyewear, computer casings, nylon, compact discs, and baby bottles. Not only are these polymers toxic, but they are also incredibly difficult to recycle since they do not degrade quickly. 

What Is Recyclable and Not Recyclable?

Although most plastics can be recycled, the pace at which they can be recycled and how well they can be recycled vary depending on the polymer. Plastics are classified into seven types, represented by recycling symbols in the graphic below. Some plastic recycling companies will only work with particular types of plastic since each form of polymer requires distinct technology and methods.

Furthermore, some items, such as plastic bags, might be hazardous due to jamming devices. However, plastic recycling is a long-term source of additional money for businesses that generate plastic waste. 

What to do with non-recyclable plastic?

Unfortunately, plastic recycling only accounts for around 9% of all plastic trash produced. Recycled materials are becoming increasingly popular, but infrastructure has yet to keep pace. There is still an oversupply of plastic in circulation that cannot be recycled. 

Non-recyclable plastics, such as PS and other plastics, must first be phased out of production and usage in goods. However, for non-recyclable plastic already in use, a solution may be to find alternative uses for the product or sell it. 

LDPE and LLDPE Film Scraps

LDPE means Low-Density Polyethylene, while LLDPE stands for Linear Low-Density Polyethylene. Both are plastic types commonly used to make films and bags, amongst many other things.

LDPE film scrap is a byproduct of producing LDPE films or bags. These scraps are typically produced during trimming or when defective or surplus products are discarded. LLDPE film scraps are similar to LDPE film scrap in appearance, but they are made of various types of polyethylene with different molecules.

LLDPE films are known for their high strength properties, puncture resistance, and elastic characteristics, making them ideal for high-performance applications such as stretch wrap films and heavy-duty bags. Scrap LLDPE film is also recyclable and can be used to create various products. 

In general, LDPE and LLDPE film scraps are valuable resources that can be reused and recycled to aid in waste reduction and conserve natural resources. 

Final Thoughts

Addressing the problem of plastic pollution and moving toward circularity needs effort and dedication from individuals, businesses, and policymakers. CY Group has been a leading plastic recycling company for both local and international markets since 2004. We specialise in ldpe plastic recycling mainly. 

As an ecologically and socially responsible plastic recycling company, CY Group recycles and reuses over 60,000 tonnes of PCR / PIR each year. We are devoted to making a difference in the world by providing well-rounded solutions as leading post-consumer recycled plastic suppliers. 

If you would like to know more, feel free to contact us, and our team will assist you further on how you can join our mission of making the planet more environmentally friendly.