Check those “Plastic Numbers” Carefully!
The small plastic numbers on the bottom of plastic containers are also known as the SPI Resin Identification Code. The code, which indicates the general class of resin, has been developed to provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling of post-consumer plastics.
Ever wonder why it is so small and hard to read? On PlasticIndustry.org the following statement is made, "The code should be applied where it will be inconspicuous to the consumer at the point of purchase so it does note influence the consumer's buying decision."
Using refillable containers, ideally glass is the most environmentally friendly option. Or, plastic containers that can be re-used many times, such as food storage containers.
The general rule is to recycle all plastics with the codes 1-6, although some like #5 are very difficult to recycle. Look for alternatives to products made with #7.However, there are other issues such as determining the original manufacturing processes. For example, #2 milk containers are blow-molded while margarine tubs are injection molded. Blow molded containers can usually be recycled, while there are not a lot of companies that will recycle injection molded products. So, if a facility is not nearly your containers will go to a landfill anyway. Most cities and towns distribute a guide as to the best way to recycle in your community. Call them now for a copy.
Whenever possible, choose products in recyclable containers. And, no matter what don't recycle containers that contained toxic materials such as antifreeze, motor oil, pesticides, paints, solvents and other hazardous materials.
What the numbers indicate:
1. best for recycling. When recycled it is used to make bottles for cleaning products, non-food containers, egg cartons, industrial paints, carpets, jackets, and hulls for sailboats
2. used extensively in household plastics. Recycled #2 is used to make plastic lumber, plastic toys, trash cans, garbage bags, plastic lumber, detergent bottles and grocery bags
3. commonly used in garden hoses, flooring, shower curtains, plumbing and house siding. PVC is harder to recycle, but can be used to manufacture more house siding, drain pipes, handrails and fences
4. used for cellophane wrap, plastic bags, disposable diaper wraps, and squeeze bottles. Very difficult to recycle.
5. found in auto battery casings, long underwear, plastic tubes. Very seldom can be recycled although efforts are being made to make carpets, recycling containers, water meter boxes.
6. Usually found in coffee cups, take-out food containers, egg cartons and packaging peanuts. Can often be recycled into insulation, plastic lumber, cafeteria trays and hard plastic pens.
7. Used in some kinds of food containers and Tupperware. Recycling is not possible at this time.
Finally, think about the products you are buying. Do you really want carpet made from recycled plastics? Are there health issues you might want to think about?
Recognizing Household Hazardous Waste
Did you know that many common products used daily require special handling for disposal and may not be discarded in sinks, storm drains or household trash? These items are classified as “household hazardous waste” (HHW) and are typically labeled Caution, Warning, Danger, Poison, Toxic, Flammable or Corrosive.
Common HHW items include:
- Automotive products, including antifreeze, fluids, motor oil.
- Batteries - home and car.
- Cathode ray tubes (TVs, computer monitors).
- Florescent light tubes and ballasts.
- Fuels.
- Herbicides.
- Hobby supplies.
- Household cleaners.
- Medicines.
- Mercury (thermometers, thermostats).
- Paint products.
- Paints (latex and oil).
- Pesticides.
- Polishes and waxes.
- Pool and spa chemicals.
- Propane tanks from barbecues.
- Small household appliances with LDD displays.
- Unused road flares.
- Wood preservatives.
Most cities and municipalities offer special community programs such as annual collection events, door-to-door collection programs, collection facilities and other options. It is suggested that
you contact your local government to determine procedures.
CURBSIDE RECYCLING
Curbside recycling now serves half of the U.S. population, providing the most convenient means for households to recycle a variety of materials.
While all curbside programs differ, the most commonly included materials are The Big Five: aluminum cans, glass bottles, paper, plastic and steel/tin cans.
Technology has revolutionized our lifestyle through telephones, radios, TVs, computers and cell phones. However, the brisk pace of technology means these devices become obsolete quickly.
A more recent issue is how our old electronics should be disposed of, because they often contain dangerous elements such as lead and mercury that can contaminate our soil and water supply.
Managing organic material at your home can not only decrease the amount of material you send to the landfill; it can also help turn your organic waste into a landscape asset.
Composting will reduce the amount of food waste in your garbage can, while creating nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden.
Did you know that used motor oil can be recycled? How about paint and batteries? It turns out many of the items in your garage are recyclable.
Claim your garage back, learn what to do with the mess and help the planet while you’re at it.
Check those “Plastic Numbers” Carefully!
The small plastic numbers on the bottom of plastic containers are also known as the SPI Resin Identification Code. The code, which indicates the general class of resin, has been developed to provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling of post-consumer plastics.
Ever wonder why it is so small and hard to read? On PlasticIndustry.org the following statement is made, "The code should be applied where it will be inconspicuous to the consumer at the point of purchase so it does note influence the consumer's buying decision."
Using refillable containers, ideally glass is the most environmentally friendly option. Or, plastic containers that can be re-used many times, such as food storage containers.
The general rule is to recycle all plastics with the codes 1-6, although some like #5 are very difficult to recycle. Look for alternatives to products made with #7.However, there are other issues such as determining the original manufacturing processes. For example, #2 milk containers are blow-molded while margarine tubs are injection molded. Blow molded containers can usually be recycled, while there are not a lot of companies that will recycle injection molded products. So, if a facility is not nearly your containers will go to a landfill anyway. Most cities and towns distribute a guide as to the best way to recycle in your community. Call them now for a copy.
Whenever possible, choose products in recyclable containers. And, no matter what don't recycle containers that contained toxic materials such as antifreeze, motor oil, pesticides, paints, solvents and other hazardous materials.
What the numbers indicate:
1. best for recycling. When recycled it is used to make bottles for cleaning products, non-food containers, egg cartons, industrial paints, carpets, jackets, and hulls for sailboats
2. used extensively in household plastics. Recycled #2 is used to make plastic lumber, plastic toys, trash cans, garbage bags, plastic lumber, detergent bottles and grocery bags
3. commonly used in garden hoses, flooring, shower curtains, plumbing and house siding. PVC is harder to recycle, but can be used to manufacture more house siding, drain pipes, handrails and fences
4. used for cellophane wrap, plastic bags, disposable diaper wraps, and squeeze bottles. Very difficult to recycle.
5. found in auto battery casings, long underwear, plastic tubes. Very seldom can be recycled although efforts are being made to make carpets, recycling containers, water meter boxes.
6. Usually found in coffee cups, take-out food containers, egg cartons and packaging peanuts. Can often be recycled into insulation, plastic lumber, cafeteria trays and hard plastic pens.
7. Used in some kinds of food containers and Tupperware. Recycling is not possible at this time.
Finally, think about the products you are buying. Do you really want carpet made from recycled plastics? Are there health issues you might want to think about?
Recognizing Household Hazardous Waste
Did you know that many common products used daily require special handling for disposal and may not be discarded in sinks, storm drains or household trash? These items are classified as “household hazardous waste” (HHW) and are typically labeled Caution, Warning, Danger, Poison, Toxic, Flammable or Corrosive.
Common HHW items include:
- Automotive products, including antifreeze, fluids, motor oil.
- Batteries - home and car.
- Cathode ray tubes (TVs, computer monitors).
- Florescent light tubes and ballasts.
- Fuels.
- Herbicides.
- Hobby supplies.
- Household cleaners.
- Medicines.
- Mercury (thermometers, thermostats).
- Paint products.
- Paints (latex and oil).
- Pesticides.
- Polishes and waxes.
- Pool and spa chemicals.
- Propane tanks from barbecues.
- Small household appliances with LDD displays.
- Unused road flares.
- Wood preservatives.
Most cities and municipalities offer special community programs such as annual collection events, door-to-door collection programs, collection facilities and other options. It is suggested that
you contact your local government to determine procedures.
CURBSIDE RECYCLING
Curbside recycling now serves half of the U.S. population, providing the most convenient means for households to recycle a variety of materials.
While all curbside programs differ, the most commonly included materials are The Big Five: aluminum cans, glass bottles, paper, plastic and steel/tin cans.
Technology has revolutionized our lifestyle through telephones, radios, TVs, computers and cell phones. However, the brisk pace of technology means these devices become obsolete quickly.
A more recent issue is how our old electronics should be disposed of, because they often contain dangerous elements such as lead and mercury that can contaminate our soil and water supply.
Managing organic material at your home can not only decrease the amount of material you send to the landfill; it can also help turn your organic waste into a landscape asset.
Composting will reduce the amount of food waste in your garbage can, while creating nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden.
Did you know that used motor oil can be recycled? How about paint and batteries? It turns out many of the items in your garage are recyclable.
Claim your garage back, learn what to do with the mess and help the planet while you’re at it.