Recycling should be easy, but it's not. We've all stood in front of the recycling bin, holding an item, unsure how to recycle it, or even if it's recyclable. Most products are made of a variety of materials-plastic is often one of them. Some plastic packaging is recyclable. But if it's labeled, can it still be recycled? The answer is, yes, but it depends. This question can be a bit iffy, so let's take a closer look.
Labels and Recycling
Different recycling facilities have different processing capacities, and different types of labels may be more recyclable than others. If the label on a recyclable plastic container is made of the same type of plastic, both can be recycled. If the label is made of paper or a different type of recyclable plastic, it will become contaminated in the packaging's recycling process.
However, most local recycling centers don't require you to remove the label before throwing the product in the recycling bin. The heat used in the recycling process ensures that the paper label and glue are burned off the container (whether it's a can, glass, or plastic bottle). If the label is made of a different plastic than the container, it will contaminate the recycling, regardless of whether it's recyclable plastic or not. No recycling process is perfect-contamination is inevitable, and a few plastic labels won't ruin a significant amount of recyclables. However, the level of contamination is closely linked to the quality and value of the recycled material, and even whether there's market demand. So, while you might not need to remove labels, it's generally a good idea to do so whenever possible.
Plastic Containers
Of course, reducing plastic use-especially single-use plastics-is better than recycling them. But living plastic-free is easier said than done; sooner or later, you'll find yourself trying to recycle plastic. The first thing to understand is that it's a misconception that the recycling symbol always means the packaging is recyclable. The universal recycling symbol on plastic packaging always includes a resin identification code (RIC), which indicates the type of plastic used in the item. The most commonly recycled plastics are #1 and #2. #5 plastic is technically recyclable, but few curbside recycling programs accept it.
Recyclable plastic containers may have paper labels attached to them. These labels are not recyclable due to the glue on the labels. While easily removable labels can improve the quality of the recycled plastic, they're usually not necessary because the labels and glue burn off when the plastic is melted. Sometimes, plastic bottles are wrapped in a plastic film label. This label may be vinyl or polyethylene, both of which are recyclable but cannot be placed in curbside trash. Before recycling a container, remove the plastic film label. In almost all cases, the label itself should be disposed of in the trash.
Plastic Bags
In rare cases, a plastic film label may be labeled as #2 or #4 plastic. In this case, you can dispose of it like other plastic films, such as grocery bags (#2) and produce bags (#4). Curbside recycling programs generally no longer accept these materials. Grocery stores are the most likely places to accept plastic bags for recycling. When recycling plastic film packaging, it's best to remove the paper label again, but it's not absolutely necessary.
Specific and Variable
Plastic is popular because it can be specially formulated to meet a variety of different and highly specific material needs. However, given the numerous variables, it's not surprising that municipalities haven't yet established a unified approach to plastic disposal. Fluctuating commodity prices may force cities to gradually change the materials they accept for recycling.
To ensure you're not wasting recyclables or contaminating a large volume of recyclables, it's best to consult with your local solid waste disposal company. They may contract with a private company to manage their recycling program. Check your utility bill and your city's website for contact information. Ask them what materials they accept and how carefully you need to prepare them for recycling. If your city doesn't accept a certain material, don't give up. You can use a recycling database to find a recycling company near you that will accept whatever materials you need to dispose of.
