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Plastic materials are common in our daily lives. We are continuously surrounded by these plastic materials, whether they take the shape of straws, packaging, or containers. These plastic materials are becoming a major issue that needs management. One solution to this issue is the recycling of plastic. Here are different plastic types that are recyclable.
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic
PET plastic is a clear, hard material used in soft drink bottles and medicine containers. This plastic type can be recycled into fibers for clothes and carpets. Most of the carpets that we have in our homes are produced using recycled PET plastic. They can also be recycled into other plastic materials, such as plant pots.
2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic
These are high-quality plastics used in making pipes, window frames, and electrical components. Recycling PVC plastic is a big problem because they contain phthalates. Phthalates can cause cancer in laboratory rats when exposed to these chemicals. Also, PVC involves using chlorine in manufacturing, which is harmful to the environment. PVC plastic can be recycled into other goods, such as sleeping mats and shoe soles.
3. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastic
Among the recyclable plastic types, High-Density Polyethylene is the most recycled plastic type. Given that the plastic type functions properly in hot and cold temperatures, it can also be used for items that will be used or stored outdoors. Leaching into food or liquids from HDPE products is extremely unlikely.
This plastic can be found in milk jugs, yogurt tubs, cleaning supply containers, body wash bottles, and other items. Aside from pipes, HDPE is also used to make a lot of children’s toys, park benches, and flower pots. Plastic lumber, plastic fencing, picnic tables, and bottles are all products made from recycled HDPE.
4. Polystyrene (PS) Plastic
This is a plastic that can be made from oil or natural gas. This plastic is usually used in making chairs and food packaging. This plastic type can be recycled into pipes, lumber, and packing material. They are recycled by collecting them and then recycling them into other materials such as Styrofoam which is used as insulation for shipping products to offices. They are then used again as furniture and packaging materials.
5. Low Density Polyethylene(LDPE) Plastic
This plastic type is thin and flexible and has numerous applications. It has a reputation for being strong, difficult to break, and resistant to acids, bases, and oils. Household products, including plastic wraps, frozen food containers, and squeeze bottles, are where you can find LDPE. They are recycled into other materials, such as garbage bins, car parts, and plastic lumber for decks and picnic tables. Most people recycle these plastics by taking them to a recycling center.
Increasing recycling rates for plastic materials will help to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. If properly managed, these plastics can be put to good use. They can be put into various products such as pipes, lumber, and packing materials. Recycling plastic material is one way to ensure that you contribute to the environment by reusing them and preventing them from going into landfills.
