Znát, které plasty jsou recyklovatelné podle číselné značky

Have you noticed the small numbers inside triangles on plastic bottles and containers? These symbols contain important information about plastic resin types, yet they often go unnoticed by consumers. Let’s examine the plastic identification system and understand which plastics are safe, which may pose concerns, and how to effectively recycle them using specialized equipment.

Interestingly, the numbering system inside triangular symbols on plastic products was not originally created to guide recycling efforts. The Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) developed this classification system to identify the plastic resin used in manufacturing. This explains why these numbers are frequently inconspicuous on consumer products.

Further complicating recycling efforts, each local recycling facility maintains specific guidelines regarding which plastics they accept. For recycling professionals, establishing direct communication with local facilities is essential to determine which plastic types they process.

In the recycling industry, plastics are categorized into seven primary types. Generally, plastics #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE) are widely accepted by recycling facilities. Plastics #3 through #6 are less commonly recycled, with many facilities choosing not to process them. Plastic #7 presents the greatest challenge and is typically not recyclable through standard municipal recycling programs.

Recycle Number 1: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

• Used In: Microwavable food trays; salad dressing, soft drink, water, and juice bottles.
• Status: Difficult to clean; prone to absorbing bacteria and flavors; avoid reusing.
• Recycled To Make: Carpet, furniture, new containers, Polar fleece.

Recycle Number 2: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

• Used In: Household cleaner and shampoo bottles, milk jugs, yogurt tubs.
• Status: Does not transmit known chemicals into food.
• Recycled To Make: Detergent bottles, fencing, floor tiles, pens.

Recycle Number 3: PVC (Vinyl)

• Used In: Cooking oil bottles, clear food packaging, mouthwash bottles.
• Status: Believed to contain phthalates that interfere with hormonal development; avoid.
• Recycled To Make: Cables, mudflaps, paneling, roadway gutters.

Recycle Number 4: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

• Used In: Bread and shopping bags, carpet, clothing, furniture.
• Status: Does not transmit known chemicals into food.
• Recycled To Make: Envelopes, floor tiles, lumber, trash-can liners.

Recycle Number 5: PP (Polypropylene)

• Used In: Ketchup bottles, medicine and syrup bottles, drinking straws.
• Status: Does not transmit known chemicals into food.
• Recycled To Make: Battery cables, brooms, ice scrapers, rakes.

Number 6: PS (Polystyrene)

• Used In: Disposable cups and plates, egg cartons, take-out containers.
• Status: Believed to leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen, into food; avoid.
• Recycled To Make: Foam packaging, insulation, light switchplates, rulers.

Recycle Number 7: Other (Miscellaneous)

• Used In: 3- and 5-gallon water jugs, nylon, some food containers.
• Status: Contains bisphenol A, linked to heart disease and obesity; avoid.
• Recycled To Make: Custom-made products.

Často kladené otázky

Q: What equipment is needed to efficiently sort different plastic types?

A: Effective plastic sorting requires specialized equipment including near-infrared (NIR) sensors, optical sorters, and air classifiers. Advanced facilities may also employ artificial intelligence systems to improve sorting accuracy and throughput.

Q: How can recycling facilities improve their processing of mixed plastic streams?

A: Facilities can enhance processing by implementing multi-stage sorting systems, investing in advanced washing lines, and establishing partnerships with specialized recyclers for difficult-to-process plastics like #3 through #7.

Q: Are there emerging technologies for recycling plastics currently considered non-recyclable?

A: Yes, advanced recycling technologies including chemical recycling and pyrolysis are being developed to process traditionally non-recyclable plastics. These methods break down plastics at the molecular level, allowing for more comprehensive recycling capabilities.

Q: What factors should industrial buyers consider when investing in plastic recycling equipment?

A: Key considerations include processing capacity requirements, compatibility with local plastic waste streams, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and potential for future upgrades as recycling technologies evolve.

Q: How can recycling facilities determine the economic viability of processing different plastic types?

A: Facilities should conduct market analysis of end markets for recycled materials, calculate processing costs per plastic type, evaluate contamination rates, and consider potential government incentives or subsidies for recycling specific materials.
– plastic-sorting