It’s confusing in the recycling world. You can put a recycling label—the one called “chasing arrow”–on any product, whether it can be recycled or not. The arrows with no number in the center indicate that there is no common recycling option for that product. Also, some of the numbers used, for example plastic #7, are rarely accepted for recycling. #7 indicates “other plastics” that are hard to deal with. The message for us all is that we need to really pay attention to what’s between those chasing arrows.
Following is some information about the different types of plastic and how and where they can be recycled.
Categories of Plastic
Type #1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET)
Widely used as bottles for beverages like water and soda. One of the most widely recycled plastics in the world. Currently recycled by Floyd County Examples include beverage bottles, food bottles and jars (salad dressing, peanut butter, honey, etc.) and polyester clothing or rope.
Type #2: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
It is stronger and thicker than PET type 1 plastic. High-Density Polyethylene is strong and resistant to moisture and chemicals which makes it ideal to make containers. It is accepted at most recycling centers around the world. Currently recycled by Floyd County. Examples include milk cartons, detergent bottles, cereal box liners, toys, buckets, park benches and rigid pipes.
Type #3: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or Vinyl)
PVC is a hard and rigid plastic that is resistant to chemicals and weathering, as well as resistant to germs, which makes it ideal to use in medical and construction and building purposes. PVC has been found to leach chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, lead, dioxins, mercury, and cadmium. Examples include plumbing pipes, credit cards, human and pet toys, rain gutters, teething rings, IV fluid bags and medical tubing and oxygen masks.
Type #4: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Thinner and more flexible than HDPE. It is cheap and easy to produce and most commonly recycled at your local grocery store. Examples include plastic/cling wrap, sandwich and bread bags, bubble wrap, garbage bags, grocery bags and beverage cups.
Type #5. Polypropylene (PP)
A more heat resistant type of plastic than some others, used to hold hot foods or food packaging to be reheated. Currently collected at SustainFloyd Recycling events. Examples include straws, bottle caps, prescription bottles, hot food containers, packaging tape, disposable diapers and DVD/CD boxes.
Type #6. Polystyrene (PS)
More widely known as Styrofoam. It is not easily recyclable which means that most ends up in the landfill. It is also known to leach harmful chemicals when heated. This group also includes CD cases, toys, jewellry and other items which can be recycled. Examples include cups, takeout food containers, shipping and product packaging, egg cartons, cutlery and building insulation.
Type #7: Miscellaneous/Other
These are not included within the plastics of #1-6 and are typically not recyclable, they also include plastics that are layered or mixed with other plastics. Examples include eyeglasses, baby and sports bottles, electronics, CD/DVDs, lighting fixtures and clear plastic cutlery.
Plastic Recycling in Floyd County
Information about plastic recycling in Floyd County is listed below. Recycling options are constantly changing, so please check ahead before dropping off your recyclables at any of the locations listed.
- #1: accepted at the Floyd County transfer station and some greenbox locations
- #2: accepted at the Floyd County transfer station and some greenbox locations
- #3: recyclable, but not accepted in Floyd County
- #4: accepted the SustainFloyd monthly recycling events
- #5: accepted the SustainFloyd monthly recycling events
- #6: recyclable, but not accepted in Floyd County
- #7: not recyclable
While we offer information and help in recycling plastic, we are well aware of the problems and limits associated with recycling. In the case of plastics, recycling often requires long journeys and processes that may be highly energy consumptive and produce toxic bi-products. We believe that drastic reduction of plastic use is needed and where possible we offer tips on how to reduce use at the household level. Addressing this problem at both the corporate and government level is also needed.
Resources
For more detailed information about recycling specific plastic products, please refer to: ReSource Diretory > Plastics
For locations of the county recycling locations please refer to: Floyd County Greenbox Locations map