Queues soon formed outside recycling centres across the nation, with reports that some even had to close early due to traffic jams! While it's not a good idea to stampede to the tip, it's an ideal time to start recycling again, as many councils suspended the service during the full lockdown.
© Wayhome Studio / Adobe Stock
Why is recycling so complex?
Plastic is widely recycled, but there are numerous different types and people won't necessarily know that some can be recycled and some can't. The problems start with the multi-layer packaging used on some pre-packed food and drink items.
According to scientists at the recycling institute, Cyclos-HTP, in Germany, some packaging can be made from up to 10 different plastic films. Multi-layer packaging is popular because it's light and thin, so it uses fewer materials and creates fewer O2 emissions during transportation. However, it can't be recycled, as it's not possible to separate the individual plastic films from each other or melt them down.
Cyclos-HTP conducted a survey of plastic packaging and found that on average, one-third wasn't recyclable. Of the remaining two-thirds, just under half was recycled, while the rest was incinerated and used as fuel. This met the required European recycling quota. However, media images of carelessly-discarded plastic waste have played a key role in governments, businesses and consumers aiming to do more to support recycling.
What plastics can be recycled?
The most widely recycled plastic is Polyethylene Terephthalate, known as PET. Mainly used for clear plastic bottles, such as those used for water, fizzy drinks and mouthwash, it's also used in some yoghurt cartons. PET is recycled into items such as cushion fillings, carpets, polyester fabric and the filling for fleeces.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) can be recycled, but not in every area, so check with your local authority. Commonly used in coloured bottles and tubs including sturdy milk cartons, bottle tops, detergent and bleach bottles, margarine tubs, shampoo bottles, ice-cream tubs and some carrier bags, it is usually made into detergent bottles and pens.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) can be recycled in many areas. Flexible, it is a sturdy plastic used for squeezable tubes such as those containing hand cream, frozen food and bread bags, bubble wrap and carrier bags. It is usually recycled into bin liners.
Polypropylene (PP) can be recycled. It includes plastic straws, packing tape, takeaway food tubs, plastic picnic ware and ketchup bottles. It is commonly recycled into brushes, brooms, plastic trays and garden rakes.
What plastics can't be recycled?
Unfortunately, there are still numerous non-recyclable plastics on the market. You can't recycle Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in normal recycling centres. This includes film or plastic bags that aren't stretchy, blister packaging, cling film, hosepipes and plastic garden furniture.
You can't recycle Polystyrene (PS) in normal collections. This includes both types: the brittle, hard plastic and the light, waterproof, insulating type. This means you can't recycle plastic forks, CD cases, some yoghurt pots (check the label), foamy takeaway packaging, meat trays and styrofoam.
Other non-recyclable plastics include the composites used for crisp packets, plastic-coated gift-wrapping paper and polycarbonates.
If you're having trouble identifying the different types, contact your local authority for guidance.
Why can only certain plastics be recycled?
There are various reasons why not every plastic item can be recycled. In some cases, it's not possible to sell every type of plastic to a recycling firm, because either the market doesn't exist, or the nearest factory is so far away that it isn't cost-effective to transport the waste plastic there.
In addition, products made of several types of plastic can't be recycled because each resin melts at a different temperature, and will react differently when being reprocessed, so the factories that make new items out of recycled plastic will have equipment that will take only certain types of resin.
The reason why some yoghurt cartons and margarine tubs can't be recycled, yet milk cartons can, is because the tubs are "injection moulded", while the bottles are "blow moulded". The two different processes will make the plastics react differently when melted down for recycling.
Is the government trying to reduce restrictions?
The British government drew up a new strategy: Our Waste, Our Resources was launched in 2019 to improve recycling. Aimed at finding workable solutions to recognised problems such as reducing reliance on single-use plastics, it also aims to cut the confusion surrounding household recycling.
It will also tackle the problems of finding eco-friendly packaging and the "environmental and moral scandal" that waste has become. The document says it is particularly focused on single-use plastics, which it describes as "avoidable waste".
The strategy was launched after scientists revealed an estimated eight million tonnes of plastic waste entered our oceans every year, causing devastation to the wildlife, ecosystem and habitats. It is part of the government's 25 Year Environment Plan - a blueprint for eliminating all avoidable waste by 2050.
What are businesses doing to help?
Businesses are aiming to ensure their packaging is recyclable - they can't afford to ignore the public outrage at how plastic waste is affecting our oceans and planet. Many industries have subsequently drawn up plans to phase out single-use plastics. They have also pledged to use more recycled plastic in their packaging and to boost their own recycling efforts in the workplace.
In 2018, some of the world's leading brands such as Procter and Gamble, PepsiCo, Nestlé and Unilever, were targeted by investors to reduce their use of plastic packaging. They were asked to disclose their annual plastic packaging use, set up recycling schemes, set goals for reducing unnecessary plastics and make the transition to recyclable packaging where possible.
Since the 1950s, people have produced around 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic, and scientists say that figure will increase to 34 billion tonnes by 2050 if we continue at our present rate. Businesses are now waking up to the fact that consumers care about our planet, so they must adapt their practices accordingly, or lose money.
A recent study by Smartest Energy revealed 81% of respondents said they were likely to choose a brand with a positive reputation when it came to environmental sustainability. A massive 90% of people agreed it was crucial that society became more aware of the earth's resources and how we use them.
The research has impacted on businesses in the UK, as it outlines a change in consumer behaviour, with 87% of respondents believing we must "act now" to improve environmental sustainability. To remain competitive, it's vital that businesses get on board and adopt greener practices.
We do NOT sell single-use plastics
As a responsible business, which supports recycling and cares about the environment, Solent Plastics provides a range of recycling storage and plastic waste bins, so you can set up your own recycling schemes at home and in the workplace.
Call us on 01794 514478, or email sales@solentplastics.co.uk for more details.