Decoding plastic recycling
Leanne Mitchell from Regina, SK writes:
I’m confused. I recycle with a local recycling program and in it we can recycle plastics 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7. Your article on plastics in the Summer 2008 issue of Finding Solutions does not exactly match and says we should not reuse plastics 1, 3, 6 and 7. Am I confusing reusing with recycling or why is there this difference?
Lindsay’s response:
Our article "Plastics by the Number" explained what numbers 1 through 7 is called and in what products you’ll find them. You are correct in assuming that reusability and recyclability are two different things. All numbers are potentially recyclable, depending on your town or city’s recycling program. The safest plastics to reuse (e.g. for food and beverages) are 2, 4 and 5 (sing it… 2, 4, 5 keep yourself alive)! That means 1, 3, 6 and 7 are best purchased in moderation and recycled after ONE use.
August 11th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
We accept all plastics.. not sure if your city has a similar program.. but we also provide free bins and haul away commercial shrink wrap for free…if you dont have a program already.. someone should start one up.. its quite lucrative.. and saves the enviroment
http://www.westcoastplasticrecycling.com