Recycling Tips
PLASTICS
WHAT IS PLASTICs?
The world that we are living in today is surrounded by plastics, they are everywhere.
Plastics is a synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers. There are many different types of plastics depending on their molecular shape, and this structure makes plastics particularly durable and long-lasting. Due to their low cost, ease of manufacture, and versatility, plastics are widely used in different categories; beverage containers, Furniture, Automotive parts, and many many things......
DIFFERENT PLASTIC POLYMERS:
Now we need to understand different plastic polymers. It is crucial to have the knowledge to identify the polymer of the plastics we are looking to recycle as different polymers are processed differently.
Household plastics generally can be recognized by their name or number that should be usually printed or embossed somewhere on the products. The most common ones are:
1 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET)
Common uses Water bottles, soft drink bottles, meat trays, plastic jars, carpets, clothing material, fiberfill material.
2 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Common uses: Milk/juice bottles, wheelie bins, drums, pipes, detergent containers, Toys.
3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Common uses: fake leathers, cable covers, tape, pipes, vinyl, heat-shrinking tubes.
4 Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Common uses: plastic film, lids, irrigation pipes, sauces bottles, pipes, sheets.
5 Polypropylene (PP)
Common uses: Toys, buckets, plant pots, yogurt/ice-cream container, disposable containers, pallets, clothes hangers
6 Polystyrene or Styrofoam (PS)
Common uses CD cases, packing foam, electric housings, soft packaging, clothes hangers.
7 Miscellaneous Plastics (Other)
Other plastics including polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass, nylon, and many more.
CAN YCA RECYCLING ACCEPT ALL OF THEM FOR RECYCLING?
Yes and No.
We can accept many types of plastics for recycling but not all of them. It will depend on certain conditions. Hence, we will need to work together.
Do not mix plastic together!
You should never mix different plastic polymer together. Mixing different plastic polymer might end up not being recycled as this will decrease their quality drastically and make it very difficult for repurpose.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE SURE YOUR PLASTICs GET RECYCLED?
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Identify the polymer of the plastics.
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Separate and collect in a different container.
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Ensure the plastics are clean and not contaminated.
At YCA Recycling, we turn pre-sorted, clean plastic recyclables into high-quality granules/flakes and supply to the manufacturers for molding into plastic products again. Learn more
Plastics take over 450 years to biodegrade. So make sure you put your plastics waste to recycling at the end of its uses and follow the above steps before you take them to recycle.
You can always give us a call on 1300 503 882 or email us admin@ycarecycling.com if you are unsure or would like to learn more.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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