We hope by educating and promoting positive outreach towards the plastic pollution problem will bring more awareness and action toward one of today's fastest growing environmental issues there is. The answer is through recycling.
how do I recycle .epa.gov
Plastics
More than 35 million tons of plastics were generated in the United States in 2018 and only 8.7 percent was recycled. Some types of plastics are not accepted in community recycling programs. Check with your local recycling program to find out which types of plastic they accept. When possible, purchase products made from recycled plastic materials.
Below are frequent questions on plastic products. While general answers are provided, your local program may have different rules. Make sure to check with your local recycling provider to learn if they accept these items.
Can I recycle plastic bags, wraps and films?
These items are recyclable, but they cannot go in your household bin. Retail and grocery stores often accept these materials for recycling. If necessary, be sure to cut off the sealable zippers from sandwich bags before recycling them. Visit the Plastic Film Recycling website or Earth911 to find a location near you that recycles plastic bags and plastic wrap/film.
Can plastic bottles and caps be recycled?
Yes, typically the caps and labels can be left on the bottles as well.
Can polystyrene foam (styrofoam) be recycled?
Very few localities accept styrofoam in curbside recycling. Check Earth911 to learn where you can drop off your styrofoam for it to be recycled.
Can plastic containers, cups and utensils be recycled?
It depends on what types of plastic the containers and cups are made of and whether your local program accepts them. Items with food debris cannot be recycled. Plastic utensils also cannot be recycled.
Can I recycle compostable or bio-based plastics?
Compostable Plastic: No. Compostable plastics are not intended for recycling and can contaminate and disrupt the recycling stream if mixed with non-compostable plastics. If your community does not have a composting recycling pick-up program that accepts compostable plastic, contact your garbage/recycling company or local government to find out if there are any drop-off locations for your compostable plastic items.
Biobased Plastics: To determine what waste disposal options are available for a biobased plastic item, it is necessary to read the product’s label as to its compostability and recyclability.
Learn more by reading the Frequently Asked Questions about Plastic Recycling and Composting.
What do the symbols mean on the bottom of plastic bottles and containers?
These symbols were created to identify the type of plastic used to make the container. This can help you determine whether the item is recyclable by your local program. The resin number is contained in a triangle that looks very similar to the recycling symbol. However, this symbol does not necessarily mean it can be collected for recycling in your community.
Photo courtesy of ASTM International.
Find out more and full web page https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables
Raising Grace Research is creating awareness campaigns to bring awareness to today's most important issues. Look for and support our outreach and awareness programs coming to a beach walk park or billboards near you. The simplicity of happiness is knowing that you're doing right in the right direction. Reach out and help us make the world a cleaner happier place for people in the world to enjoy.
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