Many people believe that plastic water bottles (by the way, our previous post was about them) can be recycled countless times. But the truth is, not every container will be a plastic bottle again after it is tossed into a blue bin. Some materials can be recycled to no end, others are just once or twice. Are you intrigued? The amount of times any thing can be recycled depends on the material it is used with. So, the question is:
How Often Can You Recycle This?
Plastic
Answer: Once or twice
Why: The majority of recycling facilities can recycle plastic only once. This is because the end plastic product of recycling cannot be thrown into a blue bin one more time. If it ends up in a landfill, it will disintegrate over time and stay there forever. So the next time you decide to buy a product in a plastic package, remember it’s a (normally) one-and-done process.
The plastics that can be recycled more than once are considered to be durable plastics. These are items like bottle caps. However, once the bottle caps become a recycled item, it has to be developed into a fabric. Then it recycling potential is over.
The best idea to prevent becoming a part of this facade of recycling is to bring your own water bottle with you whenever possible and carry your own straw.
Aluminum
Answer: Infinite
Why: Aluminum canisters are the most important recycled item in the United States and also have the highest return rate from the moment the can is left at a recycle center or picked up by your trash collector. Next time you’re thirsty, we recommend you to buy a cold beverage in a can — you’ll assist the environment and make a little money!
Metals
Answer: Infinite
Why: Metals are categorized right into ferrous and also non-ferrous metals. All metals have an unlimited life-span, as well as it is always a good idea to reuse them, regardless of just how much you have. A great guide to differentiate different types of scrap metal can be found here as well as the amount of money you can get!
Paper
Answer: 5-7 times
Why: Recycling paper is nearly as difficult as plastic, as its recycling potential lowers after every reuse. Paper is composed of lengthy fibers, so whenever it is recycled, those fibers are reduced and are tougher to be recycled next time. The typical number of times your printer paper could be recycled is about 5 to 7 times. After that, the fibers will become too short, but still valid to be used in things like egg cartons or newspapers in the form of a paper paste.
Glass
Answer: Infinite.
Why: Glass, like metal, can be recycled countless times. Due to the fact that glass is tougher to produce from the ground up, it is actually more economical to recycle and reuse glass, making it the best thing to buy at the shop.
The only thing you need to watch out for is the sort of glass. Make sure to ask your neighborhood recycling center which sorts of glass they approve, as different types of glass have various melting points as well as cannot be recycled with each other.
Altogether, you’re a superhero if you decided to recycle, especially if you live somewhere without a government-funded program. Now that you know metals and glass are the very best way to go, try to pick them first– despite accessibility to recycling facilities. iSustain Recycling deals with any kind of material – from metal to food waste, so do not hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions.