Did you know that it takes one plastic bottle up to 1000 years to degrade in a landfill? Or 100,000 marine animals are killed each year as a result of plastic bag pollution. That is why it is absolutely important for each and every individual to do their part to protect the environment by recycling. There are several benefits of recycling plastics.
It reduces the amount of energy and natural resources needed to create virgin plastic.
By recycling plastics, it keeps them out of landfills and allows them to be reused in manufacturing new products.
One of the most common items in the bin or cart that should not be there and can cause the most damage is plastic bags. When the bags get caught in the recycling sorter, the whole system needs to be shut down and the bags are manually pulled out. Consider recycling plastic bags by taking them back to the store and placing in their specially designated bins. Plastic bottles and caps can and should be placed in recycling bins.
It is important to take note of the types of plastics accepted in your area – these can be identified by the Resin Identification Code. This code is a stamped or printed number found on the bottom of plastic containers and surrounded by the recycling symbol. Plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5 have the highest acceptance rates in the United States. You should follow the “wash and squash” rule—rinse the plastic container. Paper labels can remain on containers.
Used plastics can be recycled to make carpeting, clothing, accessories, backyard decks, home building products, furniture, car parts, electronics, and new bottles, bags and containers.
Article source:http://www.kcchronicle.com/2015/07/21/recycling-plastics-with-advanced-disposal/aknn63o/
