Recycling Plastics Containers in Northeast Louisiana by Kelby Neal Many don’t realize that all plastics are not the same. Surprisingly, several types can be recycled locally in Northeast Louisiana. There are seven different plastic types which have been coded by the Society of the Plastics Industries, Inc. They utilize Resin Identification Codes that are stamped on the bottom or underneath the top. These number codes are always surrounded by the universal recycling symbol of three arrows arranged into a triangular shape. Number 1’s will be found on soft drink, water, and mouth wash bottles; peanut butter, salad dressing, vegetable oil and clear produce containers, for example. These are made from PET or polyethylene terephthalate. PET items are recycled into polar fleece, tote bags, carpet, and occasionally new containers. Next, HDPE (high-density polyethylene) are designated with the number 2 and are commonly used in milk, juice, bleach, detergent, and shampoo bottles. Also, other general use containers utilize HDPE. The number 2 plastics are often recycled into numerous items, such as laundry detergent bottles, motor oil containers, floor tiles, lumber, and fences. Fortunately, these two plastics can be recycled locally at Monroe Iron and Steel at 411 North 9th and Marck Industries at 1500 Arkansas Avenue. Both are located in Monroe, LA and information about these two locations can be found in the Recycling Guide on the Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful’s Facebook page. Number 3 plastics define PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or vinyl. This plastic can be found in some detergent, shampoo, and cooking oil containers; as well as in siding and PVC pipe. This plastic can’t be recycled locally and should NEVER be burned because it releases toxins as it combusts. The last plastic that can be recycled locally are number 4’s, which are LDPE or low density polyethylene. This plastic can be found in plastic grocery, bread, and dry cleaning bags. These items can be recycled at your local Brookshire, Target, and some Wal-Mart stores. On the other hand, these bags could easily be reused in your home as your trash can liner. This material is recycled into trash bags, shipping envelopes, lumber, and floor tiles. One good suggestion is to take reusable bags with you and not accept these while shopping. The last 3 plastics are number 5, 6, and 7 and unfortunately cannot be recycled locally. Number 5’s are PP (polypropylene) and can be found in yogurt, butter, cool whip, and medicine bottles. Re-using these items as food containers is a common practice in any home. Number 6’s are PS (polystyrene) and are in disposable plates, “To go” containers, and compact disc containers. Finally, the last plastic type are number 7’s which fall into the miscellaneous category. Gas cans, large water dispensary containers, and computer cases are made from this material. It only takes minimal effort and thought to help keep the 38 billion water bottles out of the land fill. Everyone needs to do their part by, not only recycling, but re-using. Please remember that we do have options, and all it takes is a little motivation and dedication to help protect our environment. By the way; for all of you pickup truck owners, throwing the plastic bottle in the back is called littering. Because it will blow out as you drive down the highway.
Posted on: Fri, 06 Sep 2013 02:24:35 +0000
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