Get Introduced to Most Popular Types of Recyclable Plastics

As more people become aware of the environmental damage caused by plastic waste, there's been a growing interest in using recycled plastics. These materials are now being used across various industries to produce everything from packaging to construction materials. Recycled plastics are created by reprocessing old plastic items, which helps reduce landfill waste and extends the life cycle of plastic products. This is why many manufacturers are turning to recycled plastics as a sustainable alternative. If you're curious about what types of plastics can be recycled, this post will give you a closer look at some of the most common ones.

Common Types of Recyclable Plastics

There are several types of plastics that can be recycled, depending on local facilities and market demand. Here are some of the most frequently recycled ones:

PET is one of the most widely recycled plastics globally. It’s commonly found in beverage bottles, food containers, and even in textiles like carpets and clothing. In 2011 alone, over 7.5 million tons of PET were collected and recycled. The material can be turned into new bottles or used for making items like backpacks and furniture. Its high recyclability makes it a top choice for eco-conscious brands.

HDPE is known for its durability and is often used in things like milk jugs, detergent bottles, and shopping bags. It’s one of the easiest plastics to recycle and is typically transformed into items such as park benches, picnic tables, and road curbs. Because it’s not used for food contact, HDPE is ideal for non-food applications.

LDPE is mostly used for thin plastic bags and wraps. While it's less commonly recycled due to its low cost and lower quality, many recycling centers still accept it. Recycled LDPE is often used for producing new plastic films, garbage bags, and other flexible packaging solutions.

PP is used in a variety of products, including bottle caps, straws, and food containers. However, it's not always accepted in standard curbside recycling programs. PP takes a long time to decompose—up to 20–30 years in landfills—so it's important to find specialized recycling services. Many companies are now looking for ways to improve PP recycling rates to make it more sustainable.

While recycling efforts have improved over the years, there's still a lot of work to be done before recycled plastics can match the reuse rates of materials like glass and aluminum. Today, many manufacturers use recycled plastics for non-food products. If you're looking to incorporate recycled materials into your production, it's important to partner with reliable suppliers. Companies like Mid Continent Plastics offer a wide range of high-quality recycled plastics for compounding, extrusion, and injection molding. Their extensive inventory and industry experience make them a trusted choice for businesses seeking sustainable solutions. Contact them today to learn more about their offerings and how they can support your sustainability goals.

Related Post-

• Why Recycled Plastics Are the Wave of the Future
• Recycled Plastics vs. Virgin Resins: Which One is better?