Recycling plastic is a difficult job that everyone plays a part in. While many people are well-intentioned and want to do the right, there’s a bigger issue at play: “wishcycling”.
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Banish founder Lottie Dalziel says, “Putting something in the recycling bin sure does feel better than putting it in landfill but in actual fact putting the wrong thing in there does more harm than good. This is actually called ‘wishcycling’ putting something in the bin in the hope that it can be recycled.”
So what are the consequences of wishcycling? And will the whole rubbish load end up in landfill?
It’s hard to say.
Lottie says, “It really depends on the type of contamination, is the paper covered in liquid? Or is there polystyrene all throughout the truck?”
How to recycle plastic
A big cause for the confusion and contamination is plastics.
The easiest way to tell if the plastic can be recycled is to check the number on the bottom.
In Australia, as in many other countries, plastic products are often marked with numbers inside a recycling symbol. These numbers, known as Plastic Identification Codes, range from 1 to 7 and indicate the type of plastic resin used to make the item. The codes assist with recycling processes, as different plastic resins have distinct properties and require specific recycling methods.
If you see a 1, 2 or 3, the plastic will likely go into your curbside recycling bin. As for numbers 4 to 7, you will have to check your local council. If you aren’t sure, it’s best to put it in your landfill bin.
Plastic identification codes
Here is a breakdown of the numbers and the corresponding plastic types commonly found in Australia:
1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): This plastic is commonly used for clear beverage bottles, such as soft drink bottles and water bottles. It is widely recycled in Australia.
2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): This plastic is commonly used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, and some food containers. It is widely recycled in Australia.
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): This plastic is less commonly used for packaging and is often found in plumbing pipes, electrical cables, and some medical products. Due to its complexity, it is recyclable but not as widely accepted in recycling programs.
4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): This plastic is used for items such as plastic bags, squeeze bottles, and some food wraps. It is recyclable but may not be accepted in all recycling programs.
5. PP (Polypropylene): This plastic is used for items like yoghurt containers, bottle caps, and food packaging. It is recyclable but may not be accepted in all recycling programs.
6. PS (Polystyrene): This plastic is used for foam packaging, disposable cups, and takeout containers. It is less commonly recycled in Australia, but some facilities accept it.
7. Other: This category includes plastics that don’t fall under the previous six numbers. It includes items like food containers, multi-layer packaging, and compostable plastics. Not all plastics in this category are recyclable, so it’s essential to check with local recycling facilities.
“If in doubt, throw it out”
Recycling capabilities can vary between recycling facilities. It’s important to check with your local council or recycling facility to understand which plastics are accepted in your area and how to prepare them for recycling properly.
But if you aren’t sure if an item can be recycled, Lottie says, “My biggest piece of advice is “if in doubt, throw it out.”
“Put it in your landfill bin and do your research to see if you can recycle it next time.”
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