Plastic recycling is critical in reducing waste, preserving resources, and protecting the environment. However, it can be confusing to know exactly which plastics can be recycled and what to do with certain types of packaging. If you’ve ever scratched your head at the various recycling symbols and labels on packaging, you’re not alone! Let’s break down what these labels mean and how to better navigate plastic recycling.
At A.R. Richards Ltd, we pride ourselves on being a leader in waste management and recycling. Over the last eight months, we’ve consistently achieved a recycling rate of over 96%, a remarkable figure that demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. Nearly all the materials we process are diverted from landfills and repurposed into new products.
Our Shed at Bensite
A recycling rate like ours doesn’t happen by accident. It takes careful planning, consistent effort, and the right infrastructure. With over eight months of sustained success, A.R. Richards Ltd is proud to stand at the forefront of responsible recycling, playing a key role in reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL)
Recycle
This simple label indicates that the packaging can be recycled, and local authorities widely collect it, it’s a whopping 75% or more! Whenever you see this, make sure to pop it into your recycling bin!
Don’t Recycle
If packaging displays this label, it means that the material isn’t collected for recycling by most local authorities, this comes to less than 50%. Unfortunately, these items are unable to be properly sorted and recycled into new materials, so they should go into your general waste.
Recycle – Rinse
Did you know that leftover food residue on recyclable packaging can spoil an entire batch of recycling? Packaging with this label needs to be rinsed to ensure it can be correctly processed. Give containers a quick rinse before recycling to help maintain the quality of the recycling process.
Recycle – Lid On
Small items like bottle caps or lids under 40mm in diameter are often too small to be sorted correctly at recycling plants. If you see this label, it’s important to leave the cap or lid on the bottle before recycling. This ensures the whole item is collected and processed properly.
Recycle Bottle Cap On – Don’t Recycle Remove Sleeve
Many bottles come with sleeves or plastic films that need to be removed before recycling. If your packaging shows this label, remove the sleeve and throw it away, but keep the bottle cap on the bottle to ensure the bottle itself is recycled.
Recycle with Bags at Large Supermarkets – Don’t Recycle at Home
Some plastics, like bread bags, chocolate wrappers, and crisp packets, can’t be recycled at home. However, many large supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s offer collection points specifically for these items. Keep them aside and drop them off the next time you’re doing your shop!
Understanding Plastic Resin Codes
The Plastic Resin Codes are another essential tool in plastic recycling. These codes, shown as a triangle of arrows with a number in the middle (1-7), help to identify the type of plastic resin used in the product. Not all plastics are created equal; some are more recyclable than others.
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – This is a widely recycled plastic often used in clear single-use bottles, such as water and soft drink bottles.
- HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) – Also widely recycled, HDPE is used in thicker, coloured bottles and tubs, such as shampoo bottles and margarine tubs.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – This type of plastic isn’t widely collected and is difficult to recycle. It’s often found in products like healthcare items and wire insulation.
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – A flexible plastic used in bags like bread bags. While you can’t recycle these at home, supermarkets often collect them at specialised recycling points.
- PP (Polypropylene) – Widely recycled, this plastic is used in trays and tubs, such as takeaway containers and yoghurt pots.
- PS (Polystyrene) – Unfortunately, this material isn’t widely collected and is hard to recycle. Polystyrene can be found in foam meat trays and disposable cutlery.
- Other – This includes plastics that don’t fall under the other categories, like crisp packets. These can often be recycled at supermarket collection points.
A Quick Recap
Plastic Bottle, ready to be recycled
- Always check the label on your packaging to understand whether it can be recycled.
- Rinse out food containers before recycling to prevent contamination.
- Leave caps or lids on bottles to ensure they can be properly sorted.
- Keep an eye out for plastics that need to be recycled at supermarkets, like bread bags and crisp packets.
- Familiarise yourself with plastic resin codes to know which plastics are widely recycled and which need special handling.
By paying close attention to the labels and understanding the different types of plastics, you can help ensure that your recycling efforts are as effective as possible. Together, we can contribute to a more sustainable future by recycling smartly and responsibly!
When you partner with A.R. Richards Ltd for your waste management needs, you’re not just getting rid of rubbish – you’re joining us in making a meaningful difference for the environment. Together, we can continue to push for an even greener future!
Interested in learning more? Check out the ‘Recycle Now‘ website.
