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There are many types of plastic being used in the UK today, and there are problems associated with recycling them because of different inherent properties that impact their useful second life. They are difficult to sort, although some types have numbers for ease of identification. others need X-raying to determine their chlorine content and subsequent suitability for recycling. Plastic bottles are made from 3 different types pf polymer depending on the end use. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is used for fizzy drink and some squash bottles because they need to withstand pressure. HDPE (high density polyethylene) is used for milk, juice and detergent and do not withstand pressure. Some large squash bottles are still made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a known human carcinogen that releases persistent organic pollutants (e.g. dioxin) throughout it's lifecycle, making it environmentally toxic. Other blends of polymer are used for margarine tubs and rigid food containers, and yoghurt pots are made from polystyrene. Lids are made from different plastics, so it is advised to separate them from the bottle when you recycle them.
Although technically almost all plastics can be recycled; it is important to identify the type of plastic used for several reasons. Different types of polymer cannot be recycled together otherwise they lose the qualities for which they were originally designed and reduce their usability. Not all types of plastic are worth recycling, for example blended polymers or PVC products as there is a limited outlet for them. The value and quality of plastics is further decreased if they haven't been washed properly.
Plastic flower pots are generally made from either PP (polypropylene) or polystyrene, and again there is a limited use for recycled products. They also tend to have highter contamination levels because they haven't been thoroughly cleaned. Both the manufacture of carrier bags from recycled plastic, and recycling of new carrier bags are increasing. The latter are mostly used for manufacture of recycled bin liners because of their light weight and the ink print. Bio-polymers (plastics with starch and cellulose for example) have been developed to make carrier bags that you can compost and seem a promising alternative.
Plastics do not rot or biodegrade, and are bulky so they take a lot of room in landfill and simply stay there. The good news is there are new types of plastics being developed including biodegradable and photodegradable, and a wide range of products are now made from recycled plastic:
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bin liners and carrier bags
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plastic bottles
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flooring and window frames
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building insulation board
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video and compact disc cassette cases
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fencing and garden furniture
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water butts, garden sheds andcomposters
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seed trays
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fleeces
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fibre filling for sleeping bags and duvets
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A variety of office accessories
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