Sorting and Recycling of Common Plastics
Plastics play an indispensable role in daily life and production, and their widespread use undoubtedly brings great convenience to our lives. However, the resulting problem of plastic waste has become increasingly prominent, and the resulting "white pollution" has become a major challenge in environmental governance. To more effectively address this issue, we need to have a deeper understanding of plastic classification. This understanding will not only help us use plastic products more rationally, but also promote plastic sorting and recycling, thereby contributing to the reduction and effective control of environmental pollution.
Every plastic product carries a unique "identity card"—a triangle symbol surrounded by three arrows. Within these small triangles are typically numbers from 1 to 7, each representing a specific plastic material.
1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Common products include mineral water bottles, carbonated beverage bottles, and plastic packaging.
PET plastic is one of the most common and easily recyclable types of plastic in everyday life. The transparent plastic beverage bottles we often see, such as mineral water bottles and carbonated beverage bottles, are mostly made of PET. It's important to note that these plastics are not heat-resistant and can easily deform when heated, potentially releasing harmful substances. Therefore, it's recommended to avoid reusing these plastic bottles.
2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
High-density polyethylene is a strong material derived from petroleum with a high melting point. It's highly valued for its resistance to mold, mildew, and rot. HDPE plastic is commonly used in pipes and opaque, colored packaging, such as shampoo and shower gel bottles, plastic toys, and sewer pipes. These plastics, when properly cleaned, can be reused multiple times and are highly valued for their excellent heat resistance and ease of recycling.
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Polyvinyl chloride is a lightweight, durable material with a high density. It's widely used in everyday life, often found in water pipes, raincoats, and building materials. However, compared to other plastics, PVC is relatively difficult to recycle. This is primarily due to the potential for PVC to contain various toxins that are harmful to humans and the environment. Statistics show that only approximately 1% of PVC plastic is recycled annually, exacerbating its potential environmental impact. Given these circumstances, the use of PVC plastic in food packaging is gradually decreasing. Consumers should be especially careful to avoid heat exposure to ensure safe use of PVC products.
4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
LDPE plastic is widely used in everyday products, such as plastic wrap, plastic film, food bags, and bubble wrap. Due to its lightweight and flexible nature, it is often used in food packaging and disposable plastic bags. However, recycling of this type of plastic presents significant challenges. Due to technical limitations at recycling plants, most are unable to effectively recycle LDPE plastic, making it more difficult to recycle.
5. PP (Polypropylene)
PP offers excellent chemical resistance, resisting alkali and acid attack, and exhibiting high resistance to electricity and heat. It has a wide range of applications in product manufacturing, demonstrating excellent durability and ductility. This plastic can withstand temperatures up to 130°C and has a melting point of 167°C. While lacking transparency, it is easy to clean and reusable, making it ideal for everyday items such as yogurt containers, plastic bottle caps, and straws. However, similar to LDPE plastic, PP plastic faces recycling challenges, primarily due to limitations in processing technology.
6. PS (Polystyrene)
PS is a common material used in everyday items such as cups, instant noodle bowls, and fast food containers. However, recycling this material presents significant challenges. Once heated, it releases carcinogens, which not only seriously pollutes the environment but also poses a threat to human health. Therefore, the widespread use of polystyrene foam and improper recycling methods have become urgent issues that need to be addressed.
7. PC and Other Plastic Types
BPA plastics are a broad category of plastics that encompasses various types such as fiberglass and nylon. Common PC products include water bottles, space cups, and baby bottles.
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