RECYCLING SYMBOLS
Recycling is an important factor for efficient use of resources and a more livable future. But do we know exactly what we can recycle and how we can do it? So let's take a look at what are the recycling symbols and how products with these symbols can be recycled.
RECYCLING SYMBOLS:
- 1. MOBIUS CYCLE
This symbol indicates that the product can be recycled. However, it does not guarantee that the material will be accepted by the local recycling center or collector company, nor does it indicate that the product is made from recycled materials. All mean the same regardless of color.
- 2. GREEN DOT
The meaning of the Green Dot is often confused with the Mobius Cycle. This point does not mean that the packaging can be recycled or recycled. It shows that the manufacturer contributes financially to the recovery and recycling of the packaging.
- 3.PLASTICS
The purpose of the numbers in the loops is to describe the type of plastic used for the product. Not all plastics can be recycled or reused. There are many plastic-based products that cannot be shredded and recycled.
1-PET (POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE)
PET is one of the most widely used plastics in consumer products. It is found in most water and beverage bottles and some packaging. It is designed for single use applications. Repeated use increases the risk of harmful organisms and bacteria growth. Products made from (PET) plastic should be recycled, but not reused.
2-HDPE (HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE)
HDPE plastic is a hard plastic used to make detergent and oil bottles, toys and some plastic bags. HDPE is the most widely recycled plastic and considered one of the safest plastics. Recycling HDPE plastic for secondary use is a relatively simple and cost-effective process. HDPE plastic is very durable and will not deteriorate when exposed to sunlight, overheating or frost. That's why HDPE is used for picnic tables, plastic lumber, trash cans, parking benches, bed covers for trucks, and other products that require weather resistance. Products made of HDPE can be reused and recycled.
3-PVC (POLYVINYL CHLORIDE)
PVC is a soft, flexible plastic used to make clear plastic food packaging, teething rings, children's and pet toys, and blister packaging for countless products. It is mainly used as a coating material for computer cables and to prevent splintering of plastic pipes and piping. Since PVC is relatively waterproof to sunlight and air, it is also used to make window frames, garden hoses, raised beds and trellises. PVC is called "toxic plastic" because it contains a large number of toxins that it can leak through its entire life cycle. Less than 1% of pure PVC material can be recycled. Products produced using PVC plastic cannot be recycled.
4-LDPE (LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE)
LDPE is often found in dry cleaning garment packaging, plastics used in bread packaging. Plastic bags used in most stores today are also made using LDPE plastic. This type of plastic is also used in some clothes and furniture. LDPE is considered less toxic than other plastics and relatively safe to use. When recycled, LDPE plastic is used for plastic lumber, landscaping boards, trash cans and floor tiles. Products made using recycled LDPE are not as hard as those made using recycled HDPE plastic. Products made using LDPE plastic can be reused, but cannot always be recycled.
5-PP (POLYPROPYLENE)
Polypropylene plastic is hard and light, and is very heat resistant. It acts as a barrier against moisture, oil and chemicals. When you try to open the thin plastic liner on a grain box, it's polypropylene. This lining keeps your grains dry and fresh. PP is also widely used for disposable diapers, buckets, plastic bottle caps, margarine and yogurt containers, and rope. PP is considered safe for reuse, and manufactured products can also be recycled.
6-PS (POLYSTYRENE)
Polystyrene is an inexpensive, lightweight and easily formable plastic with a wide variety of uses. It is most commonly used in disposable styrofoam drinking cups, egg cartons, plastic forks, foam packaging, and foam used to fill shipping boxes to protect contents. Since polystyrene is structurally weak and ultra-light, it breaks easily and can be easily dispersed in its environment. All the beaches of the world have the most polystyrene pieces in plastic, and countless sea creatures swallow this plastic. Recycling is not common for polystyrene products. While recycling polystyrene technology is available, the recycling market is small.
7-OTHER (BPA, POLYCARBONATE AND LEXAN)
The 7 category is designed as a common collection category for polycarbonate (PC) and "other" plastics. Therefore, reuse and recycling protocols are not standardized within this category.
- 4. PINE - GLASS
The majority of glass can be recycled. If you're sending your glass bottles or jars for glass recycling, try separating the glass in color. Also remember to remove non-glass components such as bottle caps.
