Plastics
Info taken from https://www.epa.gov/plastics
Plastic products are generally versatile, durable and lightweight. Plastic products are prominent in the construction, transportation, and packaging industries. Plastic innovations contributed to many life-saving products that revolutionized the health care industry.
Plastic waste results from the production, use, and disposal of mono-material or multi-material plastic products. Mono-material products are made entirely from a single type of resin whereas multi-material products include one or more resin types, paper, or metal. EPA divides plastic products into three types for municipal solid waste purposes:
- Containers and packaging. Containers and packaging include products such as plastic bags, containers, and wrapping material. These may be used to wrap or contain consumer goods (e.g., food, beverages, medications, cosmetic products, mattresses) and are often discarded in household waste.
- Nondurable goods. Nondurable goods include products with a use lifespan of less than three years, such as plastic plates, cups, trash bags, disposable diapers, and clothing.
- Durable goods. Durable goods consist of products that remain in use for longer than three years such as appliances, furniture, carpet, and consumer electronics.
Plastic products are primarily made from virgin fossil fuel feedstocks. The three types of plastic products are categorized into seven polymer types with resin codes, which are typically listed on materials using the icons in the graphics below. Understanding the different plastic polymer types is important because some recycling systems only accept certain types, meaning some plastic products may not be recyclable in those systems. Governments can develop polymer-specific solutions if certain products are commonly mismanaged or littered. Region D recycling drop-off locations generally accept plastics labeled 1-7–see details and exemptions here.
