The Essence of Plastic Recycling

Plastic has become indispensable nowadays and many everyday products that are out on the market are made of it. This is because it has so many advantages that just cannot be neglected. For starters, they cost less, are highly durable, corrosion resistant, and flexible, among others.

While the above mentioned attributes are ideal when it comes to functionality, waste plastic can threaten the environment in a very big way.  The countless trash cans and recycle bins that are found in many parts of the United States are evidence of the amount of plastic that is used on a regular basis.

The Need for Plastic Recycling

Plastic products cannot be decomposed for a very long time. This means that if thrown in garbage sites and landfills, it may take more than a hundred years for them to decay. In addition, the manufacture process uses huge amounts of fossil fuels that contribute to greenhouse gases that harm the ozone layer and somewhat ignites global warming.

Because they are lightweight, plastic commodities can be transferred to faraway places via air or water. Also, they are responsible for the deaths of many animals, birds, fish, and other creatures. Therefore, there is a serious need to perform plastic recycling and stop them from ending up in landfills and garbage dumps.

plastic recycling

Plastic Recycling and the Challenges that are Associated with it

Plastic recycling presents a practical solution to the problems that plastic commodities bring. It generally involves braking down used plastic commodities and re-manufacturing them to achieve usable products.

On the other hand, it should be noted that plastic recycling is much more complicated compared to metal recycling. Unlike certain metals such as aluminium that can be mixed with other metal products, plastic comes in various types, each one carrying specific identification codes. Plastic products with different codes need to undergo different recycling procedures.

How Ordinary Individuals Can Help

Ordinary individuals easily contribute to plastic recycling without performing extensive tasks simply by following the “three R” concept: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

  • Reduce

Reduce plastic usage and look for other alternatives like cloth, paper, and cardboard, among others.

  • Reuse

Reuse as much plastic products as possible. For instance, they can opt for product refills than settle for new plastic containers.

  • Recycle

Ordinary individuals can familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of recycling. The first thing that should be considered when it comes to plastic recycling is identifying the types of plastic and segregating them. Afterwards, they can be brought to recycle facilities and their personnel will perform the recycling process.


Plastic recycling is good for the environment and for personal finance as well. It is an undertaking that everyone should engage in because its benefits are simply too valuable to be deserted. Due to the bad state of the earth and the troublesome economy, such advantages can definitely go a very long way.

Simply put, plastic recycling is a little something that ordinary individuals should seriously consider, especially since they can do an exceptional task for future generations and save money along the way.

Image Credit:
DigitalArt – FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

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