Plastics
There are about 50 different groups of plastics, with hundreds of different varieties. Although most plastics are recyclable, most municipal programs take #1s and #2s. To make sorting and recycling easier, the American Society of Plastics Industry developed a standard marking code to help consumers identify and sort the main types of plastic. To determine the type of plastic container, check the bottom or side for the number in the small triangle. These types and their most common uses are:
 |
PET (or PETE) |
Polyethylene terephthalate – Fizzy drink bottles; water bottles |
 |
HDPE |
High-density polyethylene – Bottles for milk and washing liquids such as detergents |
 |
PVC |
Polyvinyl chloride – Food trays; cling film; bottles mineral water and shampoo |
 |
LDPE |
Low density polyethylene – Carrier bags and bin liners. |
 |
PP |
Polypropylene – Margarine tubs; microwaveable meal trays; yogurt containers |
 |
PS |
Polystyrene – Foam meat or fish trays; hamburger boxes and egg cartons; vending cups; plastic cutlery; protective packaging for electronic goods and toys |
 |
OTHER |
Any other plastics that do not fall into any of the above categories. An example is melamine, which is often used in plastic plates and cups. |
Electronics Recycling
Due to popular demand, we have partnered with ECS and been awarded a grant by Apple to continue offering regular electronics recycling events around Kaufman County! Most electronics have hazardous materials in them including heavy metals, arsenic, and more, making them difficult and costly to dispose of properly. Our electronics drives allow the comfort in knowledge that the items are recycled and the toxins are handled properly; convenient locations all over Kaufman County; and ease on finances as all electronics, small appliances, cell phones, batteries, and more are accepted free of charge. The only exception is the fee for monitors and TV’s due to the cost of the recycling process. All monitors are only $5. TV’s up to ... And all other electronics are free including: computers, keyborards, laptops, scanners, printers, copiers/fax machines, cell/corded phones, ink jet and laser cartridges, stereos, all types of batteries, small appliances and much more.
For more information, visit our electronics recycling page.
Recycling Cell Phones
Cell phones contain no less than 8 toxic substances including: arsenic, antimony, beryllium, cadmium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc.
Obsolete cellular phones are becoming a very large part of our waste stream. Over 65 million cellular phones are stockpiled in U.S. households, creating 30,000 tons of potentially hazardous waste. This year an estimated 130 million cellular phones will be discarded annually in the U. S. alone.
On the average, Americans replace their cellular phones every 18 months, and it is predicted that this will increase to every 12 months. Because of this, the Co-op has started a cellular phone recycling collection program for unwanted cellular telephones and accessories. We hope you will take advantage of this free disposal opportunity.
Collection boxes are located in the lobbies of these environmentally-conscious businesses:
Environmental Co-op Office |
401 E. Adelaide St., Terrell, TX |
Kaufman Trash Disposal & Recycling Center |
400 Alton St., Kaufman 972-932-2161 (Ask the attendant where the collection box is located.) |
Century 21, Schaeffer & Associates L.L.C. |
705 W. Moore Ave. (Hwy 80), Terrell, TX |
Kaufman County Precinct 4 ECO-Station |
6520 Plainview Dr., (Hwy 175) Kemp, TX |