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 events have been so popular that we have organized cleanups again and again as a way to properly dispose of, or recycle, electronic components. Waste electronics are hard to dispose of, and can be quite costly. They include computers, monitors, keyboards (laptops, too), scanners, printers, copiers/fax machines, cell/corded phones, ink jet and laser cartridges, stereos, and batteries (rechargeable and non). Click here for information on electronics recycling events.

Watch your local newspaper. To dispose of televisions, however, a $20 fee is imposed due to the restrictions of ‘electronics’ or check this Website at the Current Events link.  

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:       

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