NOT ALL PLASTICS ARE RECYCLABLE

RORY Murray of Tuffy Brands noted that most households in South Africa recycle plastics 1, 2, 3 and 4 which are flexible and easy to reconstruct.

Plastic 7 is said to be non-recyclable material. “The problem comes in with the number 7 products, which are basically all plastics that do not fall under the other six types such as laminated film, sunglasses and DVDs. Number 7 plastic products are generally not recyclable, unless used for custom-made products.

“They therefore cause the most common recycling mistake made by consumers, which is to put everything they deem as plastic in the recycle bin. While plastic is a very versatile material, the recyclability of all are definitely not equal,” said Murray.

Consumers might find it quite a challenge and unavoidable to buy products that are not easily recycled but could make a difference when choosing plastics that are re-usable. |