Polymers are large molecules composed of many similar smaller molecules linked

together. The individual smaller molecules are called

monomers. When small organic molecules are joined

together, giant molecules are produced (aka macromolecules)

Biodegradable – able to rot naturally garden and kitchen waste like potato skins and

banana skins. Newspaper is also biodegradable! Nonbiodegradable – unable to rot naturally

Plastic bags, synthetics, plastic bottles, tin cans, and computer hardware

There are many different types of plastic that we use every day

These are split in to 19 different grades – bottles are made of grades1 and 2 plastics

Plastics can be very difficult to recycle Grades 1 and 2 are the easiest to recycle

Plastics can take over 500 years to breakdown

• About 7% of all household waste is plastic.

• Annually, 3 million tons of plastic rubbish are produced.

• 57% of litter found on beaches is plastic.

• In 2001 only 7% of all plastic was recycled. Is this the case in your household?

Started in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI)

To help ID the plastics in garbage Is voluntary. However, 39 states have

adopted the system as mandatory The arrow symbol is misleading – just

because it has it, it does not mean the item is recyclable or came from recycled items

PET or Polyethylene terephthalate

Description:Safe, strong, transparent and versatileLight weight, resealability, shatter resistance and recyclabilityClear tough plastic, may be used as a fiber

Uses:Beverages, food items … cups

Recycled into carpets, tshirts, fleece jackets, sleeping bags, dog beds, car bumpers and door panels…

HDPE High Density Polyethylene

Description:Very common plastic, usually white or colored

Uses:Bottles, crates, buckets, pipes, toys, fuel containers, bagsPlastic grocery bags cause problems at recycling plants and therefore are not accepted

Recycled into:Plastic lumber, truck cargo liners, trash containers, rope, piping, and toys

Monomer:

UPVC Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride

Description:UPVC Hard rigid plastic, may be clearPPVC Flexible, clear, elastic plastic

Uses:Pipes, fences, windows…

Monomer:

PPVC Plasticized polyvinyl chloride

Description:Soft, flexible plastic

Uses:Carrier bags and bin liners

Monomer:

Low density polyethylene

Description:Hard, but flexible plastic – many uses

Uses:Margarine tubs, microwaveable meal trays.

Monomer:

Polypropylene

Description:PS Rigid, brittle plastic, may be clear, glassyEPS foamed, lightweight, energy absorbing, thermal insulation

Uses:Yogurt pots, foam meat or fish trays, hamburger boxes and egg cartons, vending cups, plastic cutlery, protective packaging for electronic goods and toys

Monomer:

Polystyrene PSEPS

Description:Other. Use of this code indicates that the package is made with something other than the previous 1-6 types or is made of more than one of the above in combination

Uses:All else

Polystyrene

Mechanical recycling of plastics refers to processes which involve the melting, shredding or granulation of waste plastics.

Plastics must be sorted prior to mechanical recycling. At the moment in the UK most sorting for mechanical

recycling is done by trained staff who manually sort the plastics into polymer type and/or color.

Boulder County Colorado Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YaTpL8nl7c