01:00 AM EDT on Saturday, August 21, 2010
http://www.projo.com/home/content/decor_recycle_qa_0821_08-21-10_2LJISE3_v4.49d6bc.html
Q: Why are only two types (numbers 1 and 2) of plastic recyclable? What happens to the other plastic at the landfill?
— Phil, Providence
A: Believe it or not, you’ve asked several questions.
Why does the R.I. program restrict the types of plastics in the program? Are all #1 and #2 plastics OK? What happens if I put the “wrong” plastic in my bin? Well, in theory, all plastics are recyclable, but not all plastics make sense to recycle.
For a plastic to qualify as being “recyclable” there has to be a manufacturer who needs the plastic as feedstock (raw material) that it can use to make something new. For example, #1 bottles are in high demand. This type of plastic is shredded or flaked, and then used to make, among other things, fleece, jeans, carpets, and, of course, new plastic bottles.
