03
2020
-
07
How to recycle waste plastic products
Author:
Today, our experts will teach you how to deal with those items that usually give you a headache, such as: old sneakers, old mattresses, etc.
Everyone knows how to recycle items like newspapers and beverage bottles, but what about those old things piling up in your storage room or basement? How can you effectively dispose of them without polluting the environment? Today, two experts from the environmental magazine Grist will answer your questions:
1. Sneakers
Do you have a pair or a pile of old sneakers that you're too embarrassed to donate to charity? Usually, big companies like Nike will recycle any shoes they sell through their recycling program, and you can take the shoes to any Nike store. These companies will recycle the old shoes and remanufacture them into surfaces for sports fields, such as basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, etc. Now, they are using these recycled shoes to build sports field surfaces in New Orleans. So far, about 20 million pairs of sneakers have been recycled through this program worldwide,
2. Mattresses
In many places, mattresses cannot be recycled and are difficult to dispose of; some charities, like Goodwill, often refuse to accept them. However, remember that recycling has a similar term: reuse. If your old mattress is still usable, you can find it a "new home" on the freecycle Network. This website is like a flea market; what you don't want or think is useless may be a treasure to someone else, and conversely, you can also find many good things at a low price.
3. Dry cleaning hangers and plastic products
Do you know how to get rid of those flimsy wire hangers you get back from the dry cleaners? Some dry cleaners will recycle them and reuse them, and some tailor shops will also be happy to accept them. What about the plastic bags you get from dry cleaning? Some dry cleaners recycle them, and besides that, you have many other options. But first, all friends who frequently visit dry cleaners should note that there is a suspected carcinogen in dry cleaning solvents, which has been banned in some areas. So try to go to those that also offer wet cleaning, or wash what can be washed, and finally, it's best not to buy clothes labeled "dry clean only."
4. Contaminated glass and plastic products
This may seem like a silly question, but do you know what to do when the bottom of a beer bottle is embedded with lime or the mouth of a jar is smeared with peanut butter? You can also take these contaminated waste items to a recycling center, which will remove most of the contaminants. In comparison, the recycling process for paper is more complicated, which is why pizza boxes are difficult to recycle. In general, the cleaner your waste is, the less effort is required during processing.
Related news
Inquiry