ABOUT
PLASTICS
Plastics are synthetic and semi-synthetic materials that are primarily composed of polymers. Plastic is derived from natural products, such as, crude oil, natural gas, salt and more. The fossil fuel industry is the main source of raw materials used to manufacture plastics.
HOW TO CATEGORIZE
PLASTICS
The resin identification code found on the bottom of most products tells consumers what type of plastic the product is made from. Recycling centers only accept certain types of resin. Check with your local facility to ensure you’re recycling properly!
WHY DO WE ONLY TAKE #2, #4,
AND #5 PLASTIC?
#2, #4, and #5 plastics are the most useful for ECOP's operations. These plastics are particularly easy to process in our granulator and yield the best results, producing smooth and polished products. Additionally, ECOP operates under a permit that specifies the allowable quantity of plastic that can be stored in our facility at any given time.
#1 POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET)
This plastic is commonly used and recycled. It is flimsy, easily crushed, and very light. PET is used to make soda and water bottles, clamshells, food containers, and more.
HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE) #2
HDPE is another plastic that is commonly used and recycled. It is generally thicker than PET. Some examples include milk jugs, flower pots, chemical containers, shampoo bottles, and more.
#3 POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)
This plastic is less commonly recycled due to the toxins it releases when heated. PVC is used to make piping, construction materials, disposable gloves, toys, and more.
LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE) #4
LDPE is a flexible and low-cost plastic that is usually recycled. This type of plastic is used for grocery bags, shrink wrap, six-pack rings, bubble wrap, bottle caps, and more.
#5 POLYPROPYLENE (PP)
Due to its heat resistant properties, PP is commonly used for food packaging. Some examples include yogurt containers, pill bottles, tupperware, and more. PP is generally recycled.
POLYSTYRENE (PS) #6
This plastic is clear, hard, and brittle, but can be foamed or made into a film. Common examples of PS include Styrofoam, CD cases, cutlery, food trays, hangers, and more. PS is recyclable, but the process is complicated and expensive.
#7 OTHER
This plastic is generally made out of a mixture of different plastics. Therefore, #7 plastics are rarely recycled. Examples include baby bottles, eyeglass lenses, car parts, safety equipment, and more.
HOW DOES THIS POLLUTION IMPACT OUR ENVIRONMENT?
Plastic pollution in Delaware and worldwide has severe environmental impacts, largely driven by the widespread use of items like plastic bags, water bottles, and food containers. The average person in the U.S. generates about three pounds of trash daily, contributing to nearly a billion pounds of waste nationwide. While plastic is undeniably useful in everyday life—found in cars, homes, shopping, and food packaging—it’s crucial to raise awareness about recycling and the environmental harm of plastic waste to reduce excess and promote reuse.