We talk about the labeling of plastic, which packaging is not recyclable and where to take the used products. It is not at all difficult.

In 2016, Ukrainians sent about 11 million tons of household waste to the landfills. As they say in the Ministry of Regional Development, all this garbage is “carefully stored” 5,5 thousand dumps and landfills.

Approximately 20th part of all waste – plastic, bags and other polymers. Plastic surrounds us everywhere: from food packaging to children’s toys. A large number of plastic products produced each year are intended for single use: the packaging of goods and products, which is usually thrown away during the same year. And here the situation is more pitiable than one might have supposed.

Term decomposition of plastic is huge. The usual package, bottle, container, anything from plastic remains on the surface for at least 180 years. Decomposing, the remnants leak into the groundwater, the wind takes them to the ocean, plastic is swallowed by animals or entangled in the remnants of packages and die.

Unload the world of plastic under the force of each. It is enough to buy less or at least reduce the impact of harmful substances – study the generally accepted labeling and return the plastic for recycling.

What is marking
Marking is the composition of the container. On containers, bottles and other packaging, the manufacturer must indicate the material from which they are made.

Typically, packaging is marked with a triangle with a number from 1 to 7 or letters. Or both.

Do not buy packaging without labeling – such products may be hazardous to health.

Types of marking

1. Polyethylene terephthalate – PET (E) or PET

Containers for water, beverages, sokoa, different packaging – blisters, containers, boxes, cans.

PET containers have low barrier properties. It lets in ultraviolet rays and oxygen, and out – carbon dioxide, which degrades the quality and reduces the shelf life of products.

This type of plastic lends itself well to recycling and reuse.

But pay attention to the color of the bottles.

“In Ukraine, the most common colors are recycled: translucent blue, green, brown, just transparent. White, yellow and black PET bottles are not recycled,” explains Yevgeniya Aratovskaya initiator of the eco-project Ukraine Without Smite.

2. High density polyethylene – PEHD or HDPE

Tanks for shampoos, bleach, detergents and cleaning products, bags for milk, Tetra Pak and PURE Pak, mugs, plastic bags and even cans for motor and other engine oils.

It is considered suitable for food, well processed and reused.

3. Polyvinyl chloride – PVC or PVC

Window washing liquids, edible vegetable oils, cans for bulk foods and fats.

Dangerous type of plastic. For the production of PVC use a lot of toxic additives: phthalates, heavy metals, etc.

Practically not amenable to recycling, and when burned it releases into the air dangerous poisons – dioxins.

4. Low density polyethylene – LDPE or LDPE

Garbage and food bags, film, bending plastic containers.

It is considered safe and suitable for food.

Recyclable and recyclable.

5. Polypropylene – PP or PP

Bottle caps, discs, syrup and ketchup bottles, yogurt cups, film packaging, bags, containers, pipes, technical equipment parts, non-woven materials.

Potentially safe.

6. Polystyrene – PS

Although the material is used for food packaging (containers for eggs, pallets for meat), cutlery, cups, toys, etc., it is considered potentially dangerous, especially when burning. Contains carcinogen styrene.

Try not to use products from this material in everyday life.

7. O (ther) or Other

A mixture of various plastics or polymers not specified above. A package with this label is not recycled, and it ends the life cycle at a landfill or incinerator furnace.

In order not to memorize all the characteristics, print or save a picture in the phone.

What to do with the used container

Completely to refuse cheap and accessible plastic, packages and other harmful garbage today is almost impossible.

But, as an option, make a good habit to look at the label and not buy packaging that is not recycled.

After use, the plastic container needs to be washed, allowed to dry and reduce in size – twist the bottles, crush the containers.

Wash the Tetra Pak packaging from the inside and remove any excess liquid. Snatch a corner, wash and fold compactly.

Covers remove and sort separately in a box or package.

Clean the bags of dirt, dry them and put them in the bag. Squeeze and release the air – so they will take up less space.

Instead of an afterword
Sorting trash simplifies recycling, and recycling recycled materials saves natural resources.

Pollution of the planet with plastic is a serious environmental problem. It decomposes for hundreds of years and, when burned, releases toxic substances into the atmosphere.

Discard the package at the supermarket checkout in favor of the eco-bag, go for products with your containers, stick the price tag directly on the bananas, look at the labeling of a bottle of water – do your bit to save nature and dump landfills.

Do not look for excuses and do not wait in your yard tanks for sorting – aktivnichayte yourself. Changes begin with each of us, so do not hesitate to ask yourself before buying: “And what will I do with the waste from this product?”