How to Recycle Plastics and Frisbees

Recycling is the process of collecting used materials and reprocessing them. This involves three stages. The first stage consists of collecting, sorting and cleaning the items. The second stage involves manufacturing new products from materials obtained from processing old products. The final stage is the purchase of recycled goods by consumers. The more people buy recycled goods, the better the recycling process works. Seeing old household items as raw materials that can be used to create new and useful products helps shift awareness in a new, environmentally friendly direction. By consistently following a few simple steps in recycling plastics, such as bottles and Frisbees, the benefits can reach everyone.

Things You'll Need

• Recycling containers

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Instructions

• 1

  Learn what items and materials are accepted for recycling in your community. Recycling systems and requirements can vary from community to community, and may include curbside pickup and drop-off locations. Contact your local city administrative offices, sanitation department or county Department of Public Works to obtain recycling information for your area. Some departments offer this information online.

• 2

  Recycle right. Learn the codes and sort the plastics accordingly. A Plastic Identification Code (PIC) triangle with a number from one to seven is stamped on all recyclable plastic products. For example, some Frisbees are made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), designated with the PIC symbol #2. Other Frisbees fall in the Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) category, with PIC code #4. Make sure you are clear on how your community handles the two different designations.

• 3

  Prepare for recycling. It is typically requested that residue be rinsed from bottles and containers, using dish washing soap and water. Remove labels and lids, and compress or compact the item, if possible. Cut plastic rings to prevent animals from becoming entangled in them.

• 4

  Reuse plastic items. Buy products that have been made from recycled plastic whenever possible. Purchase refillable products and reuse plastic items such as bags, pots and tubs. Be creative, using plastic containers to store items or germinate seeds, or donate them to schools for arts and crafts. Plastic shopping bags also make good kitchen or bathroom trash bags.

• 5

  Create awareness whenever possible. Encourage others to become aware of the benefits of recycling and opportunities to recycle in your community.