How to Recycle Plastic Sheeting

Plastic sheeting is a tough, high density polyethylene material made for many uses including home construction. Sheeting is often available in a range of thicknesses and sheet sizes. Once you are ready to throw away your plastic sheeting, participate in eco-friendly recycling efforts and prepare it for proper disposal. According to Recycling Revolution, recycling plastic conserves twice as much energy as burning it in an incinerator.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for the recycle symbol on the plastic sheeting.

  Look for the Society of the Plastics Industry or SPI recycling symbol to identify your plastic sheeting. The code looks like the common recycling symbol with three arrows that form a triangular shape. It should have a number inside and letters right below it.

• 2

  Look at the number coded inside the SPI symbol. Typically, plastic sheeting falls under the number two HDPE recycling code which stands for high density polyethylene. HDPE plastics are stiff, permeable, chemical and moisture resistant and have good barrier properties.

• 3

  Call your town city hall and verify if your plastic is indeed recyclable. Some cities may recycle all types of plastics while others exclude certain items. As of December 2010, the sanitation service of Dallas City Hall in Texas only takes plastic containers with the recycling symbol of one to seven for curbside recycling.

• 4

  Rinse with water and wipe the plastic sheeting with cloth if necessary. Bundle or neatly put the pieces together and include in your curbside recycling.