Different Ways to Recycle Plastic

Recycling plastic is a simple and important way to help the environment. Plastic takes many years to biodegrade, and releases toxins into the environment as it does so. Recycled plastic can also be a very useful product. Everything from plastic bottles to plastic containers and bags are recyclable.

Recycling Center

• Recycling centers help keep plastic useful.

  One of the most common ways of recycling plastic is to take plastic items to a local recycling center. At recycling centers, there are different receptacles for each type of plastic; sorting the plastic into its respective bins ensures that it will be processed correctly. Once recycled at a center, plastic can be turned into new plastic products or broken down and turned into things like fibers for making rugs or tote bags.

Storage

• Reusing plastic bottles, bags and containers for storage can help keep them useful and out of a landfill longer. You can use plastic bottles to store small items like jewelry, beads and craft supplies. Small plastic containers can hold kids' toys or provide storage for small items like nails or buttons. Reusing plastic items for storage can make a home more organized.

Gardening Projects

• Plastic bottles can be useful for gardens.

  Plastic bottles can be very useful for gardening projects. Cut a bottle in half. Fill the bottom half with soil and place a few seeds in it to serve as a starter pot for plants. Push the top half of the bottle, top side down, into the soil near a plant. This will help direct water to the roots instead of evaporating on the surface of the soil.