How to Recycle PVC Plastic

According to Earth911, PVC has become one of the most commonly used construction materials over the past 50 years. The majority of this PVC is never recycled, ending up in landfills once it is no longer needed. Recycling PVC plastic not only eliminates waste but also reduces the need to create new PVC plastic--a process that involves the highest single usage of chlorine gas in the world.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn to identify PVC plastics. Items made from PVC are usually marked with the number "3" inside a triangular recycling symbol. According to the Vinyl Institute, PVC plastic may also have a "smile" or a "slash" mark on the product's underside.

• 2

  Contact your local Department of Public Works to determine if they accept PVC plastics for recycling. If so, you'll need to know whether the PVC can be collected curbside or whether it has to be dropped off at the recycling center. This information may also be available on your town's DPW website.

• 3

  Go to Earth911.com to find local recycling centers in your area that accept PVC plastics for recycling. In addition, you can find a recycling directory at VinylInfo.org to find companies throughout the United States hat accept PVC plastics.