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| PLASTICS: |
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POLYMER IDENTIFICATION
CODE: |
A special system of identifying
plastics is used worldwide to identify packaging plastics. The overwhelming
majority of plastics packaging is made with one of six resins or
polymers. A polymer identification code is put on each product -
with bottles usually on the base. The number in the triangle denotes
the type of polymer used. This information is critical for sorting
plastic waste into the different types for recycling. |
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| FACTS AND FIGURES: |
Annually, approximately 1.1
million tons of plastics are converted into products, of which 500
000 tons are converted into packaging. Approximately 172 000 tons
are recovered and used in the manufacture of new products. 15% of
total polymer produced is recycled, with 30% of packaging produced
being recycled. |
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| POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET): |
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| What is PET? |
| PET is the type of plastic
labelled with the no. 1 polymer identification code on or
near the bottom of bottles and containers. The PET container
is recognisable as the transparent, rigid container used to
package bottled water, carbonated soft drinks, sports drinks,
water, juice, household cleaners and food trays.
It is a popular package for food and non-food
products. Manufacturers use PET plastic to package products
because of its strength, thermo-stability and transparency.
Customers choose PET because it is inexpensive, lightweight,
resealable, shatter-resistant and recyclable. |
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| What to collect? |
| All containers labelled with the
no. 1 polymer identification code on or near bottom of bottles and
containers. |
| Unacceptable Items: |
- Any plastic that does not have a polymer identification code
on it
- Mixed polymers.
- PET bottles covered in PVC labelling
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| Preparation Tips: |
- Remove bottle caps
- Sort according to colour
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| Tips for householders and collectors: |
- Do not wash the bottles when collecting it is a waste of valuable
water.
- Flatten the bottles before transporting. They take up less
space and more can fit into the vehicle
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| POLYSTYRENE: |
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| Polystyrene is a plastic and can be recycled. |
| Types of polystyrene: |
| Expanded Polystyrene
- used to make cups, bowls, plates, trays, clamshells, meat
trays and egg cartons as well as protective packaging for
shipping electronics and other fragile items.
High Impact Polystyrene
(HIPS) and clear General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) –
used in products such as cutlery, yoghurt and cottage cheese
containers, cups, clear salad containers, television sets,
computer casings, CD boxes and make-up containers. |
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| What to collect: |
All items with
the no. 6 polymer identification code on or near bottom of containers.
- Protective packaging
- Food trays
- Fast food containers
- CD cases
- Yoghurt tubs
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| Preparation tips: |
- The items must be free of all food stuff and
rinsed.
- Separate Expanded Polystyrene from High Impact
Polystyrene
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| FOR INFO ON HOW, WHO, WHY AND WHERE: |
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| Artwork used with kind permission of the Recovery
Action Group of the Packaging Council of South Africa |
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