Bottle recycling depot drop-off points give consumers on-the-spot cash for empty bottles and cans. It’s part of “bottle bills,” or container deposit return laws, in 10 states across the US.
When recycled, plastic gets turned into new bottles, polyester carpet fibre and industrial strapping. It’s also used to insulate homes. For more bottle recycling depot drop off points, click here.
Plastic Bottles
Plastic bottles are popular with consumers because of their lightweightness, shatter resistance and transparency. They can store liquids such as water, juice and milk. The most common type of bottle used for bottled water is PET or Polyethylene Terephthalate.
A plastic bottle can take up to 700 years to biodegrade and pollute the environment with toxic substances. As a result, many people are torn about whether or not to use plastic bottles.
Plastic bottles can be recycled at local drop-off points. However, it is essential to note that re-useable bottles should be emptied of their contents before being returned to the bottle recycling depot drop-off points. Otherwise, they could be lost or mismanaged in transportation and eventually end up in landfills or oceans as litter.
Aluminium Cans
Aluminium cans are one of the most successful recycling materials, with new beverage cans containing up to 73% recycled material. Most places that offer a refundable deposit accept them, as do scrap yards and recycling centres.
If you live in a “bottle bill” state, you can bring your cans to the grocery store or collection centre for on-the-spot cash. Otherwise, you can search online for local scrap yards that pay by the pound or ounce. It’s worth it to call ahead to learn the rates before you start making trips to a bottle recycling depot.
Glass Bottles
Glass bottles are easily recyclable, and they can be used for a variety of purposes. They are also more environmentally friendly than single-use plastic containers. They can be re-purposed for any use and are durable enough to resist damage from impact or heat.
They can be recycled at many bottle recycling depot drop-off points, curbside recycling programs and glass-only recycling bins. However, it is essential to note that glass cookware and window glass cannot be recycled with food and beverage containers. That is because they require different chemical properties and melt at different temperatures.
Recyclable glass uses about 80% less energy than manufacturing molten glass from raw materials. Additionally, it reduces landfill waste and air pollution. Moreover, it helps to preserve virgin soil.
Plastic Bags
Although plastic bags can be recycled, many people are unaware of how to do so. Some communities have bag bans or tax laws, which makes it challenging to know what can and cannot be recycled in curbside bins. A package’s recycle symbol and resin identification codes (often mislabeled as recycling numbers) can only tell you so much. For more bottle recycling depot drop off points, click here.
Plastic bags are a modern menace, filling up landfills and oceans as eye-catching litter that endangers marine life. They also clog sewer grates, and they don’t biodegrade. When reusables are used, they require less energy to manufacture and consume 96% fewer resources than disposable bags. However, bag bans and taxes are ineffective at reducing litter, waste or marine debris. Plastic bag recycling is a critical way to address this issue.
Plastic Wraps
Plastic wraps are clear, food-safe plastic coverings that cling to themselves and to food containers to create a seal. They keep foods fresh by protecting them from the air, which can expedite oxidation, prevent unwanted drying, and help contain food odours.
Consumer plastic wraps are typically made from polyethylene, a plastic safe for human use. However, some brands may contain additional ingredients, such as colourants and anti-fog compounds. They can be recycled with other plastic bags and wraps but shouldn’t be heated as they can release chemicals when exposed to heat.
Look for wraps with a built-in slide cutter and an automatic end tab. These features make it easy to cut and lock the end of your wrap and save time.