Which Plastics Can Be Recycled, and Which Cannot?

As the use of plastic becomes increasingly widespread, recycling has become a crucial method for environmental protection and energy conservation. However, not all plastics can be directly recycled; they vary in material type, intended use, and value.

So, which plastics can be recycled, and which are more difficult to process? Let’s take a look.

Why Do We Need to Sort Plastics by Type?

There is a wide variety of plastics; if they are mixed together during recycling, it not only compromises the quality of the recycled plastic but also increases processing costs. Sorting plastics for recycling improves resource utilization and enhances the overall efficiency of the recycling process.

Common Types of Recyclable Plastics

PET: Polyethylene Terephthalate

PET is the most common type of plastic and has a relatively high recycling rate; it is commonly used for:

• Beverage bottles
• Mineral water bottles
• Cooking oil bottles

After washing, crushing, and pelletizing, PET can be reprocessed into products such as fibers, packaging materials, and plastic sheets.

HDPE: High-Density Polyethylene

HDPE is strong and corrosion-resistant; it is commonly found in:

• Laundry detergent bottles
• Shampoo bottles
• Milk jugs
• Industrial chemical drums

Once recycled, this plastic can be used to manufacture products such as pipes, trash cans, and pallets.

PP: Polypropylene 

PP plastic is heat-resistant and tough; it is commonly found in:

• Takeout containers
• Plastic storage/transport crates
• Plastic buckets
• Woven bags

After recycling, it can be reused to manufacture automotive parts, household goods, and more.

LDPE: Low-Density Polyethylene

LDPE is relatively soft and is primarily used for:

• Plastic bags
• Cling film
• Courier packaging wrap

Because it tends to tangle in machinery, the recycling process typically requires steps such as shredding, washing, and dewatering.

Which Plastics Are Difficult to Recycle?

Although many types of plastic have recycling value, some are currently unsuitable for large-scale recycling due to their specific material properties or high recycling costs.

PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride

Commonly found in:

• Water pipes
• Wire insulation
• Flooring materials

PVC contains a significant amount of additives, which can easily compromise the quality of other plastics during the recycling process; therefore, it usually requires separate handling.

PS: Polystyrene

Including:

• Disposable foam food containers
• Foam packaging
• Foam boxes

Due to its low density, high transportation costs, and tendency to break easily, PS is not prioritized for recycling in many regions.

Mixed Plastic Products: Why They Are Hard to Recycle

For example:

• Multi-layer food packaging bags
• Aluminum-plastic composite packaging
• Products molded from mixed plastics

Due to the difficulty of separating the different materials, these items typically undergo only energy recovery or specialized treatment.

What Equipment Is Typically Needed for Plastic Recycling?

To maximize recycling efficiency, most plastics undergo a comprehensive processing workflow, including:

• Sorting and separation
• Shredding or crushing
• Washing to remove impurities
• Dewatering and drying
• Melting and pelletizing
• Packaging and storage

Depending on the specific material, equipment such as plastic shredders, crushers, washing lines, dewatering machines, and granulators can be integrated into the process.

Gomine provides professional recycling equipment and customized solutions to help you achieve high-quality plastic recycling.