HDPE Bottles are the second most commonly recycled grade of plastic in single stream municipal waste after PET Bottles. HDPE Milk Jugs and HDPE Detergent Bottles are both made from High Density Polyethylene Fractional Melt plastic. Baled material is shipped from a MRF to a facility equipped with a wash line that processes bales into washed flake and then further into reprocessed pellets. The pellets can be used in a variety of packaging and industrial applications such as drainage pipe or plastic pallets. Both grades have recently hit all-time highs in price and are in high demand right here in the United States Of America.
Quick Navigation
- What is HDPE plastic?
- Number 2 recycling symbol
- Examples of plastic number 2
- HDPE #2 Plastic Recycling
- Best Practices for Recycling HDPE #2 Plastic
Plastics are an integral part of our daily lives. From the packaging of our food and drinks to the toys we give our children, plastic products are all around us. However, not all plastics are created equal, and recycling them properly is essential for a sustainable future. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the most widely used types of plastic, with a recycling symbol number 2. In this article, we will delve into the world of HDPE 2 plastic, its benefits, and best practices for recycling.
What is HDPE plastic?
HDPE is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. It is a versatile and durable plastic that is commonly used for a wide range of products, including milk jugs, juice bottles, shampoo bottles, plastic bags, and even playground equipment. One of the key properties of HDPE is its high density, which makes it a popular choice for products that require high strength and rigidity.
Number 2 recycling symbol
If you take a closer look at plastic products, you will notice a small recycling symbol with a number inside. This number represents the type of plastic used in the product, and it can range from 1 to 7. HDPE is labeled with the number 2, indicating that it is a plastic that can be recycled.
Examples of plastic number 2
HDPE plastic is used in a wide variety of products, and some common examples include:
- Milk jugs
- Juice bottles
- Shampoo bottles
- Detergent bottles
- Plastic bags
- Toys
- Lawn and garden products
- Automotive parts
- Construction products
HDPE #2 Plastic Recycling
Recycling HDPE plastic offers numerous environmental benefits, including reducing the amount of plastic waste in landfills and conserving natural resources. Additionally, recycled HDPE plastic is a valuable resource for manufacturing new products, which can help to reduce the demand for virgin plastic.
The recycling process for HDPE #2 plastic typically involves the following steps:
- Collection: HDPE plastic products are collected from homes, businesses, and other sources.
- Sorting: The collected plastic products are sorted based on the type of plastic, color, and other characteristics.
- Cleaning: The sorted HDPE plastic is washed and cleaned to remove any contaminants, such as dirt and food residue.
- Shredding: The cleaned HDPE plastic is shredded into small pieces.
- Melting: The shredded plastic is melted down and formed into pellets.
- Manufacturing: The pellets can be used to manufacture a wide range of products, including plastic lumber, piping, and even new plastic bottles.
Best Practices for Recycling HDPE #2 Plastic
To ensure that HDPE #2 plastic is properly recycled, it is essential to follow these best practices:
- Clean and rinse the plastic products before recycling to remove any contaminants.
- Only recycle HDPE #2 plastic products, as other types of plastic can contaminate the recycling process.
- Avoid crushing or compacting the plastic products, as this can make them difficult to sort and process.
- Follow your local recycling guidelines and instructions for properly recycling HDPE #2 plastic.
In conclusion, HDPE 2 plastic is a durable and versatile plastic that is commonly used in a wide range of products. Recycling HDPE #2 plastic is crucial for reducing plastic waste and conserving natural resources. By following best practices for HDPE
