We’ve all been there—standing over the recycling bin, holding a plastic container, wondering, “Can this be recycled?” While recycling seems like a simple solution to plastic waste, the reality is more complicated. Not all plastics are created equal, and many can’t be recycled through regular municipal systems. So, can all plastic be recycled? The short answer is no—and here’s why.
The 7 Types of Plastic
Most plastic products are labeled with a number inside the recycling triangle symbol, ranging from 1 to 7. These numbers identify the type of plastic resin used and determine how, or if, the item can be recycled.
1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Commonly used in water bottles and food containers.
Widely recyclable.
2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Found in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent containers.
Easily recycled.
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Used in pipes, cling wrap, and some food packaging.
Rarely accepted for recycling.
4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
Found in grocery bags, bread bags, and squeezable bottles.
Sometimes recyclable through special programs.
5. PP (Polypropylene)
Used in yogurt cups, straws, and bottle caps.
Growing recyclability, but not universal.
6. PS (Polystyrene)
Also known as Styrofoam—used in takeout containers and packing peanuts.
Difficult and costly to recycle.
7. Other (Mixed or Unknown Plastics)
Includes bioplastics and combinations of resins.
Generally not recyclable.
In plastic recycling Abbotsford programs, types 1 and 2 are most commonly accepted. For other plastics, specialized collection may be necessary or they might need to go to designated depots.
The Recycling Myth: Just Toss It In?
Many people think tossing plastic into a blue bin guarantees recycling, but that’s a misconception. Wishcycling—recycling non-recyclable materials out of hope—can disrupt entire sorting systems.
Non-recyclable plastics are often:
- Contaminate batches of recyclables
- Increase processing time and cost
- End up in the landfill regardless
For effective plastic disposal Abbotsford residents are encouraged to check the City of Abbotsford’s curbside guide or contact local recycling facilities for updated information on accepted plastic types.
Why Can’t All Plastics Be Recycled?
1. Cost vs. Benefit
Recycling certain plastics costs more than producing new material. This lack of economic incentive makes them less attractive to processors.
2. Food and Residue Contamination
Even recyclable plastics can be rejected if they’re contaminated with food waste, grease, or other substances.
3. Mixed or Composite Materials
Some plastic items are fused with paper, foil, or other materials, making them impossible to separate effectively for recycling.
4. Infrastructure Limitations
Municipal systems vary. What one city accepts, another may reject. In Abbotsford, options may also be limited for less common or flexible plastics.
For certain items containing chemicals or other pollutants, hazardous waste disposal Abbotsford services may be required to ensure proper treatment and handling, especially for containers that once held oils, solvents, or corrosive substances.
What You Can Do
Even though not all plastics can go into the recycling bin, you can still make sustainable choices:
- Check your local municipality’s guidelines regularly
- Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible
- Choose reusable or refillable containers
- Use take-back and extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs
- Drop off flexible plastics at designated depots
Supporting companies that use post-consumer recycled plastics also helps close the loop on the plastic lifecycle.
Rethink Your Plastic Habits
The idea that all plastics are recyclable is a myth. Understanding the resin codes, local recycling rules, and contamination issues is key to reducing the impact of plastic waste. Only certain types—mainly PET and HDPE—are widely accepted in most recycling programs, including in Abbotsford.
Need help with difficult-to-recycle plastics or industrial materials? Contact Canadian Empire Recycling for professional support with plastic recycling, hazardous waste, and plastic disposal services in Abbotsford and the surrounding areas.