Plastic Recycling Misconceptions

I came across these today, points that are so valid. So I wanted to post it .

Misconception #1: Any plastic container you put in your blue bin will be recycled. This is ABSOLUTELY not the case in Monroe County. For example, the only #1 and #2 plastics recycled are those that have a long neck, bottles that is. Any other shaped #1 or #2 and all #3, #4, #5, #6,and #7 plastics will be separated at the recycling center and diverted to the landfill

Misconception # 2: Plastics that go into a curbside bin get recycled. Not necessarily. Collecting plastic containers at curbside fosters the belief that, like aluminum and glass, the recovered material is converted into new containers. Many are made into new secondary products such as textiles, parking lot bumpers, or plastic lumber – all unrecyclable products.

Misconception # 3: Curbside collection will reduce the amount of plastic landfilled. Not necessarily. If collection makes plastic seem more environmentally friendly, people may feel comfortable buying more.

Misconception # 4: A chasing arrows symbol means a plastic container is recyclable. The arrows are meaningless. Every plastic container is marked with the chasing arrows symbol.

Misconception # 5: Our choice is limited to recycling or wasting. Reducing our purchases of plastic is preferable and isn’t difficult. Opportunities include using refillable containers, buying in bulk, buying things that don’t need much packaging, and buying things in recyclable and recycled packages.

This is excerpted from http://www.ecologycenter.org/ptf/misconceptions.html