"Polypropylene, labeled as #5 on packaging, is used for yogurt containers, margarine tubs and microwavable trays. Only 2% of it is getting recycled. Colored shampoo and detergent bottles, made from polyethylene, or #1 plastic, are getting recycled at a rate of just 5%. Other plastics, including ones promoted as highly recyclable, such as clear polyethylene bottles, which hold some medications, or hard water bottles, are being recycled at just 16%."
"Adding to this disquieting assessment, CalRecycle also just pulled back regulations that were supposed to finalize a landmark single-use plastic law known as Senate Bill 54 - a law designed to make the majority of packaging waste in the state recyclable or compostable by working with the plastic and packaging industries. The proposed regulations were regarded as friendly to industry."
CalRecycle data reveal very low recycling rates for common packaging plastics: polypropylene (#5) recycles at 2%, colored polyethylene (#1) bottles at about 5%, and some clear polyethylene and hard water bottles at roughly 16%. No plastic type exceeds a 23% recycling rate, and most reported rates sit in the single digits. CalRecycle paused proposed regulations intended to implement Senate Bill 54, which aimed to make most packaging recyclable or compostable. Reactions split between hopes that revisions will strengthen the law and critics who say plastics are not technically or economically recyclable, while industry voices express disappointment.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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