What is commercial plastic disposal?
If your business produces plastic waste and you need to dispose of it, read more about the different options and processes here
Plastic waste disposal is a global issue that needs to be addressed by everyone, including small businesses.
But how – and where – should you begin? Which types of plastic can and can’t be recycled? And what are some of the potential benefits of effective plastic disposal?
We’ll provide the key information you need to know in order to understand your business’ plastic disposal requirements.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Plastic recycling: What do you need to know?
- What type of businesses might need commercial plastic recycling?
- What is the plastic disposal process?
- How to recycle plastic
- What are the benefits of commercial plastic recycling?
Skip to the section you want to learn about the most, or read the whole article to gain a more detailed understanding.
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1. Plastic recycling: What do you need to know?
Plastic is a lightweight material, so it’s usually collected in high amounts.
The polymer type determines the type of plastic, and thus whether it can be recycled or not. A polymer is a series of connected molecules.
Some examples of common polymers are HDPE, PET and PVC. These are also the types you’re likely to see on the bottom of plastic bottles, for instance.
There are a number of different types of plastic, including:
- Polycarbonate PC – this is recyclable
- Acrylic PMMA – this is difficult to recycle; it’s possible, but requires a different treatment process
- PVC – this can be recycled by filtering the materials. It’s often found in window and door frames, as well as cling film
- HDPE – this can be recycled, and provides another option when making new plastic, other than using raw materials – kitchenware and plastic bags, for example
- PET – most commonly used in food processing items and water bottles
- LDPE – often found in toys, as well as packaging in general and some plastic bags
Other codes exist, such as PP and PS, although they may be less familiar.
The codes for labelling plastics were created by the Plastics Industry Association, the organisation that supports the whole of the supply chain for plastics.
It’s not mandatory that plastics are labelled or marked.
For some plastic types, it’s possible to follow the closed-loop recycling cycle, which is when the materials (so in this case, the plastics) have been recycled and can be returned to the market to be used again.
2. What type of businesses might need commercial plastic recycling?
If your business creates plastic waste, then you may be able to recycle it. Plastic waste comes from industrial production processes, as well as from utilities and from making other materials.
It’s important for all businesses to have a plastic recycling policy – even if it’s just to ensure that you recycle empty drinks bottles.
While plastic is a material commonly found in many commercial operations – especially retail and hospitality businesses – there are other examples.
For instance, scrap plastic waste may come from glazing companies and warehouses.
Similarly, if you’re a florist or run a landscaping business, flowerpots and other trade materials are often made from plastic. Flowerpots can be difficult to recycle, so consider alternatives instead (see below for more information).
Covers, wrapping and bags from farm equipment are also examples of commercial plastic waste that could be recycled.
If you run a home-based business, remember that the waste produced from your business activity must be treated as commercial waste.
3. What is the plastic disposal process?
Plastic can be sorted into different waste streams. These include:
- Manufacturing waste (such as scrap or rejects)
- Packaging waste (e.g. bottles, caps and containers)
- Redundant waste (e.g. packaging and raw material)
- End-of-life plastic waste (such as from automotive materials or wheelie bin recycling)
- Baled pl