The Challenge of Recycling

Globally, 18 percent of plastic is recycled. Not all plastics are the same, though. Some, like plastic drinking straws, are difficult to recycle. They are often thrown away.

Ease of recycling by type:


easy, manageable, difficult, very difficult
1

PET
Polyethylene terephthalate

Beverage bottles, food jars, some types of clothing, some shampoo and mouthwash bottles

11%

2

HDPE
High‑density polyethylene

Detergent and bleach bottles, snack boxes, milk jugs, some toys, buckets, crates, plant pots, garden furniture, trash bins

14%

3

PVC
Polyvinyl chloride

Credit cards, gutters, pipes and fittings, wire and cable sheathing, synthetic leather

5%

4

LDPE
Low‑density polyethylene

Packaging film, shopping bags, bubble wrap, flexible bottles

20%

5

PP
Polypropylene

Bottle tops, drinking straws, lunch boxes, tarps, diapers

19%

6

PS
Polystyrene

Plastic‑foam cups, egg boxes, meat trays, packing peanuts, coat hangers, yogurt containers

6%

7

Other

Nylon fabrics, baby bottles, compact discs, medical storage containers, car parts

24%