TheChallengeofRecycling
Globally,18percentofplasticisrecycled.Notallplasticsarethesame,though.Some,likeplasticdrinkingstraws,aredifficulttorecycle.Theyareoftenthrown away.
Easeofrecyclingby type:


PET
Polyethylene terephthalate
Beveragebottles,foodjars,sometypesofclothing,someshampooandmouthwash bottles
11%


HDPE
High‑density polyethylene
Detergentandbleachbottles,snackboxes,milkjugs,sometoys,buckets,crates,plantpots,gardenfurniture,trash bins
14%


PVC
Polyvinylchloride
Creditcards,gutters,pipesandfittings,wireandcablesheathing,synthetic leather
5%


LDPE
Low‑density polyethylene
Packagingfilm,shoppingbags,bubblewrap,flexible bottles
20%


PP
Polypropylene
Bottletops,drinkingstraws,lunch boxes,tarps, diapers
19%


PS
Polystyrene
Plastic‑foamcups,eggboxes,meattrays,packingpeanuts,coathangers,yogurt containers
6%


Other
Nylonfabrics,babybottles,compactdiscs,medicalstoragecontainers,car parts
24%