TheChallengeofRecycling
Globally,18percentofplasticisrecycled.Notallplasticsarethesame,though.Some,likeplasticdrinkingstraws,aredifficulttorecycle.Theyareoftenthrown away.
Easeofrecyclingby type:
![one](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273489/plastic_number_1.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273475/plastic_icon_1.240_0_1.png)
PET
Polyethylene terephthalate
Beveragebottles,foodjars,sometypesofclothing,someshampooandmouthwash bottles
11%
![two](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273490/plastic_number_2.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273491/plastic_icon_2.240_0_1.png)
HDPE
High‑density polyethylene
Detergentandbleachbottles,snackboxes,milkjugs,sometoys,buckets,crates,plantpots,gardenfurniture,trash bins
14%
![three](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273492/plastic_number_3.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273493/plastic_icon_3.240_0_1.png)
PVC
Polyvinylchloride
Creditcards,gutters,pipesandfittings,wireandcablesheathing,synthetic leather
5%
![four](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273494/plastic_number_4.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273495/plastic_icon_4.240_0_1.png)
LDPE
Low‑density polyethylene
Packagingfilm,shoppingbags,bubblewrap,flexible bottles
20%
![five](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273496/plastic_number_5.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273497/plastic_icon_5.240_0_1.png)
PP
Polypropylene
Bottletops,drinkingstraws,lunch boxes,tarps, diapers
19%
![six](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273498/plastic_number_6.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273499/plastic_icon_6.240_0_1.png)
PS
Polystyrene
Plastic‑foamcups,eggboxes,meattrays,packingpeanuts,coathangers,yogurt containers
6%
![seven](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273473/plastic_number_7.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pathfinder_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/273474/plastic_icon_7.240_0_1.png)
Other
Nylonfabrics,babybottles,compactdiscs,medicalstoragecontainers,car parts
24%