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:
PET
Polyethylene terephthalate
Beverage bottles, food jars, some types of clothing
11%
HDPE
High‑density polyethylene
Detergent bottles, snack boxes, milk jugs, some toys, buckets crates, plant pots
14%
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride
Credit cards, pipes and fittings, wire and cable, man‑made leather
5%
LDPE
Low‑density polyethylene
Shopping bags, bubble wrap, flexible bottles
20%
PP
Polypropylene
Bottle tops, drinking straws, lunch boxes
19%
PS
Polystyrene
Plastic‑foam cups, egg boxes, meat trays, packing peanuts, coat hangers
6%
Other
Nylon fabrics, baby bottles, compact discs
24%