Manhattan Users Guide

today's MUG 05.16.12

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Plastics 101
Recycling in NYC: A 5-Part Series
Poll: Ban the Plastic Bag?
Walking Off the Big Apple

Q: Are most used plastics in the U.S. recycled?
A: No, only 6.5% of total plastics are recycled.

Q: Why doesn't NYC recycle more (most) types of plastics?
A: Basically because there's no market for plastics with resin codes #3 through 7. The process is complicated, the results often not worth the energy or money expended, particularly as so much has to be downcycled. Plastic that can be recycled generally gets one extra use before going to the landfill.

Q: I heard that the City will be recycling more types of plastic. True?
A: The City will be accepting more types, once the new Materials Recovery Facility opens at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in the next year.

Q: So what's with the resin codes, anyway?
A: Well, if you want to really know, here's the American Chemistry Council chart. However, you don't want to know. They indicate the polymer type for the business-end of the recycling process—not you, the consumer.

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