Understanding Plastic Recycling

Not All Plastics Are the Same...... Part 2

 

by: Dr. Mario Villarino

Hopkins County Extension Agent

 

    Class 3 plastics are Polyvinyl Chlorides or PVC. These plastics are usually used in toys, clear containers and non-food packaging, wire and cable insulation film and sheet; construction products such as pipes, fittings, siding, flooring, carpet backing and window frames. Some of the additives for PVC have been associated with asthma in children and cancer.

Class 4 plastics are low density polyethylene, which are good as barrier to moisture. Commonly used in dry cleaning, bread and frozen food bags, and squeezable bottles (i.e. mustard). Class 5 is polypropylene, known for strength, toughness, resistance to chemicals, heat, barrier of moisture, versatility and resistance to grease and oil. They are commonly used in ketchup bottles, yogurt containers, margarine tubs, and medicine bottles. Class 6 are polystyrene or PS, known for its versatility, insulation, clarity, and been easily foamed. PS are used widely in food service applications, grocery store meat trays, egg cartons, aspirin, bottles, cups, plates and cutlery. Styrene can migrate from polystyrene containers when oily foods are heated in containers made of PS. Styrene can create reproductive problems in humans, and should be avoided. Other plastics are classified on group 7, which includes any other plastic made of resins not included in the other 6 groups. Examples of these are polycarbonate which can be used to make baby bottles, water pitchers, nalgene water bottles, cell phones and many other applications. Make sure to recycle plastics properly, and always check on the plastic labels for the recycle symbol.

We are inquiring for your interest in predator control training. The training is provided by the Texas Department of Agriculture. If you are interested in the training (including chemical control of coyotes) please call the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 and sign-up. On: ce we have a group of ten students or more, we will request the training to be provided in Hopkins County. The duration of the training is 3-4 hours, and an instructor will provide the test for licensing afterwards. If you decide you do not want to apply for the license, you can also get a 3 CEU (1 law/1 IPM/1 Gen) certificate at the end of the training.

 

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