FAQ's -
Plastics Recycling
Memphis, E. Arkansas, N. Mississippi

Frequently Asked Questions About Plastics Recycling

 

> Serving Memphis, Holly Springs, Southaven, Forrest City, and beyond!

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1. What types of plastics can be recycled?

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• #1 PET (water and soda bottles)

• #2 HDPE (milk jugs, detergent bottles)

 

Plastics labeled as#3 (PVC), #6 (polystyrene or Styrofoam), and #7 (mixed or other plastics) are typically not accepted for recycling in many regions due to challenges in processing them and limited market interest. Please inquire.

 

2. Why are only some plastics recycled?

 

Well, not all plastics are created equal. Many types pose challenges like:
 

• Being hard to sort and clean properly

• Made from mixed or low-grade materials that can't be processed efficiently

• Contaminated with food residue or oils

 

It’s tough for recycling to compete when oil prices are low and making brand-new plastic ends up being cheaper than using recycled stuff.

 

3. What exactly is chemical (advanced) recycling?

 

Chemical recycling breaks plastic down into basic chemical components using heat, pressure, or solvents.
 

• Can process hard-to-recycle plastics

• Still in early stages; concerns include high energy use, toxicity, and cost-effectiveness

 

Chemical recycling is seen as a potential complement—not a replacement—for traditional recycling.

 

4. Do I need to rinse plastic containers before recycling them?

 

Yes. Please rinse out food and drink containers before recycling.
Excess residue can contaminate the recycling stream and cause entire batches to be rejected.

 

5. Can I recycle plastic bags or film?

 

Yes, plastic bags, shrink wrap, and film can be recycled.

• Take them to the designated grocery store collection bins, or reuse them at home

    • Commercial industry bales

 

6. Are compostable or biodegradable plastics better?

 

Not really. Most of these plastics need special industrial composting setups to break down—they won’t decompose in your backyard compost or a landfill. And if they end up in regular recycling bins? Well, that’s a problem! They can mess with the whole system by mixing with traditional plastics.

 

7. What actually happens to plastic after I recycle it?

 

If the plastic is clean and sorted the right way, it might get melted down and turned into new bottles, containers, clothing fabrics—or even plastic wood for stuff like benches and decks.

 

But here’s the catch: most plastics don’t get a second life more than once or twice before they’re too worn out to recycle again and end up as trash!

 

8. How can I reduce plastic waste beyond recycling?
 

• Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers

• Try to buy in bulk or refillable packaging

• Choose products that are made from recycled materials

• Support company brands reducing plastic in their supply chains

9. Are big companies really cutting back on plastic?

Yes. Many brands are taking action by doing the following:

• Using more recycled materials in their products

• Testing reusable or refillable packaging

• Signing on to global plastics pacts

Progress varies by company and also by region, but with people speaking up and new rules coming in, the pressure’s definitely pushing things forward.

10. What’s next for plastic recycling?

Innovation is accelerating:

• AI sorting systems for better material recovery

• Enzyme-based recycling of PET

• Circular packaging models (refill, reuse, and take-back)

Your choices help shape demand for these solutions.

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For Business Development, contact Randy Pitts at (901) 603-9369.