In order to identify the type of plastic from which a container is made, plastic containers and other plastic products include a numerical code, within a triangle with arrows, molded directly on the container. The numerical code, and the corresponding plastic composition is as follows:

Recycling programs for polyethylene terephthalate and high density polyethylene plastics are well established in the United States and abroad. Recycling programs for other plastic compositions have become more common in recent years.

Plastic recycling can be easily incorporated into an existing curbside or voluntary drop-off collection program for other recyclables such as aluminum cans. To facilitate this process, plastic containers should be separated according to the composition of the plastic by base residents and personnel participating in collection programs. The different grades of plastic must be thoroughly separated, otherwise the inclusion of mixed plastic may ruin an entire melt during recycling. The segregated plastic containers can either be transported to the recycler or in some cases arrangements can be made for the recycler to provide pick-up services. For lightweight plastics such as polystyrene, baling the containers prior to transport is recommended. Processing requirements for plastic containers vary, but generally the containers are rinsed, ground, and extruded into pellets for re-sale to container manufacturers. Labels do not need to be removed.

Some restrictions apply to the recycling of plastics. Most notably, recycled plastic cannot be re-used in the manufacture of food containers. The only exception is co-extrusion, in which a virgin layer of plastic is used to line the inside of the container so that only virgin plastic comes in contact with the food product. Another restriction concerns the market for recycled plastics. Clear plastic is preferred and depending upon the market demands, the need for colored plastics may be limited. Recyclers may also be limited as to the type of containers that they can process. In some cases, narrow neck bottles are preferred.

A major component of shipboard solid wastes is plastic. In recent years the Navy has made great progress in reducing plastic waste at sea. This work was implemented after passage of the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987. Specific actions include the implementation of a 3-day/20-day rule, which requires all ships to store food-contaminated plastics for the last 3 days and non-food-contaminated plastic waste for at least the last 20 days at sea. This rule has resulted in a 70% reduction in plastic waste discharges at sea. The Navy has also implemented supply system changes for over 350,000 items to reduce or eliminate plastic packaging. This equates to over 475,000 pounds of plastic each year that will not be taken on board Navy ships. The Navy has also developed a plastic processor, which compresses and sanitizes plastics waste for storage on board. The plastic processor was approved for full production in January 1995.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved.

Consult your local industrial health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to implementing this technology.

• Reduces the volume of waste disposed in landfills.
• Conserves energy and natural resources needed to produce new plastic containers.
• Reduces landfill disposal fees.
• Requires minimal processing equipment.

• May not be economical to recycle small quantities of plastics.
• Training of waste generators will be required, so they can separate the wastes properly.

Assumptions:

• Medium scale plastic container collection program: 2 tons/month
• Purchase of 40 curbside recycling containers: $15/container
• Purchase of one large collection bin: $500
• Labor for collection/separation of plastic containers: 4 hrs/week
• Landfill fee: $25/ton
• Labor rate: $30/hour
• Transportation cost to recycle center or landfill: $150/month
• Recycled plastic price: $200/ton

Economic Analysis Summary

Annual Savings for Plastic Container Recycling: $2,300
Capital Cost for Diversion Equipment/Process: $1,100
Payback Period for Investment in Equipment/Process: < 1 year

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Market prices for recycled plastic are currently $200 to $1000/ton from local recycling centers based on recent surveys in selected regions. As presented below, a recycling program, dedicated only to plastic container recycling, is not likely to be cost effective unless large quantities of plastic containers are collected and sold. This is primarily a function of the market price for plastic. It will however be cost effective if incorporated into an existing program that includes glass and aluminum recycling.