6/17/2020 0 Comments Decoding plastics![]() Your guide to recycling codes on plastics and which ones are recycled in Jamaica Number 1 Plastics PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) a relatively cheap and strong transparent plastic found in soft drink and water bottles; mouthwash bottles; peanut butter, salad dressing and vegetable oil containers; ovenable food trays. Number 2 Plastics HDPE (high density polyethylene) a strong, transparent plastic with good resistance against chemicals. Pigments are used to add colour and often used for juice bottles, bleach, detergent and household cleaner, pill and shampoo bottles; motor oil bottles; some butter and yogurt tubs. Number 3 Plastics V (Vinyl) or PVC is tough and weathers well, so it is commonly used for piping, siding and similar applications. Never burn PVC, because it releases toxins. Number 4 Plastics LDPE (low density polyethylene) a tough highly flexible plastic used for squeezable bottles, dry cleaning and shopping bags, and carpet. Number 5 Plastics PP (polypropylene) a strong light plastic with a high melting point, and so is often chosen for containers that must accept hot liquid like some yogurt and ice cream containers, syrup bottles and ketchup bottles. Number 6 Plastics PS (polystyrene) is stiff and rigid used in disposable cutlery, plates and cups and CD cases. Alternatively they can also be used to make food containers, which are now banned in Jamaica. Number 7 Plastics Other – A wide variety of plastic resins that don’t fit into the previous categories are lumped into number 7. In Jamaica # 1 PET/PETE and #2 HDPE are currently being collected for recycling.
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CARIBBEAN ENVIRONMENT WEEK OVERVIEW:The Caribbean faces a range of environmental challenges. We already know the problems: decline in biodiversity; waste management and our “plastic problem”; the urgent need for sustainable development, not “business as usual,” as we move towards economic growth; financing for sustainable development; and planning and designing for a more sustainable future in our urban areas. The overarching, ever-present phenomenon of climate change is having an impact on every aspect of our economy and livelihoods; is the Caribbean building sufficient resilience and placing priority on disaster preparedness?
This inaugural series of discussions aims to provoke a free flow of ideas on some of the solutions to these issues. When the week is over, we plan to have some clear pointers for further discussion, planning, and implementation, which we will present to our expert participants and followers on social media. Moving forward! |