Forty billion plastic bottles, most of which are used as beverage bottles, are made in the United States each year. Two-thirds of that amount ends up in landfills. All things considered, this is not at all good for the environment. Avoid throwing away plastic waste by recycling.
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Method 1 of 3: Recycling Preparation
Step 1. Check the bottom of the bottle
You will see numbers 1 to 7. This number determines the base material of the plastic from which it is made. This number can also determine whether the bottle can be recycled by a recycling center near you, or not.
If your plastic bottles can't be recycled by your local recycling center, try reusing them, or turning them into decorations. Click here for some of the ideas
Step 2. Remove the lid
Some recycling centers do not accept bottle caps. If so, you can throw it away, find another recycling center that also accepts bottle caps, or change bottle caps in crafts. If the recycling center accepts plastic bottle caps, set them aside to put back together later, as you will need to clean the bottles first before putting the caps back on.
Most recycling centers do not accept bottle caps because they are made of a different type of plastic than the bottle body. This may result in contamination during the recycling process
Step 3. Rinse the bottle with water
Fill the bottle with water until it is half full, and close the lid. Shake the bottle and its contents. Open the bottle again and drain the water. If the inside of the bottle is still dirty, you may have to rinse it one or two more times. The bottle doesn't have to be completely clean, but there shouldn't be any material left in it.
- If you are recycling bottled water bottles, skip this step.
- If the recycling center accepts bottle caps, replace the caps.
Step 4. Remove the label if necessary
Some recycling centers don't mind the label still on the bottle, while others do (especially if your plastic bottles are priced by weight). If you're planning to reuse the bottle for a craft, remove the label for a tidier result.
Step 5. Repeat the above process for the other bottles
Recycling multiple bottles at once is a good option, especially if you have to take them to a recycling center. That way, you don't have to go there again and again.
Step 6. Consider defrosting the bottle if you have to carry quite a lot
This will make it easier for you to put them in a container or bag to take to a recycling center. If your bottle has a cap, be sure to remove it first. You can deflate the bottle by pressing it between your hands, or by stepping on it.
Step 7. Put the bottle in the bag
Use a paper bag or a plastic bag. These bags won't be recycled as well, but it will make it easier to take your bottles to the recycling center.
Step 8. Find out what programs are around you to recycle plastic
Some places require you to take your plastic bottles to a recycling center, while others require you to put them in the blue trash can. Some places will even replace your plastic bottles with money. If you are interested in selling your used bottles to make money, click here.
Step 9. Put your plastic bottles in the recycling bin if available in your home
The city government may provide recycling bins for you to use at home. Some people put it in the garage or backyard. Check the schedule for your recycling truck, so you can get it out on schedule. You may have to take it out at night and put it on the side of the road.
If you are a student, or live in a campus dormitory, find a recycling bin you can use
Step 10. Take your bottles to a recycling center if you don't have a recycling bin at home
You should find a recycling center closest to where you live. Most recycling centers can be reached by bus, or bicycle.
Step 11. Consider taking the bottle to the waste bank if you have one nearby
Garbage banks exist in some cities, and these places will exchange your plastic bottles for money that can be saved. If your city has a waste bank, visit its website to find out which location is closest to you. Click here to find out more.
Method 2 of 3: Recycling to Earn Money
Step 1. Look for the "CASH REFUND" or "CRV" mark on the bottom of the bottle in the US
Sometimes, you can even see the price, like 5¢ or 15¢. This price determines the amount of money you will receive.
Step 2. Don't try to make more money by picking up plastic bottles from other people's recycling bins
This is against the law in most cities, and is known as recycling theft, and can get you a warning. In most cases, you will have to pay a fine much larger than the price of a bottle, which is only 5¢ or 15¢. So, this action is not worth the punishment.
Step 3. Understand which states offer "Cash Refund" and "CRV" in the US
If your state of residence in the US offers this program, you can take your plastic bottles to a dedicated office, and earn between 5¢ to 15¢ for each bottle. How much money you make depends on the state you live in and the size of your bottle. At the time this article was written, the states in the US that offer this program are:
- California
- Connecticut (does not accept HDPE plastic)
- Hawaii (only accepts PET and HDPE plastic)
- Iowa
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Michigan
- New York
- Oregon
- Vermont
Step 4. Find out which areas in Canada offer refund programs for plastic bottles
Depending on where you live in Canada, you can get between 5¢ to 35¢ for each bottle. At the time of writing, the regions that offer refunds for plastic bottles in Canada are:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba (only accept bottled beer)
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon Territory
- Northwest Territories
Step 5. Make sure your bottle is clean and the cap is removed
Most recycling centers don't want to accept dirty bottles. Some recycling centers even require you to remove the lid as well. Find out what regulations apply at your local recycling center.
Step 6. Take the bottles to your local recycling center or waste bank
You can find out the location on the internet. If you live in the US, keep in mind that even if certain states offer cash refund programs, not all plastic bottles will be accepted at recycling centers. Most states will only accept bottles marked "CASH REFUND" or "CRV", and will not accept bottles without the mark, or those originating outside the state.
Step 7. Consider finding a garbage bank or a junkyard who will buy back your plastic bottles
You can consider this option if you want to make money. Most of the scavengers are willing to buy plastic bottles for a certain price. Your plastic bottles will be valued based on their weight or quantity. The following are some of the things that can affect the amount of money you receive from selling plastic bottles:
- plastic type
- Plastic
- Physical characteristics of the plastic (such as specific gravity, melting point, etc.)
- Plastic quality
Step 8. Understand that not all recycling centers will accept all types of plastic bottles
There are various basic materials for making plastic bottles. Most are plastic marked with the numbers #1 and #2. These two types are also generally accepted at almost all recycling centers. Also keep in mind that the size and shape of the bottle also determines whether the bottle is recyclable or not. Some recycling centers only accept bottles of a certain size, while other recycling centers impose bottle size restrictions.
Method 3 of 3: Reusing or Changing Plastic Bottles
Step 1. Use the bottom of a 2 liter coke bottle as a cherry blossom stamp pattern on a piece of paper
Use a thick brush to draw the tree trunk on the paper. Dip the bottom of the bottle in pink paint, and apply a cherry blossom pattern stamping around the stem image. Draw a few black or pink circles in the center of each flower.
The most suitable bottles to use in this craft are bottles with 5 or 6 lumps at the bottom. This part will become the flower petals
Step 2. Make a horticultural doll from two 2 liter bottles
Cut the bottom of a 2 liter coke bottle. Use hot glue to glue the bottle cap to the nose and the two large eyes. Fill the bottle with soil and moisten it with water. Sprinkle fast growing grass seeds in it.
Step 3. Turn several 2 liter bottles into snack bowls
Cut the bottoms of several 2 liter bottles. Decorate the outside with paint, colored paper, or stickers. Fill each bowl with nuts, cookies, or candy, and use them at your next party.
Step 4. Turn two plastic bottles into a zippered coin purse
Cut the 3.8 cm bottom of the two water bottles with a craft knife. Remove the top, use only the bottom. Look for a zipper that can be wrapped around the bottle. Apply hot glue around the rim of one of the bottles. Press the fabric side of the zipper with glue. The zipper should now be flush with the outside of the bottle, and the teeth should be parallel to the mouth of the bottle. Unzip, and apply hot glue around the other rim of the bottle. Press the other side of the zipper with hot glue. Wait for the glue to dry and close the zipper. Your coin purse is now ready!
You can make a pencil holder by cutting off the top of the bottle and 3.8 cm from the bottom of the other bottle. Thus, you get a short bottle and a long bottle. Use both to make a pencil holder
Step 5. Create a greenhouse for plants
Fill the clay flowerpot with soil. Moisten the soil with water, and make small holes in the center. Sprinkle some seeds into the hole, and cover it with soil. Cut a 2 liter bottle into 2 parts, and remove the bottom. Remove the bottle cap, and attach the bottle to the top of the flower pot. This bottle may stand on the edge of the flowerpot, or completely cover it.
Consider writing labels on flower pots with chalkboard paint. You can write on the surface of the label using chalk to make it look vintage
Step 6. Turn a plastic bottle into a bird feeder
Cut a 2 liter plastic bottle into 2 parts and discard the top. Make a large rectangle on one side of the bottle; it should not be bigger than the palm of your hand. You will be filling the bottom of the bottle with bird feed, so don't cut to the bottom of the bottle. Make two holes in the mouth of the bottle; make sure they are right opposite. Insert a piece of wire through the hole, and tie a knot. Fill the bottom of the container with bird feed, and hang it on a tree.
You can use acrylic paint to color the bird feeder so it looks brighter. You can also stick a square-shaped tissue there. Be sure to coat it with clear spray acrylic paint
Step 7. Use bottle caps to create a mosaic masterpiece
Not all recycling centers will accept bottle caps, but that doesn't mean you should throw them away. Use hot glue to glue the bottle cap to a piece of white cardboard, board, or foam board. Apply glue to the top of the bottle cap and glue it to the cardboard.
Tips
- There are many ways that you can choose to recycle plastic bottles, namely by collecting them in the recycling bin at home, or taking them to a recycling center or waste bank near you.
- Always be responsible for your environment.
- Check with your city government if there is a glass waste recycling service available as well. Usually the steps for recycling glass are the same as recycling plastic.
Warning
- As many as 40 billion plastic bottles are made in the United States alone in one year. Two-thirds end up in landfills. Avoid this by recycling.
- Don't take plastic bottles from other people's recycling bins. It is illegal in most places, and is referred to as recycling theft. The fine you pay will be far greater than the price of the bottle you stole.
- Refilling a plastic bottle with water and drinking it may seem like a good idea, but it's not. Some plastic bottles will release chemicals into the water and make it taste weird. In addition, the longer you reuse plastic bottles, the more bacteria will grow in them.
