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Recycling question! (lemmy.world)

submitted 22 hours ago by Droggelbecher@lemmy.world to c/green@lemmy.ml

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I'm aware that I, the consumer, won't change the world and that we need structural change.

Still, I've been wondering. I've come to learn that plastic recycling is largely a myth/scam, but what about glass and metal recycling? Also, what happens to the plastic coating on metal during recycling?

TIA

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[–] CompactFlax@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 22 hours ago* (last edited 22 hours ago)

Metals and glass are highly recyclable but you’re right to question coatings. Dyes in the glass make it a challenge as well; green, clear, and brown glass are relatively common and sortable. Some areas sort their glass this way. The unpredictability of the chemical composition of the glass means it’s not made into the “same thing”, but moves down a grade. Like paper - the brown paper towels are a downgrade from the original product that was recycled to make them.

Aluminium cans are highly recyclable but if they’re shrink wrapped or have a label it can make it not worthwhile. https://www.aluminum.org/news/aluminum-container-design-guide-outlines-four-keys-circular-recycling

Metals like steel are also recyclable but the value does drop off because it’s not really possible to ascertain the grade or alloy or type of metal with high degree of certainty. Fortunately there’s plenty of applications for metals in that category.

Lead from car batteries is almost entirely recoverable.