Sorting non-rigid plastic
As of 1 November 2008, non-rigid plastic can also be recycled. Non-rigid plastic packaging no longer belongs with the combustible waste, but is sorted in the same container as rigid plastic packaging. Non-rigid plastic packaging includes plastic wrapping, plastic carrier bags, fruit punnets and plastic toothpaste tubes, etc.
TURNED INTO NEW PLASTIC PRODUCTS
The collected plastic material is recycled into new plastic products. Non-rigid plastic used to be sorted together with the ordinary rubbish (residual waste).
INCREASED ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT
This change has come about because of a new method that is both economically and environmentally beneficial for recycling non-rigid plastic.
Recycling non-rigid plastic into new products, instead of sending it to the combustion plant, increases the environmental benefit. One kilo of recycled plastic decreases the emission of carbon dioxide by two kilos.
The sorting, collecting and recycling of non-rigid plastic packaging is being implemented in 93 municipalities.
Non-rigid plastic sorting and recycling in 93 municipalities (FTI, new window).
PLASTIC CARRIER BAGS FOR HOUSEHOLD WASTE
You can still use plastic bags for your residual waste. Your household waste must be wrapped so as to ensure a safe work environment for the refuse collectors. Broken or left-over plastic bags are sorted together with the plastic packaging.
ALL PACKAGing SHOULD BE CLEAN AND DRY
The empty non-rigid plastic packaging cartons also have to be clean and dry when put into the recycling bins. They must not be sticky or contain food leftovers if they are to be recycled into new products. Rinse or dry off any mess.
SORT THE cartons ONE BY ONE
The plastic packaging cartons should be put into the container one by one, and not together in a bag. This is because the packaging will be sorted further before they are recycled, and this is not possible if the cartons are put together in bags.
Sorting non-rigid plastic; FAQs (The Packaging and Newspaper Collection Service, FTI, new window)