How are plastic bottles and flasks recycled?

Recycling plastic bottles and flasks is done in three stages:

• The plastic bottles and flasks are sorted automatically or manually in sorting centers.
• Each bottle and flask is washed and then ground into chips or turned into pellets.
• Using various techniques the chips and pellets are melted and transformed to make new products.

Watch the video about recycling plastic bottles and flasks: Dutch version

What are the recycled materials used for?

Transparent plastic bottles made from PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) are recycled into:

• new bottles
• plastic containers for fruits and vegetables
• textile fibres
• carpets and stuffing for mattresses, jackets and sleeping bags

Opaque plastic flasks made from HDPE (High Density PolyEthylene) are recycled into:

• storage bins, baskets, chests and shelves
• containers for liquids
• pipes, cable conduits and tubing
• pallets

Why recycle plastic bottles and flasks?

Economically and ecologically responsible

Recycling plastic bottles and flasks is a good thing, both economically and environmentally. It uses less energy than the production of new plastics, and fewer raw materials, including crude oil, are needed. Furthermore, plastic bottles and flasks no longer end up as residual waste. This is a win-win situation: we pay less and we pollute less!

Not feasible for all types of plastics

Not all plastic packaging is easily recyclable, and there are many different types of plastic used for a very wide range of applications. In order to recycle efficiently, the types of plastic must be available in sufficiently large quantities and must be of acceptable quality. This is currently the case for two types of plastic packaging, namely plastic bottles made from PET and plastic flasks made from HDPE.

Do's and don'ts

We are relatively certain of the composition of plastic bottles and flasks. They are made mainly of PET (transparent) or HDPE (opaque), and therefore can be easily recycled. Recycling other types of plastic is environmentally and/or economically less feasible. That is why plastic foil and bags, yoghurt containers and butter tubs must not be put in with the PMD.

Sorting correctly is important!

And that is why we are also counting on you. Consult the sorting rules for PMD.