Why Can't We Recycle All Plastics?

Some items cannot be recycled, either because their physical properties make it impossible, or because the process required is not economically viable. To recycle items into new products there must be a market for the material.

At the moment Islington, in line with most councils, only collects plastic bottles. This is because this is the form of plastic that the plastic reprocessing industry demands. At present, there is unfortunately no demand in the marketplace for other types of plastics. For example, few manufacturers use plastic food trays or yoghurt pots and so Islington Council does not collect them.

Making markets for recycling

As individuals and consumers, it is vital that we buy products made from recycled materials if the market for such products - and the recyclable goods they are made from - is to grow. As markets develop and technology improves, councils will then be able to collect more materials for recycling.