Can PVC products be recycled? What is the significance of the number 3?
PVC can technically be recycled, but it is very difficult because the many additives used make it impossible to retain the unique properties of the original formulation. In fact, PVC can contaminate and ruin other recyclable plastics because of these additives. One PVC bottle can contaminate a recycling load of 100,000 recyclable bottles! That’s why the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers have declared PVC a contaminant and organizations like the GrassRoots Recycling Network has been working to phase it out. One way to be sure if the packaging of a product is made from PVC is to look for the number “3” inside or the letter “V” underneath the universal recycling symbol. Just remember bad news comes in three’s, don’t buy PVC! PVC plants are disproportionately located in low-income communities and communities of color, making the production of PVC a major environmental justice concern for neighboring residents. Can you discuss this? The entire lifecycle of PVC is an issue of env
