Plastic recycling is a key step in the fight against plastic pollution and in protecting our environment. At a time when plastic waste management has become a critical global issue, it is essential to understand how the recycling process works.
Why is plastic recycling so important in 2025? How exactly does it work? And what can each of us do to help increase the percentage of recyclable materials, particularly plastics?
In this article, we’ll explore the main stages of plastic recycling, the different types of plastic that can be recycled, and the impact that this practice has on our planet.
Why Plastic Recycling Is Crucial for the Environment
Single-use plastic is one of the most significant pollutants of our time. It poses a serious threat to the environment and requires effective waste management to prevent it from ending up in our oceans and landfills. Recycling helps reduce the need for plastic production and lowers overall pollution.
The dangers of single-use plastics
Single-use plastics, such as plastic bottles, plastic bags, and straws, are often discarded after a single use. This excessive consumption generates massive plastic pollution, especially in oceans, where these items can take hundreds of years to break down.
To address this issue, the Canadian government has implemented regulatory measures to ban specific single-use plastics. Full compliance with these new regulations is expected by 2026–2027, with the goal of reducing problematic plastic circulation and protecting the environment.
The impact of not recycling on the planet
Without recycling, plastic waste ends up in landfills or in nature. This contributes to the destruction of ecosystems, the loss of biodiversity, and the generation of greenhouse gases, which accelerate global warming.
Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic, particularly plastic packaging, bottle caps, and other plastic containers, end up polluting our environment. This poses a direct threat to wildlife, which ingests these materials and suffers the long-term effects of such persistent contamination.
Types of Recyclable Plastic: What You Need to Know
There are several types of plastic, each recycled through a specific process. Knowing which plastics can and cannot be recycled is essential for an effective recycling system.
PET: The most recycled plastic
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET plastic) is the most commonly recycled type. It is widely used in plastic bottles and containers for beverages and other products and packaging. Thanks to its structure, PET can easily be transformed into new products such as clothing, fleece, or other textile-based goods.
HDPE: High-density polyethylene
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is often used in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and recycling bins. This material is highly recyclable and can be repurposed into plastic lumber, new packaging, or durable containers.
Other categories: From resin to polystyrene
Some plastics, such as polystyrene (styrofoam), are much harder to recycle. Their slow degradation and specific handling requirements present technical challenges for plastic recyclers.
Key Steps in the Plastic Recycling Process
The plastic recycling process includes several essential stages to turn plastic waste into usable new products. Each step is vital to ensure sustainable, effective waste management.
Sorting and collection
The first step is sorting. All plastics must be separated from other waste. By placing them in the correct recycling bin and following curbside recycling rules, consumers play a direct role in making plastic recycling more efficient.
Transport to sorting facilities
Once collected, plastics are sent to materials recovery facilities (MRFs). Here, they are sorted according to their type: PET, HDPE, polypropylene (PP), etc. This ensures a higher recycling rate and reduces contamination.
Cleaning and preparation
Before being recycled, plastics are cleaned to remove contaminants such as food residue, detergents, or other waste. After washing, the plastic is shredded into small flakes or pellets, making it easier for recycling facilities to process.
Transformation into new products
Finally, the clean plastic flakes or pellets are melted down and transformed into recyclable materials for new uses: picnic tables, reusable containers, textiles, and more.
How You Can Contribute to Plastic Recycling
Everyone can participate in proper waste management, starting with simple daily habits.
Sort your waste correctly
Pay attention to the recycling symbols on plastic products to know what can and cannot be recycled. Place recyclable materials in the right bin to support your local recycling program.
Choose reusable products
Reduce your use of single-use plastics by opting for recyclable, reusable alternatives, such as water bottles, bags, and cups. The less disposable plastic we use, the less ends up polluting our environment and oceans.
Cascades Fluff & Tuff® Commitment to Plastic Recycling
At Cascades Fluff & Tuff®, we are committed to offering eco-friendly and sustainable solutions. All of our products are packaged in 100% recycled materials, helping to reduce waste and support a true circular economy.
Our products include FSC-certified paper, ensuring responsible forest management and the preservation of ecosystems.
We also offer compostable paper towels1, made from recycled fibres that naturally break down in compost environments. Our biodegradable toilet paper provides an environmentally responsible alternative that decomposes.
1These products are suitable for composting in industrial and municipal facilities, not for home composting. Please check locally, as facilities may not be available in your area.
