The Hidden Obstacles of Recycling Mixed Plastics
Consumers are told to "recycle more", but what happens when plastic products aren’t as straightforward as a simple water bottle? Many items—from food packaging to electronics and household goods—are made from mixed plastics, making them nearly impossible to recycle. While the idea of a circular economy is gaining momentum, the reality is that most mixed plastics end up in landfills or incinerators.
So why is it so difficult to sustainably dispose of mixed plastics, and what can consumers do about it?
1. What Are Mixed Plastics?
Most people assume plastic is just one material, but in reality, there are seven main types, each with different properties and recycling capabilities. Many consumer products are made from blended or multi-layered plastics, which include:
Food packaging (chip bags, juice pouches, yogurt containers)
Plastic-lined cartons (milk and juice boxes)
Household goods (toys, appliances, furniture)
Medical and personal care products (toothpaste tubes, blister packs)
These products often combine different types of plastic, adhesives, or even aluminum layers, making them extremely difficult to recycle.
2. Why Can’t Mixed Plastics Be Easily Recycled?
Unlike single-material plastics like PET water bottles (#1) or HDPE milk jugs (#2), which are widely recycled, mixed plastics present several challenges:
Sorting difficulty – Most recycling facilities use automated systems to separate materials, but blended plastics can’t be easily sorted.
Material incompatibility – Different plastics have different melting points, meaning they can’t be processed together into new products.
Lack of end markets – Even if mixed plastics are processed, there’s little demand for the low-quality recycled material.
This means that, even if a product technically has a recycling symbol, it may still end up in a landfill.
3. Incineration and "Waste-to-Energy" Solutions
Because recycling mixed plastics is so difficult, many waste management systems rely on incineration or waste-to-energy programs.
Pros: These methods reduce landfill waste and generate energy.
Cons: They release carbon emissions and don’t align with circular economy principles.
While waste-to-energy is sometimes necessary, it should be viewed as a last resort, not a sustainable long-term solution.
4. What Are the Alternatives?
Consumers and businesses can take several steps to reduce reliance on mixed plastics and improve disposal options:
1️⃣ Choose Better Packaging
Look for single-material packaging (e.g., recyclable PET or aluminum).
Support brands that use compostable or refillable packaging.
2️⃣ Reduce & Reuse
Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.
Invest in reusable alternatives (stainless steel bottles, glass containers, etc.).
3️⃣ Support Innovation
Some companies are developing chemical recycling solutions that break mixed plastics down into reusable components.
Stay informed about new recycling technologies and support businesses that invest in sustainability.
4️⃣ Advocate for Change
Encourage brands to design products with recyclability in mind.
Push for better waste management policies in your community.
The Solution: Rethink Plastic Waste
Sustainable disposal of mixed plastics is a huge challenge, but by making better choices as consumers and businesses, we can reduce waste at the source.
At EOL Stewards, we specialize in finding sustainable disposal solutions for complex materials—including mixed plastics. Whether you’re a business looking for eco-friendly waste management or a consumer looking for ways to reduce plastic waste, we’re here to help.
