I don’t see that it matters whether this magazine is theoretically
recyclable. Practically speaking, if it were to be placed in a recycling bin it
would most likely be sorted with other paper magazines and end up as a
contaminant in the paper recycling process. The probability that this would
actually end up at a PP processing facility if were to be sent to a MRF is so
slim it is not even worth thinking about.
I sent Clear Magazine http://www.clearmag.com/
an email asking for information about what research they had done about the
recyclability of this product but did not receive a response. This is the
second edition they have printed on plastic, and apparently it is quite
expensive and problematic. The plus seems to be that you can read it in the
bath.
You can read their promo at http://www.clearmag.com/blog/?id=966c079f8cb83028199fde576b959e6a.
Ann Dorfman
Recycling & Resource Management Consulting
9 Henshaw Street, Newton, MA 02465
V: 617-244-9321
F: 617-446-1431
ann_consulting@no.address
From:
GreenYes@no.address [mailto:GreenYes@no.address] On Behalf Of Thomas
Shelley
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2008 7:31 PM
To: greenyes@no.address
Subject: [GreenYes] Re: plastic magazines
Dear Amy and Colleagues--The PP "paper" substitute
wouldn't be recycled in our county either (Tompkins Co., Upstate
NY). All our solid waste folks are taking now that is PP are
yoghurt, butter and similar tubs (no lids). There are many
manufacturers who claim that their product is recyclable, but there are
seemingly very few recyclers able to handle most of these products. In an
ideal world, yes, maybe, but not with today's economy in a rural county in
Upstate NY.
The idea of recyclable paper substitutes is not new.
McDonough and Braungart are were big proponents of this concept in their 2002
book, Cradle to Cradle. The problem is that PP is made of oil and
uses substantial fossil fuel inputs in its manufacture. Making virgin
paper is an equal disaster environmentally, but I suppose recycled paper is the
best way to go. It seems to me that lots of paper still gets landfilled
that could be books and what ever in a world with little or no waste and many
more standing trees. Tom
On 12-2-08 Amy Perlmutter wrote:
I'm not sure how many programs in the country have PP
recycling. Also, does anyone know if this is like HDPE, where the
specific gravity is different based on the molding process (ie, blow vs.
injection molded)? If so, that could make it incompatible with other PP,
like yoghurt cups, unless perhaps it was going as mixed plastic for plastic
lumber.
--
******************************************
Tom Shelley
118 E. Court St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607 342-0864
tjs1@no.address
Compost Educator and General Substantiality Scion