Various Ways to Recycle High Density Polyethylene

We have all heard of the many benefits of recycling. One material that is particularly advantageous to recycle is high density polyethylene. High density polyethylene, known as HDPE for short, is one of the most commonly used materials in manufacturing today. Recycled HDPE is just as useful as it can be used for a wide range of products.

What can high density polyethylene be recycled into? High-density polyethylene is much stronger than other types of plastic. Because of this strong internal structure, HDPE can be reused safely for a variety of applications. High-density polyethylene is often recycled into bottles, pens, plastic lumber, picnic tables, rope, toys, piping, decking, bike racks, plastic fencing, benches, furniture, recycling bins, and trash cans, to name a few.

In order to become more efficient in our recycling efforts, it is important to educate ourselves on the value of materials such as high density polyethylene. By learning how they can be used once recycled, we can work to improve the environment around us. In this post, we will discuss the many ways in which recycled high density polyethylene can be used to create new products.

What is High Density Polyethylene?

High density polyethylene is considered a polyethylene thermoplastic as it is made from petroleum. A flexible plastic polymer, HDPE is one of the most commonly used materials in manufacturing today. Created in the 1950s by Karl Ziegler and Erhard Holzkamp, high density polyurethane is one of the newest types of plastics to enter the market. In addition to being the most commonly used plastic, it is also the most commonly recycled plastic.

High density polyethylene has a strong internal structure. This means there is a low risk of leaching toxins into the foods or liquids it contains. Because of this, the FDA considers HDPE a food-safe plastic. High density polyethylene is used to make a wide range of products from milk jugs to shampoo bottles and nearly everything in between.

High density polyethylene is a Type 2 plastic, a fact that is notated by a symbol on the bottom of most HDPE containers. Additionally, high density polyethylene products are considered one of the most eco-friendly alternatives as they are made using post-consumer products and can be recycled again once they are discarded.

Another great benefit of high density polyethylene is that it does not contain allergens. It also does not contain BPA, heavy metals, or phthalates, and it does not release harmful fumes into the environment.

Recycling High Density Polyethylene

High density polyethylene is one of the easiest plastics to recycle. Because of this, most recycling companies will collect HDPE products. However, the majority of HDPE products are then sent to larger recycling facilities. Once they arrive, companies process them into reusable materials.

Many high density polyethylene recycling companies will sell the finished product to plastics manufacturers, creating a closed-loop recycling system. Once the recycled HDPE is refined by a precise sorting process, it is shredded before it is melted for further processing. Most frequently, recycled high density polyethylene is cooled into pellet form which is sold to plastics manufacturers.

Once the high density polyethylene recycling process is complete, the finished material will be a dark brown or black color as this is the easiest way to achieve uniformity. Scientists suggest that you can recycle high density polyethylene up to 10 times before it loses its structural integrity.

Industrial Uses of High Density Polyethylene

We have discussed the commercial uses of high density polyethylene. However, it is just as common for use in the industrial world. When it comes to recycling HDPE, these products make a much larger impact on the environment.

Some of the most common industrial uses of high density polyethylene include the following:

Storage Boxes
Containers and Drums
IBC Containers
Pallets
Utility Pipes
And More

Businesses, plants, and manufacturing facilities must invest time and resources into establishing a closed-loop HDPE recycling system that benefits the environment. Many high-density recycling companies offer pick-up services for companies that produce HDPE at large rates. In fact, you may even be able to sell your scrap HDPE for a profit as this material is in high demand!

Why is Using High Density Polyethylene Advantageous?

There are many advantages to using both high density polyethylene and recycled HDPE. High density polyethylene can be recycled numerous times before it is no longer of value. However, it is a non-biodegradable plastic. Because of this, it can take centuries to decompose if it is simply discarded after a single use.

Recycling high density polyethylene, and using it in its recycled form, is highly advantageous both to the environment and to manufacturing facilities. In fact, research shows that it is less expensive to produce a product using recycling high density polyethylene than it is to start from scratch with new plastic.

By using recycled high density polyethylene, companies can lower their costs while improving the world in which we live. Additionally, high density polyethylene, both recycled and non, is incredibly durable. It can be used for numerous purposes with great efficiency.

Things That Are Made Using Recycled High Density Polyethylene

Seeing as high density polyethylene is perhaps the most common material in manufacturing today, it is safe to assume that you can recycle much of this material into new products. Fortunately, countless things can be made using recycled high density polyethylene.

Although new high density polyethylene is approved by the FDA as food-safe, recycled high density polyethylene does not meet this requirement. Nevertheless, it is incredibly durable, safe, and works well in a variety of applications.

Recycled high density polyethylene is commonly used to produce bottles such as those used for anti-freeze and other chemicals. HDPE in its recycled form is also used to make pens, rope, toys, bike racks, furniture, picnic tables, benches, recycling bins, and trash cans. It is also used for building materials such as plastic lumber, piping, decking, plastic fencing, and more.

As you can easily see, there are many ways in which recycled high density polyethylene can be used to create new products that are of great value in today’s economy. With consumers and companies constantly striving for eco-friendly alternatives and products, utilizing recycled HDPE is one of the best ways to set yourself apart from your competitors.

How to Begin Recycling High Density Polyethylene Products

Recycling high density polyethylene requires a large amount of equipment as well as expertise in the area. Most recycling companies collect high density polyethylene products. However, they often sell their HDPE products to recycling companies that specialize in this field.

Companies such as Accel Polymers, a high density polyethylene recycling company, offer an incredible service to large manufacturers that produce significant amounts of HDPE waste. In fact, Accel Polymers purchases this material in almost any form.

Once they receive the high density polyethylene waste, they use their precise recycling methods to refine the product. Through this process, they are able to produce a high-quality recycled product that they can in turn resell to plastics manufacturers. This process is a closed-loop recycling system.

As a business owner, there are many benefits to partnering with a high density polyethylene recycling company. In addition to eliminating the costs associated with waste removal services, HDPE recycling can quickly improve your bottom line. By selling your scrap materials to an HDPE recycling company, you lower your overall cost of production.

Additionally, recycling high density polyethylene containers is highly-beneficial to the environment. This can help attract both team members, and partners, as well as customers. Through a high density polyethylene system, your business will continue to grow and thrive while benefiting the world in which we live. You can learn more about the benefits of recycling for businesses here.

Begin Using Recycled High Density Polyethylene Today!

Just as important as companies that recycle their high density polyethylene waste are companies that purchase recycled HDPE materials for use in their production process. At Accel Polymers, we are proud to provide simplified solutions to recycling high density polyethylene waste. We also offer high-quality recycled HDPE materials.

By working together, we can help to create a closed-loop recycling system that is beneficial to your business. Our team of experts has over 100 years of combined experience working directly with plastics manufacturers. This important experience has taught us valuable lessons that allow us to provide our clients with the best HDPE recycling services possible.

If you are a plant manager or business owner interested in using recycled high density polyethylene in your manufacturing process, we would love to discuss our process in greater detail. Contact our HDPE recycling representative to learn more or receive a custom quote.