You know, my lecturer in polymeric materials used to say polymers were not bad materials, it’s the way they are over utilised that is the main problem with them.
I think one problem today is that people mistake the plastic identification symbol for a recycling symbol. I’m no expert on recycling, but I do know a thing or two about materials.
How does one easily recycle polystyrene foam? Or kevlar? Or any polymer containing aromatic compounds?
The truth is, to my knowledge, thermosetting polymers generally can’t be recycled easily without some very harsh solvents, so they’re generally being discarded. That means all resins like bakelite, the epoxy resin used in carbon fibre composites.
I may be wrong, but I believe that in many countries, it’s not a compulsory requirement to even label plastics. Of course the EU is ahead of say, Asia, Africa or South America.
Even so, just because plastic identification symbol is used, doesn’t mean a recycling centre will take it. I think it’s a kind of recycling loophole.