Plastic milk jug recycling and use

Milk is a staple in many households, and a refrigerator without a pitcher, bottle or bag (depending on where you live) of milk is an unusual sight in developed nations. By Zenith International was global milk consumption in 2007 approximately 242 billion litres. approx. 63 billion gallons.

Milk in reusable glass bottles are not so common these days with the glass has been replaced by paper cartons and plastic bottles, which translated into a variety of packaging.

Other issues with dairy products, these plastic milk jugs are churned by millions and is an environmental issue that so many of them into the waste stream.

Plastic Milk jug

The plastic used to make milk jugs are usually high-density polyethylene (HDPE).The good news is this is plastic resin code no. 2, and as such is "recyclable" (more on this below). Jugs can usually be placed in your flying recycling, but check with your local waste authorities first.

Milk jug recycling

I thought that it is difficult to find the exact figures for the United States and other countries, but in Canada until 2009, recycling of HDPE milk jugs ranged from 38% to 63%. It is my view that recovery rates have improved since last year when Canada introduces a scheme whereby the return of milk jugs will be rewarded economically.