Plastic folders, commonly used in offices and schools, present a recycling challenge due to their composition and the limitations of many recycling programs. According to Recycle Mate, plastic folders are generally not accepted in home kerbside recycling bins, as these systems are designed primarily for everyday packaging waste.
TerraCycle Zero Waste Box
TerraCycle’s Zero Waste Box program offers a solution for recycling hard-to-recycle materials, including plastic folders and binders. The process is straightforward:
- Choose a box size and waste stream (e.g., binders and folders)
- Fill the box with appropriate items
- Ship it back to TerraCycle using the pre-paid label
- TerraCycle recycles the contents into new products
The collected waste is separated into metals, fibers, and plastics. Metals are melted for recycling, fibers are recycled or composted, and plastics are processed into pellets for new products. While this service comes at a cost, it provides a more sustainable alternative to landfill disposal for items not accepted in regular recycling programs.
Polypropylene Recycling Process
The polypropylene (PP) recycling process involves several key steps to transform used PP products into reusable material:
- Collection and sorting: PP items are collected and separated from other plastics based on their resin identification code (#5).
- Cleaning: Contaminants like labels, adhesives, and food residue are removed.
- Shredding: Clean PP is ground into small flakes or pieces.
- Melting and extrusion: The shredded PP is melted at around 240°C and extruded into pellets.
- Quality control and manufacturing: The recycled PP pellets are tested for quality and used to create new products.
This mechanical recycling process helps conserve resources and reduce plastic waste in landfills. However, PP can lose some strength and flexibility when recycled repeatedly, so it’s often mixed with virgin PP to maintain quality in new products.
Donation Options for Reuse
Donating old folders for reuse is an eco-friendly alternative to disposal. Schools, libraries, museums, and non-profit organizations often welcome such donations, each with unique collection goals. When donating:
- Research the institution’s needs and donation protocols
- Provide context about the folders’ previous use or significance
- Remove personal information and clean the folders
- Consider organizing a community donation drive for school supplies
For plastic folders in good condition, local charity shops may accept them for resale. This approach not only extends the life of the folders but also supports charitable causes. If donation isn’t possible, exploring creative repurposing ideas can transform old folders into functional organizers or craft materials.