Plastics
There is no plan for plastic recycling on campus as the plastic recycling market in New Orleans is not viable at this time.
Unfortunately, it is cheaper for bottling companies in the United States to make new bottles from virgin petroleum than it is to recycle. Major bottling companies are not incorporating post consumer plastic into their bottles at the rate that they have promised. Ideally, the producers of the bottles should be responsible for the products that they are making in such vast numbers.
Because there is no real market for plastic, the value of plastic is only 4-7 cents a pound while aluminum's value is 66 cents a pound at current market rates. (3/30/08)
Another problem is that the closest market for buying plastic is in Baton Rouge. Phoenix Recycling is the only company in New Orleans willing to pick up our plastic and take it to Baton Rouge. Because of transportation costs and the low return on the commodities, Phoenix would charge us $20 for EACH 96 gallon container of plastic that they pick up. This is not economically feasible.
Other options besides recycling of plastic are:
1. continue to throw away the disposable plastic generated on campus.
2. reduce the volume of plastic on campus by a return to aluminum cans.
3. reduce the volume of plastic on campus by using water vending machines that would dispense water into reusable Nalgene bottles.
Shown below is a chart comparing the weight, volume and market value of aluminum, PETE plastic, and HDPE plastic. Prices were as of 3/30/08.
|
Crushed |
Crushed |
Crushed |
Weight |
One pound |
One pound |
One pound |
Approximate landfill volume |
0.3 cubic feet |
0.6 cubic feet |
1.0 cubic foot |
Market value 3/30/08 |
$0.66/pound |
$0.07/pound |
$0.04/pound |
Source of market value |
All Scrap Metal Kenner, LA |
||
Value of 100 pounds |
$66.00 |
$ 7.00 |
$ 4.00 |
Recycling cost to Loyola |
Free. All Scrap Metal would pick up, sort and weigh the aluminum. Payment given for the value of the aluminum. |
Phoenix Recycling would charge us $20 for each 96 gallon container of plastic that is picked up. No payment given for the value of the plastic. |
Phoenix Recycling would charge us $20 for each 96 gallon container of plastic that is picked up. No payment given for the value of the plastic |
Feel free to ask any questions at recycle@loyno.edu.
