Tips for better recycling in summer

It’s the middle of summer and you’re probably enjoying a well-deserved vacation.

And while we should have fun on our days off, we shouldn’t let our recycling get slack.

Summer is one of the times of year when we generate the most waste: bottles, containers, bags, disposable utensils…

All of this can have a huge impact on the environment if we don’t recycle properly.

At Baidal, as specialists in plastics recycling and processing, we want to help you recycle better during the warmer months.

Because every small gesture counts in building a more sustainable future.

Why is it more important to recycle in the summer?

During the summer, outdoor activities, travel, fast food, and the use of single-use products increase.

Consumption of cold drinks and packaged foods is also increasing, significantly increasing the amount of plastic waste.

If not managed properly, these wastes end up on beaches, rivers, forests, or in landfills, polluting our natural environment.

Therefore, adopting good recycling habits in the summer is not only important, it’s necessary.

7 practical tips for recycling better in summer

At Baidal, we want recycling to be easy, convenient, and part of your routine, even on vacation.

Here are some tips you can apply starting today:

1. Learn about local containers

If you’re on vacation in another city or country, check how the local recycling system works.

Colors and categories may vary.

Having this information on hand prevents errors and ensures that your waste is recycled correctly.

2. Always carry a bag to separate waste

Whether at the beach, in the mountains, or at a barbecue, have a bag handy for plastic, cans, or paper.

Separating waste at the time makes it much easier to recycle later.

3. Avoid the use of single-use plastics

Reusable bottles, bamboo cutlery, Tupperware, and cloth bags are excellent options for reducing waste.

At Baidal, we work every day to give plastic a second life, but the most sustainable option is always to reduce its consumption.

4. Clean containers before throwing them away

A common mistake is to throw away dirty containers or containers with food leftovers.

This can contaminate other recyclable materials.

A quick rinse is all it takes to ensure proper sorting.

5. Recycle outside the home too

Many people think that recycling is only done at home.

But more and more public spaces (beaches, parks, shopping centers) have separate containers.

Use them and set an example.

6. Be a conscious consumer

Choose products with recyclable or biodegradable packaging.

Check the labels and choose brands that support recycling and the circular economy.

7. Educate and share

If you have children or are with friends, talk about the importance of recycling. Involving others and encouraging sustainable habits multiplies the positive impact.

Recycling and circular economy

At Baidal, we are dedicated to the recovery and transformation of plastics to give them a new useful life.

We work with industries, distributors, and manufacturers that focus on high-quality recycled materials and a more environmentally friendly production model.

We promote responsible practices that help reduce the environmental footprint.

We turn waste into resources, closing the plastic cycle with technology, innovation, and environmental commitment.

🌱 Together, we’re giving plastic a second chance.

 

Recycled Plastic vs. Recyclable Plastic: What’s the Difference?

Plastic remains one of the most widely used and debated materials.

Terms like “recycled plastic” and “recyclable plastic” often cause confusion.

Although they sound similar, they do not mean the same thing and have very different implications for the environment.

If you want to better understand these concepts and how they affect our consumer decisions, continue reading our blog.

What is Recyclable Plastic?

Recyclable plastic is plastic that has the potential to be recycled.

That is, it can be processed to become a new product or material.

However, just because a plastic is recyclable does not guarantee that it will actually be recycled.

Some factors that influence its recyclability include:

Plastic type:

Not all plastics are equally recyclable.

The most commonly recycled are PET (water bottles) and HDPE (detergent containers).

Recycling infrastructure:

If there are no adequate recycling centers or if plastic is not collected effectively, it will end up in landfills or in the environment.

Cleaning conditions:

Plastics that are dirty or contaminated with food residue, oil, or other materials may be rejected by recycling plants.

🔹 Examples of recyclable plastics:

Soft drink bottles (PET), milk containers (HDPE), yogurt containers (PP), some packaging plastics.

What is Recycled Plastic?

Recycled plastic is plastic that has already gone through a recycling process and has been reused to make new products.

That is, it is not only recyclable, but it has already been recycled and turned into something new.

Using recycled plastic has important benefits, such as:

♻️ Reduction in the use of virgin plastic

Demand for oil and other natural resources used to make new plastic is decreasing.

♻️ Less waste in landfills and oceans

Help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up polluting the planet.

♻️ Smaller carbon footprint

The manufacturing process with recycled plastic typically requires less energy than producing new plastic.

🔹 Examples of recycled plastic:

Clothing made from recycled PET bottles, street furniture made from recycled plastic, and packaging that indicates it has been manufactured with “X% recycled material.”

Which is Better for the Environment?

The answer depends on several factors, but generally speaking, recycled plastic has a more positive environmental impact than recyclable plastic.

  • Recyclable plastic that isn’t recycled ends up in landfills or the ocean, where it can take hundreds of years to degrade.

  • Recycled plastic has already been reused, reducing the need to produce more virgin plastic.

However, recycling is not the only solution.

It’s also essential to reduce the use of single-use plastics and promote more sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable or reusable packaging.

Although the terms “recycled plastic” and “recyclable plastic” may seem similar, they have key differences.

A recyclable plastic has the potential to be recycled, but this depends on factors such as recycling infrastructure and cleaning.

On the other hand, recycled plastic has already been processed and reused, which reduces its environmental impact.

To contribute to a more sustainable world, it’s not enough to simply choose recyclable plastics.

We must ensure that they are actually recycled and encourage the use of recycled materials.

Furthermore, the best option will always be to reduce the consumption of unnecessary plastics and opt for more environmentally friendly alternatives.