The first step to reusing what we would otherwise discard is Eco processing : Trash only becomes a useful raw material if processed and stored

Our EcoProcessing instructable series aims to help you build efficient Eco habits.

Hope you find it useful, don't hesitate to leave your input in the comments if you have any question or suggestion, we'd love to brainstorm with you !

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In this instructable we will focus on Eco processing PET plastic bottles.

Supplies

Plastic Bottle
Exacto Knife

Pliers

Eco brick bin

Step 1: Consume Content

Note that stopping using disposable bottles is the best way to reduce plastic trash, Always.

We recommend to use a stainless steel bottle for water as they are extremely durable and easy to clean!

Step 2: Separate Materials

This is the #1 eco processing Habit. Things CANNOT be recycled if they are not separated. it should be taught at school and in the household, like "brush your teeth 3 times a day and separate your trash". We have to take responsibility for our consuming habit if we choose to buy packaged goods; WE have to do the our best to see it recycled if we want to be part of the solution, and it starts with separating all the different materials systematically whenever possible.

For plastic bottles, it' important to know that it is composed of 3 different kinds of plastic that aren't "equals" in terms of recycling, therefore, they need to be separated : the PET body of the bottle, the PVC label, and the HDPE cap and seal ring.

it's really easy ! Cut off plastic wrapping, remove HDPE bottle ring using pliers as well as HDPE cap.

And as always, make sure it's all clean!

Step 3: Store Materials Separately

The plastic label is usually made out of heat shrink PVC which cannot be recycled. It is important to remove it so your PET bottle can be recycled ( info on why here : https://www.recyclingbin.com/Blog/recycling-heat-s... )

At LABracadabra we keep them in our EcoBrick bin to be shredded and heat pressed into building bricks ! :)

The HDPE parts CAN be recycled into new plastic items, and also comes handy for DIY projects ! Check out your local trash handling system, there might even be a Precious Plastic production line near you!

Step 4: Upcycle !

Let’s recycle!

Now you know how to best process your plastic bottles into quality raw materials you can use to unleash your creativity! PET is a strong and durable material, ideal to make durable artsy and practical projects such as storage boxes and "weatherproof art" ! HDPE is one of the easiest kind of plastic to recycle at home i DIY projects !

Here are a few examples of what you can do with those materials :