The SPI system identifies the plastic item's primary component, technically called a resin. The variety of resins is what makes plastic recycling so complex. In addition, the American Plastic Council has established a toll-free Plastic Hotline to provide communities with information, such as locating handlers, reclaimers, and manufacturers of recycled plastic products. Consumer confusion Coy Smith, former executive director of the San Diego Recycling Company, says this complexity can become a negative factor in plastics recycling. Plastics recycling is not simple.
Plastic is the most frustrating.
The majority of the angry calls we get are about plastic recycling, which can turn people off. Part of the problem is the difference in demand for the different types of recycled resins. Krista Henkels, recycling specialist of the Solid Waste Division of the San Diego County Department of Public Works, shares Smith's concern. Industry is happy to recycle for them. The only problem is that we don't have the infrastructure to provide a market for these recycled materials.