Are gels recyclable?

[JBrennan]

Are gels recyclable? A student asked me today and I had always assumed the answer to be no but never really did any checking. Anyone know for sure? Thanks.

 

[Kelite]

The polyester most often used by gel manufacturers may be recycled with similar plastics, but without a recycle emblem- it may get pitched into the trash once at the recycling facility.

This post may offer some help- Yahoo! Answers - Must a plastic item have that recycle emblem on it to put it in the recycle bin?

 

[gafftaper]

It really depends on your local recycling system. I think every municipality in the country has a different set of rules about recycling plastics. Call your local company and ask. Perhaps if you saved it up and delivered it in a larger quantity they would take it more serious than a few sheets here and there scattered with the pop cans and newspaper.

 

[Kelite]

Perhaps if you saved it up and delivered it in a larger quantity they would take it more serious than a few sheets here and there scattered with the pop cans and newspaper.

Sound reasoning, Gafftaper. Perhaps if a few local theaters collectively tossed their spent gel sheets in a box, it might be beneficial to all parties involved.

JBrennan- If applicable, be sure to let the recycler know the plastic is indeed polyester rather than polycarbonate as these two plastics differ in their composition. Here is a little info-

Polycarbonate vs Polyester in plastics ?!? - Yahoo! Answers