Are Stickers Recyclable? (And Do They Biodegrade?)

       

        A sticker is a self-adhesive label that can be used for a variety of purposes, including decoration, identification and marketing. While stickers are a popular and convenient tool, their environmental impact is often overlooked. As our society becomes more aware of the importance of protecting our planet, it is imperative to consider the environmental impact of the products we use, including stickers.

        In this article, we explore what stickers are, their importance in protecting the environment, and the challenges and alternatives of sustainable sticker options.

At one point or the other, you must have used stickers or seen them at the very least. And if you’re a naturally curious person, you must have wondered if it is possible to recycle stickers.
Well, we understand that you have got tons of questions. And that’s why we are here.

In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about recycling stickers. But we won’t just stop there. We’ll also discuss the impacts of stickers on the environment. And how best to dispose of your stickers.

What is a Sticker?

        It is a little piece of plastic or paper with design, writing, or picture on a surface. Then, there’s a sticky substance like a glue that fastens it to a body on the other side.
Stickers typically have an outer layer that covers and preserves the adhesive or sticky surface. This outer layer stays until you remove it. Typically, this is when you’re ready to fasten the sticker to an object.
        You can use stickers to decorate an item or to serve functional purposes. Of course, you must have seen them on lunchboxes, lockers, cars, walls, windows, notebooks, and many more.

        Stickers are mostly used for branding, especially when a company, business, or entity requires identification with an idea, design, or word. You can also use stickers to describe your goods or services. Usually, this will be for unobvious features that a simple examination will not ordinarily reveal.
        Stickers are also promotional items, used even in political campaigns and major football deals. In fact, it’s quite a big deal when it comes to football.
So, stickers have come a long way. And they continue to get even more popular due to their vast economic potential.

Can You Recycle Stickers?

        Stickers are materials that you can’t generally recycle. And this is due to two reasons.First, stickers are complex materials. And this is due to the adhesives that comprise the stickers. Yes, those sticky substances that keep your sticker glued to the wall.
        However, it would be best if you did not confuse this to mean you can’t recycle adhesives.
The problem with adhesives, however, is how they affect recycling machines. So, stickers aren’t generally recyclable because these glues gunk up the recycling machine if plenty of it gets generated in the process.

        As a result, recycling plants usually turn down stickers as recycling products. Their concern is simply because of numerous cases of real havoc and the likely devastation it’s likely to cause. And of course, these troubles would require these companies to spend outrageous amounts on maintenance and repairs.
        Secondly, stickers aren’t generally recyclable because their coatings make them resist weather conditions. These coatings are three, namely, silicon, PET as well as polypropylene plastic resins.
Each of the layers has a different recycling requirement. Then, not to mention that the papers that make up these stickers have a separate recycling need.
        Worse still, the yield these papers give often does not match up to the cost and effort that go into recycling them. So, most companies would usually refuse to accept stickers for recycling. After all, it’s not economical.

        So, can stickers be recycled? Probably, but you will have a hard time finding any recycling company willing to give it a try.

Are Vinyl Stickers Recyclable?

        They are wall decals, and you can conveniently call them wall stickers.You can use them to decorate your room. You can also use them for commercial purposes, such as branding, adverts, and merchandising. Then, you can fix them on smooth surfaces like glasses as well.
Vinyl surfaces may be regarded as superior because they are much stronger than regular stickers and are highly durable. So, they last for a long time. However, they are more expensive than standard stickers due to their extraordinary quality.
        What’s more, climate or moisture does not easily damage them, making them the perfect fit for outdoor use. So, are can you recycle them?
No, you CANNOT recycle vinyl stickers. Not only that, they massively contribute to the tragedy of microplastics, which drastically affect waterways. They are also not compostable or biodegradable. This is because they produce plastic flakes when they break down in landfills and contaminate our marine ecosystem.

        So, you can’t consider recycling with vinyl stickers.

Are Stickers Eco-Friendly?

        When we say something is eco-friendly, we mean that it is not harmful to our environment. Now, in answering the question, stickers are not eco-friendly.