The shower curtain liner looks soothing and refreshing in the bathroom. However, as it loses its beauty and effectiveness over time, most of the time you buy a new one to replace it, right?
Hence, you may think about recycling old shower curtain liners. As it is large in size, recycling thought is normal. But you know if you recycle the plastic liner, you will benefit less and pollute the environment more.
So recycling the plastic liner would not be a good decision. However, if the liners are eco-friendly, they will be recyclable.
Hence, considering so many important facts like the environment, eco system, degradability, and decomposition, we have sorted out some amazing beneficial purposes for your expired liners.
By reading the article, it will be easy for you to decide whether you recycle or reuse the liners. Furthermore, you will have a clear understanding of how to select the best curtain liners for your bathroom. Read on.
What can I do with my old shower curtain liner?
If you get tired of your used shower curtain liner, you may be perplexed, should I throw away my shower liner? However, it’s up to you.
But you know what? If the liners are made of PVC or plastic, it takes 500 years for them to decompose. So it is better to use as much as possible rather than throw the plastic shower curtains away.
Don’t rack your head too much, as we are going to share some ideas regarding old plastic curtain liners.
- Liners as mattress protector: If there are children in the house, these plastic elements can be used on the mattress to protect it from a sudden spill of water.
- Use as a bag or tote bag: Apply some creativity to make a plastic bag from these liners. It’s all about a little cutting and stitching.
- Liners as cushion covers: They can be used as cushion covers.
- Covering furniture or unused baggage: It helps cover bags and baggage that are not going to be used. That will protect the bags from dust.
- Use it as a floor mat: Children love to play with water. So, it’s normal to spill water on the floor. Hence, keeping a mat like plastic liners will absorb water and help the floor from getting wet.
- Useful at outdoor parties: this plastic curtain liner will work as a wonderful mat. If you go outside for a tea party, you can sit on it and it will protect you from getting dirty while sitting on the grass.
- Covering kitchen cabinets: Use these large-sized curtains to protect your wooden cabinets from sticky oil, grease, and dust. Just clean the oil with disinfectant and use it.
Is PVC plastic recyclable?
PVC plastics are hazardous for the environment. So, recycle shower curtain liners are not a good idea. What you can do is reuse it. However, It’s common to ask Why is PVC not recyclable? Regardless, It should not be recyclable only for its toxicity. In some way whether it’s recycling through a pvc recycling machine or traditional way like heating and burning, nonetheless, the toxic elements mix into the air. For instance, the toxic elements are chlorine, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, zinc, and many more.
All these can cause irreversible brain damage and deadly diseases like cancer. Ultimately these hazardous elements contaminate the environment and the whole ecosystem.
What can I use instead of a plastic shower curtain liner?
As an alternative to plastic, there are so many options that are available for you to use as eco-friendly shower curtain liners. Most of them are biodegradable, recyclable, and cost-effective, and the most important part is that they repel water effectively. Let’s take a look at the table below.
Are PEVA shower liners recyclable?
Polyethylene vinyl acetate, commonly known as PEVA plastic has become a great invention and a super alternative to PVC. That’s because it is chlorine-free. Besides, it has many more qualities. They are:
- It is completely biodegradable.
- 100% recyclable
- chemical-free
- Free of carcinogen phthalates
- Safer than PVC
For so many qualities, it’s marked “safe” for the environment. It’s a wonderful option to choose as a shower curtain. After a few months of use, you can recycle it.
You just need to hand over your old peva product to the company who is working to recycle it. They have a huge demand for used peva products. These companies are working to turn old PEV products into brand-new ones.
FAQ
What percentage of PVC is recycled?
The environment protection agency reported that, annually, 910,000 tons of pvc waste are generated. Hence, less than a quarter of them are recycled. Only 18.6 percent of PVC is recycled, according to this survey.
Can you wash a shower liner in the washer?
Of course, Plastic, vinyl, and any type of fabric can be washed in a washer or washing machine.
Which of the plastics can not be recycled?
Thermoset plastic types include epoxy, phenolic, unsaturated polyester, and urethane. They can not be recycled.
What plastics can be recycled?
You may be wondering what plastics can be recycled. It’s possible that some plastics are recyclable. PS (Polystyrene), PP (Polypropylene), LDPE (Low-density polyethylene), PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), HDPE (High-density polyethylene), PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) are recyclable plastics.
How long do plastic shower liners last?
Plastic shower liners can last for a long time with the right care. But it should be replaced every 4 to 6 months.
Verdict
Since we know nothing in the world is permanent, shower curtain liners are not beyond this theory. If the shower curtains are made of plastic, throwing them away will contaminate the environment and nothing else. So opt for a shower curtain that can be recycled.
