NIU students should become aware of recyclable plastics and join in the battle to save Earth.

Jim Hauck, chairman of the Society of Plastics Engineers Recycling Committee, said the group’s goal is to recycle 25 percent of all plastic packaging by 1992.

Currently, 1 percent of all plastic packaging is recycled, but Hauck hopes recycling plastics will grow by 45 percent annually.

The Student Association Recycling Center has recycled about 8.2 tons of plastic milk bottles since 1988, he said.

“People should be recycling plastics” and students should be aware that plastic products such as milk bottles can be and are being recycled, he said.

The SA Recycling Center recycles plastic milk and detergent bottles, Hauck said. However, he said the center does not recycle two-liter plastic soda bottles.

Amanda Rutter, recycling center assistant director, said, “The problem with plastic recycling is that there are so many different types of plastics and they have to be separated.”

Hauck said the types of plastics include those used to make milk jugs, bleach containers, some garbage bags, soda bottles, foam containers and yogurt cups.

“The sorting process is difficult and that’s why we only recycle milk bottles and detergent bottles,” Rutter said.

Hauck said another problem with plastic recycling is the lack of plastic material to recycle. If no plastic material is deposited, none can be recycled, he said.

Rutter said part of the problem stems from students being more inclined to have soda cans than plastic containers around the house.

However, Hauck said, “Earth Week is definitely having an effect (on students). It’s increasing their awareness.”

In the next few years, people will be forced to recycle— recycling will be mandatory in many communities, he said.

“We’ve been working all week long and I hope students recycle all objects, plastics included,” Rutter said.