What is primary recycling?

the most common examples of primary recycling (reuse) are with glass containers, where milk and drinks bottles are returned to be cleaned and used again. reuse is not widely practiced in relation to plastic packaging - plastic products in general end to be discarded after first use. however, there are examples of reuse in the marketplace. for example, a number of detergent manufacturers market refill sachets for bottled washing liquids and fabric softeners. consumers can refill and hence reuse their plastic bottles at home.

Goodship V (2007) Introduction to plastics recycling - second edition