Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, and while most people can identify it, many don't know how to recycle it properly. This is partly because consumers don't know which types of plastic can be disposed of and how. To help with this, the Plastics Industry Association created a numbering system to identify the plastic resin content. This number, usually found inside a small triangle, indicates the type of resin used to produce the plastic. However, the presence of this code doesn't necessarily mean the product can be recycled—it's the number inside the triangle that counts. Different types of plastic have varying processing needs, such as different melting temperatures, and they are ultimately recycled into different products. Therefore, it's essential to separate plastics based on these numbers to ensure they can be effectively recycled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to identify plastic type | By a number, usually found with a triangle symbol on a container |
| Purpose of the number | To identify the type of resin used to produce the plastic |
| Plastic types that can be recycled | PET or PETE, HDPE, LDPE, Polypropylene |
| Plastic types that cannot be recycled | PVC, Styrofoam, shrink wrap, manufacturing scrap, plastic bags |
| Other factors | Local recycling programs and municipality guidelines |
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What You'll Learn
- Recycling symbols: Each plastic type has a unique symbol, aiding in effective segregation
- Resin codes: Numbers 1-7 inside a triangle indicate plastic resin content and type
- Local variations: Local recycling facilities collect different types of plastics
- Hard-to-recycle plastics: Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap require specialist handling
- Food contamination: Containers with food residue cannot be recycled
Recycling symbols: Each plastic type has a unique symbol, aiding in effective segregation
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, largely because consumers are often unaware of which types of plastic can be disposed of, and in which ways. A product made of plastic is often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. However, the presence of a resin code does not necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. It is, in fact, the number inside the triangle that is important, as each number corresponds to a different type of plastic.
There are seven plastic recycling symbols, each of which represents a different type of plastic and distinct recycling instructions. These symbols are extremely useful, as they aid in effective segregation. Once you understand what each of the recycling symbols represents, you can place items in the proper bins and ensure your plastic is being recycled. The symbols themselves can give you insight into where and how to recycle an item, but it is also important to research and understand your town's legislation and rules for recycling.
- PETE: This symbol, also known as PET, represents polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly used for soft drink bottles, mineral water containers, fruit juice containers, and cooking oil containers. The plastic is easily recyclable and is often part of curbside recycling programs. It can be reused to make containers, carpets, and furniture.
- HDPE: This symbol indicates high-density polyethylene, one of the most commonly used plastics in the United States. It is widely considered the plastic of choice for containers for items like cleaning agents, milk, detergents, and washing soap thanks to its low weight and high strength. HDPE sheets can also be easily recycled into pipes, oil bottles, pens, and detergent bottles.
- PVC: Plastic material exhibiting this symbol represents PVC or polyvinyl chloride. PVC is a soft, flexible plastic, so it is used for a huge array of household products, including plastic tubing, kids' toys, plastic trays, and furniture. PVC is rarely recycled and is not usually part of a curbside recycling program.
- LDPE: LDPE stands for low-density polyethylene. This plastic comes in the form of shopping bags, highly resistant sacks, and crushed bottles. This type of plastic is not usually recycled, but it can be converted into floor tiles and shipping envelopes.
- PP: PP, or polypropylene plastic, is marked by the number five symbol. Thanks to its durability, strength, and low weight, this plastic is utilized in furniture, luggage, toys, and the lining and external borders of cars. It is also increasingly being accepted in curbside recycling programs.
- PS: Styrene plastic, also known as polystyrene, is commonly used in toys, hard packing, refrigerator trays, cosmetic bags, costume jewelry, CD cases, and vending cups. Although not accepted in many curbside recycling programs, it can sometimes be recycled to make egg cartons, takeout containers, and rulers.
- OTHER: Symbol number 7 stands for "other plastics," which includes, but is not limited to, acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic, polylactic fibers, nylon, and fiberglass.
It is important to note that just because a plastic type can be recycled doesn't mean that your local municipality wants you to put it into your recycling bin for collection. Hard-to-recycle plastics, such as Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, require specialized handling. Additionally, bags made of type 4 plastic, like produce and grocery bags, should not be put into recycling bins because they can get tangled in the equipment at recycling facilities.
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Resin codes: Numbers 1-7 inside a triangle indicate plastic resin content and type
The presence of a Resin Identification Code (or RIC) on a plastic product does not necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. The number within the triangle is what's important, as it indicates the type of plastic resin that the product is made of. The RIC was designed to make it easier for workers in recycling facilities to sort and separate items according to their resin type.
The numbers 1–6 indicate that the plastic packaging is made from one of six specific types of plastic:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) — commonly used for beverage bottles and other food containers
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) — used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, etc.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) — used for pipes, hoses, plastic toys, etc. PVC cannot be recycled
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) — used for plastic bags, grocery bags, etc.
- Polypropylene (PP) — used for auto parts, food containers, etc.
- Polystyrene (PS) — used for plastic utensils, Styrofoam, etc.
Number 7 means that the packaging is made of a type of plastic other than the previous six, or is a mixture of plastics. This includes bioplastics, composite plastics, plastic-coated paper, and polycarbonate. These "other plastics" are not recyclable in normal collections.
It is important to note that the acceptability of plastic items for recycling varies depending on the area. Some municipalities can collect and recycle most plastic products regardless of their RIC, while others only accept specific types. Always check with your local guidelines to confirm which plastics can be recycled in your community.
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Local variations: Local recycling facilities collect different types of plastics
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle, to identify the type of plastic used. However, the presence of a resin code does not always indicate that the product can be recycled. The numbers inside the triangle are what matter, as each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. For example, type 1 and type 2 plastics may be placed in standard recycling bins, whereas type 4 plastic bags should not be put into recycling bins as they can get tangled in recycling equipment. Instead, these bags are collected by grocery stores for proper recycling.
Local recycling facilities collect different types of plastics, and it is important to check local programs to confirm what can be recycled in your area. For example, Massachusetts has a statewide waste ban that prohibits the disposal of any single resin narrow-necked bottles (i.e., soda bottles) in trash bins, making recycling mandatory for these containers. Some materials, like Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, require specialized handling and may not be accepted by your local recycling program. Additionally, certain items, such as electronics, motor oil, and household hazardous waste, have specific disposal guidelines and may need to be dropped off at dedicated collection sites or recycled through manufacturers and retailers.
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Hard-to-recycle plastics: Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap require specialist handling
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic, with types 1 and 2 plastics being the most commonly accepted for recycling. However, this does not mean that your local municipality wants you to put these plastics into your recycling bin for collection. It is important to always check local programs to confirm what can be recycled in your area.
Some types of plastic are harder to recycle than others and require specialist handling. Hard-to-recycle plastics include Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap. Styrofoam, for example, is made from polystyrene (PS) plastic, which is used for disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers. PS products can sometimes be recycled, but this depends on the capabilities of your local recycling facilities. Similarly, shrink wrap, which is used to package pallets, boxes, and agricultural products, can be recycled under the right conditions. However, most material recovery facilities lack the necessary equipment to handle flexible plastic packaging, making it less economically viable to recycle. Manufacturing scrap, which can include a variety of plastic resins, may also be difficult to recycle due to the challenges of sorting and processing mixed plastics.
To establish an efficient and cost-effective system for recycling hard-to-recycle plastics, individuals and businesses can seek guidance from specialist recycling companies. These companies can provide solutions for recycling large quantities of plastics, including hard-to-recycle varieties, and may even pay competitively for these materials. Additionally, some stores offer drop-off recycling programs for flexible polyethylene-based plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE, or #2 plastic) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE, or #4 plastic). However, it is important to ensure that these plastics are clean and dry before placing them in the recycling bin.
Overall, while recycling hard-to-recycle plastics can be challenging, it is not impossible. By working with specialist recycling companies and utilizing store drop-off programs, individuals and businesses can contribute to the proper handling and recycling of these plastics, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
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Food contamination: Containers with food residue cannot be recycled
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, in part because consumers don’t know what types can be disposed of and how. Most plastic products are stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. The number inside the triangle is what determines whether the plastic can be recycled or not, as each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. For example, the most commonly recycled plastics are #1 PET and #2 HDPE, which are used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks, as well as milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent bottles.
However, just because a plastic type can be recycled doesn’t mean your local municipality wants you to put it into your recycling bin for collection. It’s not viable for some plastics recycling companies to take hard-to-process plastic products like Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, which require specialized handling. Similarly, plastic bags, grocery bags, and newspaper bags are the worst recycling contaminators and should be kept out of the bin to save the sorters at your local recycling facility a huge amount of extra removal work.
Food contamination is another major issue in plastic recycling. Containers with food residue cannot be recycled as they are considered contaminants and should not be added to your recycling stream. Food waste left in recyclable containers, such as jars and cans, can quickly turn otherwise recyclable items into garbage. To avoid this, give containers a quick scrape to ensure you’ve removed any excess food before placing them in the recycling bin. Checking local programs to confirm what's recyclable in your area is also a good practice.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers, usually found with a triangle symbol on a plastic container, indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic.
Not necessarily. The presence of a resin code doesn't mean the product can be recycled. You need to check with your local recycling program to find out which types of plastic they accept.
PET or PETE (found in water bottles, soda bottles, and peanut butter jars) and HDPE plastics (found in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent bottles) can be recycled.
PVC (found in plastic tubing, kids' toys, and plastic trays) and Styrofoam are generally not accepted by most consumer recyclers.
