Maya Ellison
Plastic recycling is a complex process, and consumers often struggle to identify which plastics can be recycled and how. Most plastic products are labelled with a resin identification code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. These codes indicate the type of plastic the material is made from and help recycling plants identify and sort the materials. However, the presence of a code does not guarantee recyclability, and the acceptance of certain plastics varies across different municipalities. Understanding these codes is essential for consumers to make informed decisions about plastic usage and contribute effectively to the recycling process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic identification codes | 1-7 |
| Plastic with code 1 | PETE or PET |
| Plastic with code 2 | HDPE |
| Plastic with code 3 | PVC |
| Plastic with code 4 | LDPE |
| Plastic with code 5 | PP |
| Plastic with code 6 | PS |
| Plastic with code 7 | Miscellaneous |
| Plastic with the highest recyclability | PETE or PET |
| Second most recycled plastic | HDPE |
| Plastic with the lowest recyclability | Polycarbonates (PC) |
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What You'll Learn
Recycling symbols and their meanings
Recycling symbols are placed on product packaging to indicate how to dispose of and recycle them. While the universal recycling symbol is easily recognised, there are many variations, with each ascribed to a specific material.
The Mobius Loop
The Mobius Loop is the most recognisable recycling symbol. It indicates that the product or packaging is recyclable and can be processed and reused, contributing to the circular economy. It is often found on glass bottles and jars.
Green Dot
The Green Dot symbol is used on packaging in some European countries and means the producer has made a financial contribution towards the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe. It does not mean that the packaging is recyclable, will be recycled, or has been recycled. Sometimes, this symbol is used with a percentage figure in the centre to explain that the packaging contains a certain percentage of recycled material.
Resin Identification Code
The chasing arrows symbol surrounding a number between 1 and 7 defines the type of plastic resin used to make the item. Products made from multiple types of plastic will show multiple codes.
The Tidyman
The Tidyman logo is trademarked by the Keep Britain Tidy charity and is used on packaging as a reminder to the consumer not to litter and to be considerate with how they dispose of it.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Logo
The FSC logo means that the item has been made using wood from well-managed forests. It is also found on paper, cardboard, and wood products to signify their environmentally friendly production methods, approved by the FSC.
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HDPE plastics and their uses
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. It is known for its high strength-to-density ratio, impact resistance, and versatility. HDPE is commonly used in a wide range of applications due to its unique properties and cost-effectiveness.
One of the most common uses of HDPE is in the production of plastic bottles, such as water bottles, milk jugs, and detergent bottles. This is because HDPE is great for blow-moulding applications and is safe for food and beverages as it won't leach into the contents. Additionally, HDPE is recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice for disposable products.
HDPE is also widely used for piping and pipe systems. Its chemical resistance, durability, and ability to withstand high temperatures and pressure make it ideal for applications such as drinking water pipes, waste water pipes, and industrial pipe systems. HDPE pipe-grade sheets have a higher molecular weight than standard HDPE, making them even more durable and suitable for outdoor use.
Another important application of HDPE is in the creation of toys and food storage containers. Its UV resistance helps keep toys looking new by preventing discolouration and damage caused by UV rays. HDPE is also used for cutting boards, food storage containers, and food preparation products as it can be easily sterilized by boiling and resists mould, mildew, and rotting.
Furthermore, HDPE finds use in various industrial and outdoor applications. It is used in chemical containers, plastic lumber, geomembranes, and cell liners in sanitary landfills. The versatility of HDPE allows it to be moulded into different shapes and forms, making it a popular choice for manufacturing.
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LDPE plastics and their uses
LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a thermoplastic polymer made from the monomer ethylene. It is reasonably translucent, flexible, lightweight, and durable. LDPE is also highly recyclable, which is one of its most attractive features. LDPE's flexibility and low cost make it a popular manufacturing material for a variety of products.
LDPE is frequently used in film applications, such as cling film, and in the manufacture of flexible bottles and lids. It is also used in cable and wire applications, as well as for tubing, plastic parts for computer components, and various moulded laboratory equipment. Its most common use is in plastic bags. LDPE is used in the food and beverage industry for products like juice containers, milk cartons, and liquid packaging board. It is also used in the agricultural industry for irrigation systems and transporting potable water to livestock.
In the medical field, LDPE is used to produce various medical products and equipment. It is also used in industrial packaging, such as clothing and electronics, and for producing disposable consumer goods like squeezable bottles, garbage bags, plastic gloves, and single-use containers.
Despite its benefits, LDPE does have some drawbacks. It is not very heat-resistant and is prone to thermal expansion, becoming weak and soft in high-temperature situations. It also has low stiffness and strength, and is more prone to cracking under pressure and stress than its sister plastic, HDPE.
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Other recyclable plastics
Plastic resin codes 1–7 identify different types of plastic and indicate whether they can be recycled. The lower the number, the more likely the plastic is to be easily recyclable.
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
LDPE is a soft, flexible plastic used to make grocery bags, newspaper bags, sliced bread loaf bags, and fresh produce bags. It is also used for plastic films and squeezable condiment bottles. LDPE products can sometimes be recycled.
PP (Polypropylene)
PP is used to make food containers for products like yoghurt, sour cream, and margarine. It is also made into straws, rope, carpets, and bottle caps. PP has a high melting point, so it is often chosen for containers that hold hot liquids. PP can sometimes be recycled through some curbside programs.
PS (Polystyrene)
PS is used to make disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers, also known as Styrofoam. PS products can sometimes be recycled, but they require specialised handling.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is a soft, flexible plastic used for a wide range of household products, including cooking oil and shampoo bottles, medical tubing, wire jacketing, window cleaner spray bottles, and plastic pipes. PVC products cannot be recycled.
It is important to note that the recyclability of these plastics may vary depending on your location, and it is always best to check with your local recycling facility or guidelines.
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Non-recyclable plastics
The identification of plastic recyclability is a complex process, with many factors determining whether a plastic can be recycled or not. The type of plastic is the most important factor, and this can be identified by the resin identification code, indicated by a number inside a triangle of arrows.
Thermoset plastics, for example, are non-recyclable. This is because they contain polymers that form irreversible chemical bonds, or 'links', which lock chemical chains into new configurations. Thermosetting plastics can be shaped without the need for additional materials, such as reinforcements or fillers, to strengthen them. Examples of non-recyclable thermoset plastics include epoxy, phenolic, unsaturated polyester, and urethane.
Other non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated paper, and polycarbonate. Polycarbonate, in particular, is one of the most difficult plastics to recycle. While it can be recycled through chemical recycling, the resulting product has reduced impact resistance compared to newly manufactured polycarbonate.
Some other everyday items that are non-recyclable include plastic knives, forks, spoons, straws, cups, plates, bowls, trays, and tubes. These items are often heavily contaminated with food and are made from low-value plastic resins. Plastic hazardous substance containers, such as automotive fluids, pesticides, and drain cleaners, are also non-recyclable due to the hazardous substances they contain.
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Frequently asked questions
The number is a resin identification code that tells you what kind of plastic the material is made of.
The most commonly recycled plastics are PETE or polyethylene terephthalate (No.1) and HDPE or high-density polyethylene (No.2).
The least commonly recycled plastics are No.3, No.4, No.5, No.6, and No.7. These plastics are generally tougher to recycle and are not always collected by local recycling programs.
The presence of a resin code does not necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. The best way to know if a plastic item can be recycled is to check with your local municipality or recycling facility, as accepted materials can vary from city to city.
