Sofia Martinez
Plastic waste is a pressing environmental concern, with the vast majority of plastics being disposed of in non-eco-friendly ways. Recycling is a critical way to improve the environment and better manage waste. Recyclable plastics are labelled with numbers 1-7, which are resin identification codes that help recycling plants sort materials. These numbers are also valuable for consumers to understand, as they indicate the likelihood of their recycling being successfully recycled rather than ending up in a landfill. For example, plastic #1 PET or PETE is the most frequently recycled plastic and can be found in peanut butter jars, plastic soda and water bottles, and microwavable food trays. However, not all plastics are recyclable, and some types such as bioplastics, composite plastics, and plastic-coated wrapping paper are known to be non-recyclable. It's important to research local recycling guidelines as these vary across different cities and towns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclable plastics | Labeled with numbers 1-7 |
| Plastic resin codes | 1-7 |
| Plastic no. 1 | PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) |
| Plastic no. 2 | HDPE (high-density polyethylene) |
| Plastic no. 3 | PVC (polyvinyl chloride) |
| Plastic no. 4 | LDPE (low-density polyethylene) |
| Plastic no. 5 | PP (polypropylene) |
| Plastic no. 6 | PS (polystyrene) |
| Plastic no. 7 | Miscellaneous category |
| Symbols | Indicate where and how to recycle an item |
| Non-recyclable plastics | Bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper, polycarbonate, cling film, and blister packaging |
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What You'll Learn
Recycling symbols and their meanings
Recycling symbols are important as they help us identify how different types of packaging can be recycled. They tell us whether the packaging can be collected for recycling or if it needs to be taken to a local recycling centre. However, it is important to note that not all packaging will have a recycling label, but this does not mean it cannot be recycled.
Recycling symbols vary across the world, with each country or continent following its own standards. Some legislate the use of standardised symbols, while others follow a voluntary programme. The universal recycling symbol, for instance, is easily recognised but is not copyrighted, and so companies are free to use, edit, or integrate it into their designs. This has led to confusion for consumers as labels can be misleading.
Recycling symbols for plastics are tied to resin identification codes, or simply, the type of plastic used in manufacture. The chasing arrows symbol, for instance, is used to identify the type of plastic resin used to make the item, with a number between 1 and 7 inside the arrows to define the resin used. These numbers are valuable as they tell recycling plants how to sort materials, and help recycling collectors determine what items they can accept. Plastic no. 1, or PET, is the most frequently recycled plastic and can be found in items like peanut butter jars, plastic soda bottles, and microwavable food trays. Plastic no. 2, or HDPE, is used in items like milk jugs and shampoo bottles. Plastic no. 3 is PVC, used in pipes, cooking oil bottles, and shampoo bottles. LDPE, or plastic no. 4, is used in squeezable condiment bottles and toys, but mostly in plastic films like shrink wrap and bags. Plastic no. 5 is polypropylene or PP, used for syrup, ketchup, and medicine bottles, as well as bottle caps and straws. Polystyrene, or PS, is plastic no. 6, and can be manipulated into a soft foam or hardened into a sturdy CD case. Plastic no. 7 is a miscellaneous category for items that don't fit into the other categories, like oven-baking bags.
Other symbols used on packaging include the Green Dot, which signifies that the producer has made a financial contribution towards the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe. The Keep Britain Tidy symbol asks consumers not to litter. Symbols also exist to indicate that an object is made from recyclable aluminium or steel. Compostable plastics carry their own symbol, and these can be recycled with garden waste through local authorities.
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Resin identification codes
The RICs are used to help recycling plants sort materials and identify the type of plastic resin used in a product. They are also valuable for consumers as they indicate the likelihood of their recycling being processed and not ending up in a landfill. The RICs range from 1 to 7, with 1 being the most frequently recycled type of plastic, and 7 being a miscellaneous category for all the plastics that didn't fit into the previous categories.
Some common types of plastic and their corresponding RICs include:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE): This is the most frequently recycled plastic and is given the code 1. It can be found in peanut butter jars, plastic soda and water bottles, microwavable food trays, and salad dressing bottles.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): This is the second most commonly recycled plastic and is coded as 2. It is used in a variety of products, including plastic pipes, cooking oil and shampoo bottles, medical tubing, wire jacketing, and window cleaner spray bottles.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): This plastic is coded as 3 and is known for its use in pipes, but it is also found in cooking oil and shampoo bottles, medical tubing, and window cleaner spray bottles.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE is mostly used in plastic films such as shrink wrap and bags, but it can also be found in squeezable condiment bottles and toys. It is coded as 4.
- Polypropylene (PP): With a high melting point, PP is suitable for containing hot liquids. It is used in syrup, ketchup, and medicine bottles, as well as bottle caps and straws. Its RIC is 5.
- Polystyrene (PS): PS is a versatile plastic that can be manipulated into a soft foam, like packing peanuts, or hardened into a sturdy CD case. Its RIC is 6.
It is important to note that the RICs are not the only indicators of recyclability. The Sustainable Packaging Coalition in the U.S. has created a "How2Recycle" label that focuses on how recyclable a product is rather than the type of resin used. This label has four categories: "Widely Recycled", "Limited", "Not Yet Recycled", and "Store Drop-Off".
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Polystyrene and polypropylene
Polystyrene, or PS, is a highly versatile plastic. It can be used for packaging, as in the case of packing peanuts, or for items that require more sturdiness, like CD cases. Polystyrene is recyclable, but the high cost of recycling means that the willingness to do so is low. Polystyrene foam can be recycled and reused, but most polystyrene products are not currently recycled because the low density of the foam makes it uneconomical to collect. However, if the polystyrene waste undergoes an initial compaction process to increase its density, it becomes a recyclable and valuable commodity for producers of recycled plastic pellets.
To recycle polystyrene, the waste is first collected and then undergoes volume reduction through a compactor. It is then shipped to a recycling company to be pelletized and reused to make new products.
Polypropylene, or PP, is a highly recyclable material that can be used to create new polypropylene products, making the recycling process both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. However, the recycling process for polypropylene is not as straightforward as it is for other types of plastics due to its chemical structure. The first step in the recycling process is the collection and sorting of the plastic waste, typically by waste management companies specializing in plastic recycling. The plastic is then transported to a recycling facility to be cleaned and processed. The cleaning process involves removing any impurities and contaminants from the polypropylene waste. The waste is then shredded into small pieces and melted and moulded into new products.
Polypropylene is widely used in the packaging industry due to its durability, resistance to moisture, and excellent clarity. It is also lightweight, flexible, and easy to process, making it a popular choice for a range of industries. Polypropylene can be formed into various shapes and sizes and customized to meet specific requirements.
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Non-recyclable plastics
Plastics are labelled with numbers 1-7 to help recycling plants identify and sort materials. However, not all plastics are recyclable. Non-recyclable plastics include:
Plastic hazardous substance containers
Automotive fluids, pesticides, and drain cleaners fall under this category. These containers are non-recyclable due to the hazardous substances they contain.
Plastic used for personal hygiene or medical purposes
Items such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, syringes, gloves, and tubing fall under this category. These items are non-recyclable due to the presence of hazardous substances and bodily fluids.
Plastic foodware and food trays
Plastic knives, forks, spoons, straws, cups, plates, bowls, and takeout boxes are non-recyclable. These items are often contaminated with food and made from low-value plastic resins. Similarly, plastic trays inside food packaging, such as cookie trays and microwave trays, are also non-recyclable due to food contamination.
Plastic tubes and packaging
Toothpaste tubes, lotion tubes, and glue tubes are non-recyclable. Additionally, plastic-coated wrapping paper, blister packaging, and thin plastic bags or films are also non-recyclable. These thin films can clog recycling machines if not properly separated, which is why they are often rejected by recycling plants.
Thermoset plastics
Thermoset plastics, including epoxy, phenolic, unsaturated polyester, and urethane, contain polymers that form irreversible chemical bonds. This type of plastic cannot be recycled or reused due to the strong chemical links that are formed during the curing process.
Recycling plastics is crucial for the environment as it helps to conserve natural resources and energy, while also reducing pollution and the strain on landfills. However, the complexity of plastic recycling and the variety of plastic types can lead to miscommunications and challenges in the recycling process.
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Recycling alternatives
Reusable Alternatives: The most eco-friendly option is often to reuse items instead of recycling or disposing of them. Reusable bags, containers, and produce bags are excellent alternatives to single-use plastic bags. Reusing glass, metal, or paper packaging is also preferable to using plastic. Refilling liquid soap containers or opting for bar soap and shampoo bars further reduces plastic waste.
Natural and Sustainable Materials: Natural materials such as wood, bamboo, cotton, wool, hemp, and linen can replace plastic in various applications. For example, wood and bamboo can be used for household items like cutting boards, kitchen utensils, and drinking straws. Natural cloth can replace plastic bags, and clothing made from these materials does not shed plastic microfibers during washing. Additionally, bamboo and wood are excellent alternatives for children's toys and household containers.
Bioplastics: Bioplastics, or plant-based plastics, are made from natural substances instead of petroleum. They are intended to replace traditional plastics in food packaging and around the home. However, it's important to note that most bioplastics do not break down in home composts or landfills and may require commercial composting facilities. Additionally, they can contaminate municipal recycling programs when accidentally mixed with traditional plastics.
Coconut and Jute: Coconuts are highly adaptable and environmentally friendly. Various items can be fashioned from them, including combs, cutlery, candle shells, bowls, and mugs. Jute, a sustainable material, can fully biodegrade and be recycled. It is commonly used for sling bags, table runners, gift envelopes, and notebooks.
Rubber and Tires: The automotive industry has been recycling rubber tires and turning them into goods that are better for the environment.
Glass and Ceramics: Recycling glass from recycled glass significantly reduces water and air pollution. Pottery and ceramics offer stable, waterproof alternatives for food storage and tableware.
It's important to remember that simply replacing plastic with another material may not always reduce the environmental burden. We should also consider factors like end-of-life impacts, resource extraction, water and land use, and the release of hazardous chemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastics are labelled with numbers 1-7 to indicate their resin identification code. These numbers tell recycling workers what kind of plastic it is and how it should be processed. Number 1 plastics, for example, are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) and are the most frequently recycled type of plastic. They can be found in peanut butter jars, plastic soda and water bottles, microwavable food trays, and salad dressing bottles. Number 7 plastics, on the other hand, are a miscellaneous category for plastics that don't fit into the previous categories. Not all plastics are recyclable, and different municipalities have different rules regarding which plastics they can collect.
Examples of non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper, polycarbonate, cling film, and blister packaging.
Polypropylene (PP) is a recyclable plastic that is gradually becoming more accepted by recyclers. It has a high melting point, so it's often used for containers that hold hot liquids like syrup and medicine bottles. Polystyrene (PS), on the other hand, is not generally recyclable and accounts for about 35% of US landfill material. It is often used for disposable styrofoam drinking cups, takeout containers, packing peanuts, and meat trays.
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