Chloe Zhang
Plastic recycling is a complex process. The numbers and symbols on plastic products indicate the type of plastic resin used to make the item, and not all plastics are recyclable. Local recycling facilities collect different types of plastics, so it's important to check with your local municipality to confirm which plastic materials can be recycled in your community. Some common types of plastics include LDPE, used for plastic wrappings and bags; PP, used for food containers, straws, and bottle caps; and PS, used for disposable coffee cups and to-go containers. Hard-to-recycle plastics like Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap require specialized handling. Recycling symbols can help identify how different types of packaging can be recycled, but it's important to separate and clean plastic items before disposal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | PET/PETE, HDPE, LDPE, PVC, PP, Polystyrene |
| Plastic number | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Plastic resin | Resin Identification Code |
| Plastic recycling | Varies from city to city |
| Plastic products | Bottles, bags, containers, toys, pipes, credit cards, etc. |
| Plastic recycling symbols | Chasing arrows, seedling logo, electrical sign, FSC logo |
| Plastic recycling process | Chemical recycling, compression, conventional recycling |
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What You'll Learn
- Recycling symbols: Labels on packaging indicate if an item can be recycled, how to dispose of it, or if it's made of recycled material
- Resin Identification Code: Numbers 1-7 surrounded by chasing arrows identify the type of resin used to make the plastic
- LDPE: Low-density polyethylene is used for plastic bags, shrink wraps, and bread bags. It is reusable but not always recyclable
- Polypropylene: Recyclable plastic used in margarine and yoghurt containers, potato chip bags, and cereal bags
- Polystyrene: Non-recyclable plastic used for disposable styrofoam cups, takeout containers, and packing peanuts
Recycling symbols: Labels on packaging indicate if an item can be recycled, how to dispose of it, or if it's made of recycled material
Recycling symbols are a useful way to identify how to recycle different types of packaging. They appear on a variety of everyday items, from soft drink cans to bread bags and plastic toiletry bottles. These symbols can indicate whether the packaging can be recycled, how to dispose of it, or if it is made from recycled material.
Recycling symbols are based on what the majority of local authorities collect or do not collect. If in doubt, you can use a Recycling Locator tool to find out what can be put in your home recycling bin and how to recycle specific items. It is important to note that not all packaging will have a recycling label, but this does not mean it cannot be recycled.
The most common recycling symbol is the Resin Identification Code, represented by a 'chasing arrows' symbol surrounding a number between 1 and 7. This number defines the type of resin used to produce the plastic. Types 1 and 2 plastics are widely accepted by recyclers and can be placed in standard recycling bins. Type 1, or PET, is used for drink bottles and some food packaging. Type 2, or HDPE, is used for cleaning product bottles, milk cartons, and shampoo bottles. Type 4 plastic, such as produce and grocery bags, should not be put into recycling bins as they can get tangled in the equipment; these can be recycled at grocery stores. Type 7 plastics are challenging to recycle and are usually excluded. LDPE plastic, used for plastic bags, shrink wraps, and grocery bags, is reusable and safe to repurpose, but not all recycling centres accept it.
Other symbols provide specific instructions on how to dispose of an item. For example, the 'Lid On' symbol indicates that lids and caps should be put back on bottles before recycling, as small items can get lost in the recycling process. The 'Recycle with Bags at Large Supermarkets' symbol indicates that plastic wrapping should be recycled at specialised collection points, such as large supermarkets, rather than at home. Symbols may also indicate that an item is made from recyclable materials, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo, which signifies that a wood-based product comes from sustainably managed forests. The 'seedling' logo indicates that a product is industrially compostable.
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Resin Identification Code: Numbers 1-7 surrounded by chasing arrows identify the type of resin used to make the plastic
The numbers 1 to 7 surrounded by chasing arrows are known as Resin Identification Codes or RICs. They are a technical standard with a set of symbols that appear on plastic products to identify the type of resin used to make them. They were developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States.
The RIC system was designed to make it easier for workers in recycling facilities to sort and separate items according to their resin type. Plastics must be recycled separately, along with other like materials, to preserve the value of the recycled material and enable its reuse.
The numbers within the RIC correspond to different types of resins and their common uses:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE): Beverage bottles, cups, and other packaging
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): Bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Pipes, siding, flooring, and soft, flexible items like tubing and plastic trays
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): Plastic bags, six-pack rings, tubing, and plastic wrappings
- Polypropylene (PP): Auto parts, industrial fibres, food containers like margarine and yoghurt tubs
- Polystyrene (PS): Plastic utensils, disposable cups, takeaway containers, and packing peanuts
- Other: Acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate, polylactic acid (PLA), and multiple combinations of different plastics
It is important to note that the presence of an RIC on a plastic object does not necessarily mean it can be recycled, and the absence of an RIC does not mean it cannot be recycled. The RIC was designed to identify the type of resin, not whether something is recyclable.
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LDPE: Low-density polyethylene is used for plastic bags, shrink wraps, and bread bags. It is reusable but not always recyclable
LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a versatile polymer that is widely used in plastic manufacturing. It is a thermoplastic, meaning it can be moulded with heat without affecting its structure or strength. Its flexibility is due to its low tensile strength, which is a result of its low-density structure. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, particularly in the packaging industry.
LDPE is commonly used to make plastic bags, including shopping bags, bread bags, and shrink wraps. It is also used for food wrapping, such as wrapping meat, poultry, and bread. Its flexibility and moisture barrier properties make it ideal for keeping products fresh. LDPE can also be found in pallet covers, stretch films, and other packaging materials.
While LDPE is reusable, it is not always recyclable through curbside bins and may need to be taken to specific centres. Some grocery stores and businesses that provide LDPE bags have collection bins where customers can return used bags for proper recycling. However, the majority of LDPE products end up in landfills, which can have devastating consequences for the environment. LDPE in landfills can leach into the soil and introduce chemicals into the groundwater, and it also poses a threat to marine life, particularly in coastal areas.
To identify LDPE products, look for the recycling symbol specific to this type of plastic. Checking with local authorities is recommended to determine whether LDPE can be recycled at home or if it needs to be taken to a specific centre.
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Polypropylene: Recyclable plastic used in margarine and yoghurt containers, potato chip bags, and cereal bags
Polypropylene, or PP, is a type of plastic that can be recycled. However, it is important to note that not all recycling centres accept it. Before attempting to recycle polypropylene, it is recommended to check with your local recycling centre or use an online recycling locator tool.
Polypropylene is identified by the number 5, which can be found stamped on the product, usually inside a triangle. This resin identification code is surrounded by a "chasing arrows" symbol, indicating that the product is made from polypropylene and can be recycled.
Polypropylene is a strong plastic that can withstand higher temperatures. It is often used in the production of margarine containers, yoghurt tubs, syrup bottles, prescription bottles, and Tupperware. It is also used in potato chip bags and cereal bags, although these cannot be recycled due to the risk of getting tangled in recycling equipment.
To recycle polypropylene products, simply rinse the containers and place them in your recycling bin if your local municipality accepts them. If not, you may need to take them to a specialised recycling centre or a grocery store that collects plastic bags for proper recycling.
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Polystyrene: Non-recyclable plastic used for disposable styrofoam cups, takeout containers, and packing peanuts
Polystyrene, commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam, is a non-recyclable plastic. It is often used for disposable products like cups, soup bowls, plates, trays, takeout containers, and packing peanuts. While some places do recycle Styrofoam, it is not commonly recycled and is, in fact, one of the top 10 contributors to environmental litter.
Polystyrene is easily recognisable due to its distinctive characteristics. It is stiff, rigid, and clearer than most opaque plastics, with a glossy texture and a yellowish appearance. It is also brittle and can break without much force. Despite its seemingly weak structure, polystyrene is resistant to impacts and provides cushioning for the products it packages.
Polystyrene can be identified through a variety of methods, including appearance, texture, and density. The float test, for example, can determine the density of polystyrene by observing whether it sinks or floats when placed in water. It is worth noting that polystyrene has a lower density than water and will, therefore, float. Additionally, the burn test can be used to identify polystyrene, as it produces a yellow flame with sooty, dark smoke, and emits a styrene odour.
The identification of polystyrene is crucial, especially when it comes to recycling. While polystyrene itself is non-recyclable, products packaged in polystyrene may be recyclable. For example, some cities like Los Angeles accept Styrofoam food containers for recycling through their blue bin system, as long as they are wiped clean and dried beforehand to prevent contamination.
The non-recyclability of polystyrene has led to a growing movement to ban its use. Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Boone, North Carolina, have prohibited the possession, sale, or use of polystyrene products, especially in the food service industry. This trend reflects a broader shift towards environmentally conscious alternatives, with many businesses and organisations seeking sustainable, compostable, and recyclable solutions for their disposable tableware and takeout packaging.
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Frequently asked questions
Most plastic materials will have a recycling symbol with a number imprinted inside it. These numbers indicate the type of plastic resin used to make the item. The numbers range from 1 to 7, with 1 and 2 being the most commonly accepted for recycling.
The numbers 1 to 7 indicate the seven different types of plastic. Type 1 and 2 plastics are generally accepted by most recyclers. Type 3 plastics are hard to recycle and require specialised handling. Type 4 plastics, like grocery bags, should not be put into recycling bins as they can get tangled in the equipment. Type 5 plastics are PP plastics, which are used for food containers and can sometimes be recycled. Type 6 plastics are PS plastics, used for disposable cups and food containers, and are also hard to recycle. Type 7 plastics are a catch-all category for any plastic that doesn't fit into the first six categories.
The chasing arrows symbol, also known as the Resin Identification Code, indicates that the plastic can be recycled. The Green Dot symbol means that the producer has made a financial contribution towards packaging recovery and recycling, but it does not guarantee that the packaging is recyclable. The seedling symbol indicates that the packaging is suitable for industrial composting.
The recycling symbol on a plastic item usually indicates that it can be recycled. However, it's important to check with your local municipality or recycling centre, as accepted materials can vary. Some types of plastic may be recyclable but not accepted by your local recycling program. Additionally, some plastics, like Styrofoam, are hard to recycle and may not be permitted in your bin.
