Chloe Zhang
Plastic identification codes, also known as resin identification codes (RIC), are used to identify the type of plastic a product is made from. They are found on most plastic materials and are usually represented by a triangle of chasing arrows with a number from 1 to 7 inside, known as the Universal Recycling Symbol. These codes help consumers and recyclers identify the different plastic types and determine their recyclability. While the presence of a RIC does not guarantee recyclability, it provides important information about the recycling possibilities for each plastic type. It is important for consumers to understand these codes to make informed choices about the types of plastic they use and their impact on the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the code | Resin Identification Code (RIC) |
| What it indicates | The type of plastic a container is made from |
| Recyclability | Does not address the recyclability of the product |
| Symbol | A triangle made of three arrows surrounding a number from 1 to 7, forming a Möbius strip |
| Symbol name | Universal Recycling Symbol |
| Symbol history | Designed in 1970; plastic manufacturers started using a similar symbol in the 1980s |
| Symbol confusion | Consumers assume the symbol means the product is recyclable |
| Number 1 plastic | One of the most widely recycled plastics in the world; includes PET or PETE |
| Number 2 plastic | HDPE, another widely recycled plastic worldwide |
| Number 3 plastic | PVC, one of the least recyclable plastics |
| Number 7 plastic | Includes a wide variety of plastics that are difficult to recycle |
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What You'll Learn
The history of plastic identification codes
Plastic identification codes, also known as resin identification codes (RICs), were first introduced in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) in the United States. The original purpose of these codes was to help consumers and recyclers identify different types of plastics and promote the use of recycled plastics in new products. The SPI, now known as the Plastics Industry Association, created a system with six resin codes, from 1 to 6, with code 7 being added later. These codes are typically found on the bottom of plastic containers and packaging and indicate the type of plastic resin used to make the product.
The RICs were developed during a time when public opinion polls showed a growing concern about the harmful effects of plastics on public health and the environment. The recycling symbol, which consists of chasing arrows forming a triangle, was originally designed in 1970 to indicate that a product was recyclable. However, it is important to note that the RICs do not address the recyclability of a product. This has led to consumer confusion, as people often assume that the presence of the arrows symbol indicates that an item is recyclable.
Over time, the RIC system has undergone revisions to address this confusion. In 2008, ASTM International took over the administration of the RIC system and replaced the chasing arrows with a solid triangle. Additionally, the American Chemistry Council launched the "Recycling Terms & Tools" program to promote standardised language in plastic recycling education. Despite these efforts, consumer confusion about plastic recyclability remains an ongoing issue.
The specific codes within the RIC system provide detailed information about different types of plastics. For example, code 1 represents polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a commonly recycled plastic used in beverage bottles, food trays, and other packaging. Code 2 stands for high-density polyethylene (HDPE), another widely recycled plastic found in items like milk jugs and detergent bottles. Code 3, on the other hand, represents polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a durable plastic that is challenging to recycle and rarely used in food products due to its toxicity.
Code 5 is assigned to polypropylene (PP), a plastic with many uses, including auto parts, industrial fibres, and food containers. It is one of the most widely recycled plastics globally, and kerbside collections have started accepting PP in many areas. In contrast, polystyrene (PS), represented by code 6, is challenging to recycle and has fallen out of favour due to its tendency to release chemicals when heated. Finally, code 7 encompasses a wide range of plastics that are difficult to recycle, including those used in sunglasses, DVDs, water bottles, and food packaging.
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How to identify plastic identification codes
Plastic identification codes are used to identify the type of plastic a product is made from. They are also known as resin identification codes (RICs) or plastics identification codes (PICs). These codes are usually found stamped or printed on the bottom of products and show a number from 1 to 7 inside a triangle with arrows or a solid triangle. The numbers inside the triangle are as follows:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE): This type of plastic is commonly used for beverage bottles, cups, and other packaging. It is one of the most widely recycled plastics in the world and has one of the highest recycling market values. Clear PET, in particular, can be turned into products of similar quality and form.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): This is a durable, hard plastic that can withstand most solvents. It is commonly used for bottles, cups, milk jugs, and cleaning or personal care products. It is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is widely accepted by recycling companies.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is a durable plastic that is resistant to sunlight, water, and other harsh conditions. It is frequently used for pipes, siding, flooring, and credit cards. However, due to its high chlorine content and hazardous additives, PVC requires separation from other plastics for recycling.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): This type of plastic is very flexible and transparent. It is commonly used for plastic bags, six-pack rings, tubing, and frozen food packaging. LDPE film needs to be separated from HDPE film and clear films from coloured or printed films to maintain its recycling value.
- Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene is used for auto parts, industrial fibres, and food containers. It is one of the least recycled plastics, with a rate of less than 1%. The recycling process involves collection, sorting, cleaning, reprocessing by melting, and producing new products.
- Polystyrene (PS): This plastic is often used for plastic utensils, Styrofoam, and cafeteria trays. It is not accepted for recycling in kerbside bins in some places, such as Tasmania.
- Other plastics: Code number 7 includes a wide variety of plastics that are difficult to recycle, such as acrylic, nylon, and polycarbonate. These plastics may be used for items like sunglasses, DVDs, water bottles, and food packaging.
It is important to note that the presence of a recycling symbol or RIC on a product does not always indicate that it is recyclable. The RIC only identifies the type of plastic and does not address recyclability. Consumers should check with local facilities or their local council to understand what plastics can be accepted for recycling in their area.
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The difference between rigid and flexible plastics
Plastic products often feature a symbol known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC) or the Universal Recycling Symbol. This symbol, which dates back to 1970, consists of a triangle made of three arrows (known as the chasing arrows symbol) surrounding a number from 1 to 7, forming a Möbius strip. These numbers indicate the type of plastic the material is made from, with numbers 1 (PETE or PET) and 2 (HDPE) being the most commonly recycled plastics.
Now, onto the differences between rigid and flexible plastics. Firstly, it's important to note that the flexibility of plastics can vary, and some plastics are available in both rigid and flexible variants. Rigid plastics, such as PET and HDPE, are those that maintain their shape and offer high strength. They are used in durable packaging and products that require durability, such as beverage bottles. On the other hand, flexible plastics, like LDPE and PP, are easier to adapt to space limitations and are often used when a radius edge or gap needs to be covered. Flexible plastics are commonly found in bread bags, frozen food bags, and plastic shopping bags.
The recycling processes for rigid and flexible plastics differ significantly. Rigid plastics have a more structured recycling process and are collected through specific containers. They are separated, cleaned to remove contaminants, crushed into small fragments, melted at high temperatures, and then molded into pellets for new products. However, flexible plastics are more challenging to recycle. Their collection is less systematic, and they often end up in landfills due to inadequate infrastructure for recycling. Flexible plastics must be thoroughly cleaned before recycling, which can be complicated as they are often mixed with other materials. Additionally, there is a shortage of specific recycling plants for flexible plastics, further limiting their recycling rates.
While recycling is crucial for both types of plastics, consumer awareness and proper infrastructure are essential to ensuring effective recycling and reducing environmental pollution.
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The safest and most dangerous plastic identification codes
Plastic products often feature a Plastics Identification Code (PIC) triangle, also known as a Resin Identification Code (RIC). The RIC is a technical standard with a set of symbols that appear on plastic products to identify the type of plastic resin used to make the product. The codes are usually stamped or printed at the bottom of the products and show a number from 1 to 7 inside a triangle with chasing arrows.
The safest plastic identification codes are 1, 2, 4, and 5. Code 2, also called HDPE (high-density polyethylene), has a high strength-to-density ratio, resulting in superb wear resistance. HDPE products can withstand heating and freezing, making them suitable for various weather conditions. They can be reused without any harm and are easily recycled up to 10 times.
Code 1, or PET, is also considered safe but in limited quantities. However, studies have shown that it can leach antimony trioxide and phthalates, which are harmful to health. Code 4 is relatively safe but can leach plastic additives and has been linked to occupational asthma.
The most dangerous plastic identification codes are 3 and 6. Code 3, or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), is considered very dangerous and one of the least recyclable plastics. It is not recommended for food use as it easily releases toxins. Code 6 contains polystyrene (PS), which can leach styrene, a chemical present in second-hand cigarette smoke and is a known carcinogen. It can also negatively impact the nervous system, brain, lungs, liver, genes, and immune system.
Code 7 includes a wide variety of plastics that are difficult to recycle, and most factories do not accept them. This code includes new plastics, bioplastics, and items composed of different types of plastics. It also stands for polycarbonate (PC), which contains highly dangerous BPA (Bisphenol A).
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How to recycle plastic products
Plastic products are labelled with a number inside a triangle made of arrows, known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC). This code indicates the type of plastic the product is made from, but it does not indicate whether the product is recyclable. The RIC can help you determine whether a product can be recycled and choose between different packaging options. Plastics with codes #1 (PETE or PET) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics. Plastics #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not universally collected in local recycling programs.
To recycle plastic products, follow these steps:
- Check with your local recycling program to find out which types of plastic they accept. Accepted materials can vary from city to city.
- Rinse or scrape any food residue off the containers. They should be "spatula-clean" before recycling.
- Separate different types of plastics. For example, HDPE film should be separated from LDPE film, and clear films should be separated from coloured or printed film.
- Remove any product labels, adhesives, or other impurities.
- Break down the plastic into smaller-sized pieces, which can be used as additives within asphalt or sold as a raw material.
- Shredded plastics are then tested for their class and quality through segregation based on density and air classification based on thickness.
- Finally, the plastics are crushed and melted to form pallets called nurdles, which can be transformed to take a new shape and make a new product.
Some additional tips for recycling plastic products include:
- Avoid mixing non-recyclable plastics with recyclable ones.
- Avoid attempting to recycle plastics with food residue, chemicals, or adhesives, as this can disrupt the recycling process.
- Choose plastic packaging made from materials that can be recycled.
- When possible, purchase products made from recycled plastic materials.
- Compostable plastics should not be recycled and should be disposed of through a composting program or dropped off at a location that accepts compostable plastic items.
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Frequently asked questions
A plastic number code, also known as a Resin Identification Code (RIC), tells you what type of plastic a product is made from.
Plastic number codes are important because they help you determine whether a product is recyclable.
You can find a plastic number code by looking for a triangle made up of three arrows surrounding a number, usually located at the bottom, top, or side of a plastic object.
Some common plastic number codes include #1 (PETE) or PET, #2 (HDPE), #3 (PVC), #4, #5, #6, and #7.
No, the plastic number code only indicates the type of plastic and the possibility of recycling. It is important to check with local recycling facilities to see which plastic codes they accept.
