Ethan Clarke
Plastic is everywhere, and it's no secret that it's harmful to the environment. Recycling is one way to reduce the impact of plastic waste, but it can be a complex process. Many people assume that the recycling symbol on plastic products indicates that the item is recyclable, but this is not always the case. The number inside the recycling symbol is a resin identification code, telling you what type of plastic the material is made from and how it can be processed. However, the acceptability of plastic for recycling also depends on the capabilities of the local recycling program.
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What You'll Learn
Recycling symbols don't indicate if plastic is recyclable
The numbers on plastic items are resin identification codes that tell you what kind of plastic the material is made of. They do not necessarily indicate that the product is recyclable or recycled. Plastics with the numbers 1 (PETE) and 2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled, while plastics 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are tougher to recycle and are not universally accepted by local recycling programs.
The recycling symbol found on plastic products does not guarantee that the item can be recycled. Instead, these symbols are used to help identify different types of packaging and whether they are capable of being recycled. For example, the "Recycle" label indicates that the packaging is widely collected for recycling, whereas the "Don't Recycle" label signifies that it is not. The "Recycle with Bags at Large Supermarkets" symbol means that the plastic can be recycled at specialised collection points at supermarkets but not at home.
Recycling symbols can also provide information on the material's composition. For instance, the presence of a "%" symbol centred within a logo indicates that the packaging contains recycled material, with the percentage denoting the proportion of the item made from recycled content. The "Tidyman" symbol, trademarked by the charity Keep Britain Tidy, serves as a reminder to consumers to dispose of their waste properly without littering.
Additionally, the numbers within the "chasing arrows" symbol on plastic items can help identify the type of plastic and its recyclability. Plastics with the codes 1 to 7 indicate the different types of plastic and provide insights into how they should be processed. However, it's important to note that the acceptance of these plastics for recycling may vary depending on your location, and it's advisable to check with your local recycling guidelines.
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Plastic resin codes identify types of plastic
Plastic resin codes, also known as Resin Identification Codes (RICs), are a set of symbols and numbers that identify the type of resin used in a plastic product. They were developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States. The purpose of these codes is to help recycling plants, consumers, and waste operators identify and sort plastic products according to their resin type. This facilitates the collection, disposal, and recycling of these products.
The numbers 1-7 are used as identification codes, with each number representing a specific type of plastic:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE): Commonly used for beverage bottles, plastic soda and water bottles, microwavable food trays, peanut butter jars, and salad dressing bottles.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): Used for milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, butter tubs, motor oil bottles, shopping bags, and some toys.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Found in pipes, cooking oil and shampoo bottles, medical tubing, wire jacketing, and window cleaner spray bottles.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): Used for plastic bags, six-pack rings, tubing, and plastic films.
- Polypropylene (PP): Used for auto parts, industrial fibers, food containers, and medicine bottles.
- Polystyrene: There are two types: brittle plastic (used in plastic forks and yogurt pots) and expanded polystyrene (used in foamy takeaway packaging, Styrofoam, and insulation).
- Other plastics: This category includes bioplastics, composite plastics (like crisp wrappers), plastic-coated wrapping paper, and polycarbonate (which contains BPA).
It is important to note that the presence of a resin identification code on packaging does not guarantee that the material is recyclable. These codes only identify the type of plastic resin used in the product. Consumers should check with their local recycling guidelines to determine which specific types of plastic are accepted for recycling in their area.
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HDPE is one of the easiest plastics to recycle
Plastics are usually labelled with numbers ranging from 1 to 7, indicating the type of plastic and how it should be processed. However, the absence of a number does not necessarily mean that the plastic is not recyclable. In fact, almost all plastic can be recycled in principle.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. It has a recycling code of 2 and is commonly used in detergent bottles and containers in healthcare facilities and laboratories due to its resistance to many chemicals, acids, and alcohol. HDPE is also lightweight, flexible, and strong, making it suitable for various products, including bottles, bags, tanks, films, offcuts, and sheets. It is widely accepted at recycling centres worldwide and can be recycled in all its forms.
HDPE is often downcycled into lower-value products such as plastic lumber, tables, roadside curbs, and benches. This is because the recycling process can shorten the polymer chains, resulting in a less strong and resilient material. However, HDPE is still highly recyclable, and most local councils collect it for recycling.
To identify if a plastic without a number is HDPE, look for characteristics such as opacity or translucency, and a low propensity to absorb liquids. Additionally, consider the product's flexibility, toughness, and chemical resistance. If you are unsure, you can contact your local council or recycling centre for guidance on recycling specific types of plastics.
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LDPE is used in plastic films
LDPE, or Low-Density Polyethylene, is a soft, flexible, lightweight plastic. It is a thermoplastic made from the polymerization of ethylene, a simple hydrocarbon compound. LDPE is used in plastic films due to its flexibility, transparency, and resistance to moisture. It is also food-safe and less likely to leach harmful chemicals, making it ideal for food packaging applications.
LDPE is commonly used in the production of plastic bags, containers, and packaging films for bread, produce, and other food items. Its flexibility makes it perfect for squeeze bottles and plastic wraps. LDPE is also used in medical applications, such as disposable gloves, syringe plungers, and medical packaging, due to its hygiene and flexibility.
In agriculture, LDPE is used for greenhouse films, mulch films, and irrigation pipes. It is also employed in the construction industry for damp-proof membranes, vapor barriers, and protective sheeting. LDPE's durability and impact resistance make it suitable for electrical insulation in wiring and cables.
LDPE is identified by its recycling code "4". However, it is important to note that the presence of a recycling symbol on plastic products does not always indicate that the item is recyclable. LDPE is considered one of the safer plastics for food contact, and its low cost and durability make it a popular choice for various industrial applications.
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Local recycling rules vary
As a general rule, plastics numbered 1 and 2 are widely accepted by most recycling centres. These plastics are made of polyethylene and include almost any lightweight bottle whose neck is smaller than its body, such as water bottles, soda bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and most bottles used for food, health, cleaning, or beauty products. You can also safely assume that recycling haulers will take PET and HDPE (plastics 1 and 2).
However, after number 2, it becomes less clear. Number 3 plastics are made with polyvinyl resin, commonly called PVC, and are usually rigid and not as easily recycled. These include PVC pipes, plastic sheets like shower curtains and raincoats, and many children's toys. More and more recycling programs are accepting #3 plastics, but many still do not. Check with your local rules, as some areas may require number 3 plastics to be put in the trash.
Plastics numbered 4 and 5 are probably accepted in your municipality (except for plastic bags and films), but again, it's worth checking first. Number 4 plastics are of low-density polyethylene and are usually soft and flexible, while number 5 plastics are made of polypropylene and are a flexible hard plastic like food containers, screw-on caps, butter tubs, and food cups.
Plastics 6 and 7 are rarely recycled but check your curbside collection to be sure. Number 6 plastics are made with polystyrene (Styrofoam) and are difficult to recycle, while number 7 plastics include a broad range of acrylic, nylon, and other plastic resins that are challenging to recycle, such as CDs, DVDs, sunglasses, and cellphone cases.
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Frequently asked questions
The recycling symbol found on plastic products does not indicate that a product is necessarily recyclable. The number inside the symbol is a resin identification code that tells you what kind of plastic the material is made of. Plastics that have #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products are not recyclable. PVC is a soft, flexible plastic used for a huge array of household products like plastic wrappings, tubing, kids' toys, plastic trays, and furniture.
LDPE, PP, and PS products sometimes can be recycled. LDPE is often found in shrink wraps, dry cleaner bags, squeezable bottles, and
Check your municipality's recycling guidelines for clarity on what is and is not accepted. If you are still unsure, it is best to throw it away.
