Alexei Volkov
Plastic is a family of materials, each with distinct qualities, uses, and recycling methods. The Society of the Plastics Industry introduced the Resin Identification Coding system in 1988, which assigns a number from 1 to 7 to each plastic product to indicate its type. These symbols are known as Plastic Resin Identification Codes or recycling symbols and are used to identify the type of plastic resin used to make the item. They also provide information on how to dispose of the item and whether it is made from recycled materials.
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What You'll Learn
The seven plastic recycling symbols and their meanings
Plastic is a family of materials, each with different qualities, uses, and avenues to recycle. In 1988, the Society of the Plastics Industry implemented the Resin Identification Coding system—a designated number that manufacturers could stamp on their product to indicate what type of plastic it was. The seven plastic recycling symbols are as follows:
PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)
PET is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages because it is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to recycle. It is also used for soft drink bottles, mineral water containers, and fruit juice containers, and cooking oil containers. The plastic is easily recyclable so it is often part of curbside recycling programs. It can be reused to make containers, carpet, and furniture.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
HDPE is another common type of plastic found in many household products like milk jugs, cleaning containers, and shampoo and detergent bottles. HDPE is ideal for these types of consumer products because it is lightweight but durable. These products are commonly recycled into pens, toys, engineered lumber, outdoor furniture, and traffic cones. HDPE is easy to recycle, and according to recent studies, can be recycled up to 10 times for new products.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
PVC is very versatile and is usually found in piping, medical equipment, plastic gloves, building products, water-resistant clothing, and some food packaging. Vinyl is ideal for these types of products because of its strong, durable, and flexible properties. PVC contains hazardous chemicals that are known to be poisonous to humans. Because of its many chemical additives, PVC products are extremely difficult to recycle and are not commonly accepted through curbside recycling.
LDPE (low-density polyethylene)
LDPE is a flexible plastic with many applications. It is used for shopping bags, highly-resistant sacks, and crushed bottles. This type of plastic is not usually recycled, but it can be converted into floor tiles and shipping envelopes.
PP (Polypropylene)
PP is used for some tubs and trays. Polypropylene was commonly accepted by most curbside recycling programs until 2018, when China stopped buying America's recyclable waste. Now, the market for PP is considerably smaller, meaning many haulers have discontinued their programs. Confirm its acceptance with your service provider before recycling.
PS (Polystyrene)
PS, often genericized as "Styrofoam" in the US, is lightweight and commonly disposed of after a single use. It is usually found in egg cartons, Styrofoam packaging, packing peanuts, disposable cups, and dinnerware. Polystyrene is inexpensive and easily produced, which makes it popular for manufacturing, but it is difficult and inefficient to recycle.
Other
This category includes plastics that are not commonly recycled, such as crisp packets and rice packets. These materials may require special recycling processes or facilities.
It is important to note that the recycling symbols provide information about the type of plastic and how it can be recycled, but they do not guarantee that the item is recyclable. The recyclability of a product depends on various factors, including the capabilities of your local recycling program and the specific rules and regulations in your area.
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How to recycle plastic resin
Plastic is a broad term for a family of materials, each with distinct qualities, uses, and recycling methods. In 1988, the Society of the Plastics Industry introduced the Resin Identification Coding system, which assigns a number from 1 to 7 to each plastic resin to indicate its type. This system is intended to make it easier to recycle plastic products. The seven plastic resin codes are surrounded by a "chasing arrows" symbol, indicating that the product can be recycled. The following is a list of the seven plastic resin codes, along with information on how to recycle them:
Code 1: PET or PETE
This stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a clear, strong, and lightweight plastic. It is commonly used for single-use food and drink packaging, such as water and soda bottles, salad dressing bottles, and peanut butter containers. PET is fully recyclable and has a high demand among manufacturers. However, its recycling rates are relatively low at around 20%. To recycle PET or PETE, ensure that the container is empty and rinsed of any food residue, then place it in your recycling bin.
Code 2: HDPE
High-density polyethylene is a versatile plastic used in many household products, including milk jugs, cleaning containers, and shampoo and detergent bottles. It is lightweight yet durable and has a low risk of leaching. HDPE can be readily recycled into various products, such as pens, toys, outdoor furniture, and more bottles and bags. According to studies, HDPE can be recycled up to 10 times. Make sure to clean, rinse, and dry these products before placing them in your recycling bin.
Code 3: PVC
Polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as vinyl or PVC, is a versatile plastic known for its strength, durability, and flexibility. It is often found in piping, medical equipment, plastic gloves, building products, and some food packaging. However, PVC contains hazardous chemicals and is challenging to recycle due to its many chemical additives. It is not usually accepted through curbside recycling. Instead, consider reusing or repurposing these items or checking with your local waste hauler for nearby drop-off recycling centres.
Code 4: LDPE
Low-density polyethylene is a strong, durable, and flexible plastic that is often used for products like grocery bags and sandwich bags. LDPE can be recycled, but it must be taken to specialist recycling points.
Code 5: PP
PP is a type of plastic resin that is more challenging to recycle because it does not break down easily. It is often used to make items such as clothing, bottles, ropes, and tubs. Only a small portion of PP products can be recycled, and the recycled material is typically used to create more of the same products.
Code 6: PS
PS, or polystyrene, is used for items like takeaway boxes and disposable cutlery. It is not easily recyclable and should be avoided or reused when possible.
Code 7: Other
This category includes plastics like crisp and rice packets. These should be recycled at specialist points.
Additionally, it is important to note that bottle caps and lids may need to be disposed of separately, as they are often made of a different type of plastic. Recycling symbols on packaging can also provide specific instructions on how to dispose of an item or if it is made of recycled materials. These symbols may indicate that an item can be recycled through your local recycling centre or supermarket recycling points.
Finally, while the focus here is on plastic resin codes, it is worth mentioning that post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics and post-industrial recycled (PIR) plastics are also important for sustainability. These recycled resins can be used to replace virgin resin in manufacturing, reducing production costs and carbon footprints.
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How to recycle plastic packaging
Plastic is everywhere, from grocery bags to food containers, and it is one of the most common pollutants in the environment. While the best way to keep plastic out of the environment is to not use it at all, it's almost impossible to avoid it completely. The good news is that we can recycle many common types of plastic packaging.
Recycling symbols appear on lots of everyday items and help us identify how different types of packaging can be recycled. There are seven plastic recycling symbols, each with a different type of plastic and distinct recycling instructions. The symbols are usually moulded on the bottom of the product.
- PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate): This is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages because it's inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to recycle. It is used for soft drinks, water, ketchup, and beer bottles. PET or PETE can be picked up through most curbside recycling programs, as long as it's been emptied and rinsed of any food residue.
- HDPE (high-density polyethylene): HDPE is another common type of plastic found in many household products like milk jugs, cleaning containers, and shampoo and detergent bottles. It is lightweight but durable. HDPE is easy to recycle and can be recycled up to 10 times for new products. '2' containers are typically accepted in most curbside recycling programs, and you should ensure they are clean, rinsed, and dry before tossing them.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride): PVC is very versatile and is usually found in piping, medical equipment, plastic gloves, building products, water-resistant clothing, and some food packaging. It is strong, durable, and flexible. PVC is difficult to recycle due to its many chemical additives, and it is not commonly accepted through curbside recycling. Reuse or repurpose '3' plastics, or check with your waste hauler to find a nearby drop-off recycling centre.
- LDPE (low-density polyethylene): LDPE is used for plastic bags and wrapping and is recyclable at specialist points. It is more difficult to dispose of through curbside recycling, but some municipalities do allow it.
- PP (polypropylene): PP is used for some tubs and trays. Some curbside recycling programs accept PP plastics, but not all. PP is characterised by its clear appearance and high-tensile strength. It is not stretchy and not recyclable in all areas.
- PS (polystyrene): Most recycling programs do not accept PS when it comes in the form of rigid plastic. However, it can often be swapped for more recycling bin-friendly PET.
- Other: This category includes plastics used for crisp packets, rice packets, and other difficult-to-recycle materials. Recycle these at specialist points.
Other tips for recycling plastic packaging:
- Plastic bags, wraps, and films: Most plastic bags from grocery stores or takeout are recyclable. Collect them at home and then take them to a drop-off location near you. Many grocery stores accept them for recycling.
- Caps and lids: Caps and lids under 40mm in diameter are too small to be captured for recycling. Throw them in the trash, or check with your local guidelines to see if they can be recycled.
- Food residue: Ensure that all food containers are rinsed and dried before placing them in the recycling bin to prevent contamination.
- Local guidelines: Check with your local waste management guidelines to see what specific types of plastic they accept for recycling.
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How to recycle plastic products
Plastic is a highly versatile material that is used a lot in our daily lives. However, less than 10% of plastic waste generated worldwide has been recycled, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. One of the barriers to recycling plastic is a lack of awareness around the seven plastic recycling symbols, each of which represents a different type of plastic and distinct recycling instructions.
The Society of the Plastics Industry implemented the Resin Identification Coding system in 1988, which assigns a designated number that manufacturers can stamp on their product (usually moulded on the bottom) to indicate what type of plastic it is. The Resin Identification Code is represented with a 'chasing arrows' symbol surrounding a number between 1 and 7 that defines the resin used.
- PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate): PET or PETE is a clear, strong, and lightweight plastic that is commonly used for single-use food and drink packaging, such as soda and water bottles, salad dressing bottles, and peanut butter containers. It is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to recycle, with a low risk of trapping decomposition products. However, its recycling rates are relatively low (around 20%). PET or PETE can be recycled through most curbside recycling programs as long as it has been emptied and rinsed of any food. Recycled PETE can be used to create new plastic containers, furniture, carpet fibres, and winter jackets.
- HDPE (high-density polyethylene): HDPE is a common type of plastic found in many household products, such as milk jugs, cleaning containers, and shampoo and detergent bottles. It is lightweight but durable, and carries a low risk of leaching. HDPE can be easily recycled up to 10 times to create new products such as pens, toys, engineered lumber, outdoor furniture, and traffic cones. '2' containers are typically accepted in most curbside recycling programs, and as with all recycling, ensure they are clean, rinsed, and dry before recycling.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride): PVC is a versatile and durable plastic usually found in piping, medical equipment, plastic gloves, building products, water-resistant clothing, and some food packaging. When recycled, PVC is used to make binders, window frames, gutters, flooring, and fencing. However, it contains hazardous chemicals and is difficult to recycle, with a low recycling rate of 0.5%. It is best to reuse or repurpose '3' plastics or check with your waste hauler for nearby drop-off recycling centres.
- LDPE (low-density polyethylene): LDPE is used for plastic bags and wrapping and can be recycled at specialist points.
- PP (polypropylene): PP is used for some tubs and trays and is widely recycled. Recycled PP can be used to make auto parts, bike racks, storage bins, and shipping pallets.
- PS (polystyrene): PS is used for takeaway boxes and disposable cutlery and is not easily recyclable.
- Other: This category includes plastics used for crisp packets, rice packets, and other mixed plastics. These can be recycled at specialist points.
In addition to the above, there are a few other tips to keep in mind:
- Bottle caps should be disposed of in the trash unless your local guidelines specify otherwise, as they are usually made of a different type of plastic.
- Plastic bags and wraps can be
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How to recycle plastic at home
Plastic is a broad term for a family of materials, each with different qualities, uses, and recycling methods. The Society of the Plastics Industry has implemented the Resin Identification Coding system, which assigns a number from 1 to 7 to different types of plastics to indicate their type. This system is also known as the Plastic Resin Identification Codes or the Mobius Symbol.
- PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate): This is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages because it is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to recycle. It is used for soft drinks, water, ketchup, and beer bottles, as well as some food packaging. PET or PETE can be recycled through most curbside recycling programs as long as it has been emptied and rinsed of any food residue.
- HDPE (high-density polyethylene): HDPE is another common type of plastic found in many household products like milk jugs, cleaning containers, and shampoo and detergent bottles. It is lightweight but durable and can be recycled into pens, toys, engineered lumber, outdoor furniture, and traffic cones. HDPE is widely recycled and can be accepted by most curbside recycling programs.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride): PVC is a versatile plastic usually found in piping, medical equipment, plastic gloves, building products, water-resistant clothing, and some food packaging. It is strong, durable, and flexible. PVC is not easily recyclable and is not commonly accepted through curbside recycling. Instead, it is best to reuse or repurpose these plastics or check with your local waste hauler for nearby drop-off recycling centers.
- LDPE (low-density polyethylene): This type of plastic is used for plastic bags and wrapping and can be recycled at specialist points, such as selected supermarkets.
- PP (polypropylene): PP is used for some tubs, trays, and other packaging materials and is widely recycled.
- PS (polystyrene): PS is used for takeaway boxes, disposable cutlery, and other single-use foodservice items. It is not easily recyclable and should be kept out of your household recycling box. Some supermarkets offer specialist recycling collection for these items.
- Other: This category includes plastics that do not fit into the previous six categories, such as composites used for airtight food packaging and plastic film. These plastics require specialized technology, such as chemical recycling, to be recycled and may need to be taken to specialist recycling centers.
When recycling plastic at home, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by your local authorities, as they may vary. Some general tips for recycling plastic at home include:
- Checking which plastics your local authority collects and ensuring they are clean, rinsed, and dry before placing them in your recycling bin.
- Removing caps and lids from plastic containers, as they are often made from a different type of plastic and can fall through the sorting machinery at recycling facilities. However, if the cap is under 40mm in diameter, leaving it on the bottle can help ensure it gets recycled.
- Removing labels if possible, although this is not necessary, as the recycling process can separate them.
- Sorting and washing plastic waste with soap and water or in a dishwasher before recycling.
It is important to note that not all plastic can be recycled at home through conventional methods. Some people have explored alternative methods, such as melting and molding plastic at home to create new products. However, this process can produce toxic fumes, so it should be done with caution and in a well-ventilated area. Another emerging technology is distributed recycling and additive manufacturing (DRAM), which allows people to recycle waste plastic at home by 3D-printing it into new products.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers 1 through 7 on plastic recycling labels are Plastic Resin Identification Codes, which indicate the type of plastic resin used to make the item.
PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), indicated by the number 1, is the most common type of plastic resin. It is used for single-use bottled beverages, peanut butter containers, and salad dressings, among other things.
Lids and caps under 40mm in diameter are too small to be captured for recycling and may fall through the sorting machinery. Leaving the lid on a bottle can help it be captured and recycled. If the lid is larger than 40mm, check with your local recycling provider to see if they accept them.
It is not necessary to remove labels from plastic containers before recycling them. The recycling process separates them, and some facilities use heat to burn them off. However, removing labels can result in higher-quality recycled plastic as there are fewer contaminants.
