Chloe Zhang
Plastic recycling is a complex process, and consumers often don't know which types of plastic can be recycled and how. The first step to recycling plastic is understanding the seven plastic codes, represented by a number from 1 to 7 inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number identifies the type of plastic, and each type has distinct recycling instructions. For instance, plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2, and #4 are safer choices and do not contain BPA. #1 plastics, or PET/PETE, are used for soda, water, and other drink bottles, as well as cooking oil containers and food jars. These plastics can be recycled, but it's important to check your municipality's guidelines for specific instructions on how to recycle them properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Type | PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) |
| Common Uses | Bottles for soda, water, drinks, cooking oil, peanut butter jars, containers for food items |
| Recyclability | Can be recycled, but may depend on local programs and municipality guidelines |
| Resin Code | 1 |
| Other Names | #1 Plastic, Single-use bottled beverages |
| Properties | Inexpensive, lightweight |
| Recycled Into | Fashion items like polar fleece clothes, backpacks, carpets |
| Other Plastic Types Recyclability | HDPE, LDPE, PP can be recycled, but PVC cannot |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the type of plastic
Plastic items are usually marked with a number inside a recycling symbol, which is typically found at the bottom, side, or top of the item. This number ranges from 1 to 7 and is known as a resin identification code, indicating the type of plastic used in the item.
Identifying Type 1 Plastic
Type 1 plastic, also known as PET or PETE, is identified by the number 1 inside the recycling symbol. It is one of the most common types of plastic and is often used for disposable beverage and food containers, bottles, and jars. Type 1 plastic is usually clear in colour and includes items such as water and beverage bottles, salad dressing and oil bottles, and mouthwash bottles. It is considered relatively safe but should be stored in cool environments and not reused.
Identification Methods
There are several methods to identify the type of plastic beyond locating the resin identification code. These include:
- Density Test: Cut a small piece of plastic and drop it into a glass of water. If it sinks, it is likely HDPE or PVC. If it floats, it is likely PET or LDPE.
- Burn Test: Burn a small piece of plastic and observe the flame colour and smell. If it burns with a yellow flame and smells like burning candles or wood, it is likely PS.
- Scratch Test: Use your fingernail or a knife to scratch the surface of the plastic. If it leaves a mark easily, it is likely LDPE or PP. If it does not leave a mark easily, it is likely PET or HDPE.
- Appearance and Texture: Plastics made of polyethylene have a smooth texture and are flexible but can leave marks. LDPE is thin and can crumble in your hand, and it also crackles and makes a loud noise. HDPE, on the other hand, is tougher and has a translucent, milky white coating, though it can also be uncoloured and waxier in appearance. Polypropylene is flexible but will not break easily and is highly resistant to strain and deformation.
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Understand your local recycling rules
Understanding your local recycling rules is essential for ensuring that your plastic waste is properly recycled. Recycling rules and guidelines can vary depending on your location, so it's important to familiarise yourself with the specific regulations in your area. Here are some tips to help you understand your local recycling rules for #1 plastics:
- Check your municipality's guidelines: Different municipalities may have varying rules regarding plastic recycling. Visit your local government's website or contact their waste management department to find out the specific guidelines for your area. This will help you determine which types of plastic are accepted for recycling and how to prepare them properly.
- Learn about plastic resin codes: Plastic products often have a resin code, which is a number between 1 and 7 enclosed in a small triangle made of arrows. This code identifies the type of plastic the product is made of. Understanding these codes will help you know which plastics can be recycled and how to sort them correctly.
- Understand recycling symbols: Recycling symbols provide information about the type of plastic and its recyclability. Familiarise yourself with the symbols and their meanings to properly segregate your plastic waste. Some symbols may indicate that an item is recyclable, but it's important to check if your local recycling program accepts that particular type of plastic.
- Separate and prepare plastics properly: Some plastics may need to be separated by type and prepared before recycling. For example, removing caps and lids, rinsing containers, and ensuring they are dry before placing them in the recycling bin. Check with your local recycling guidelines to understand the specific preparation requirements.
- Know what cannot be recycled: Certain types of plastics, such as PVC, are often not recyclable through curbside programs. Additionally, some localities do not accept styrofoam or certain plastic bags in their recycling programs. Understand the specific non-recyclable plastics in your area to avoid contaminating the recyclable stream.
- Utilise alternative recycling options: If your local recycling program does not accept certain plastics, consider alternative options. Some retail and grocery stores may have collection points for specific plastics, such as plastic bags or styrofoam. You can also explore recycling services offered by private companies that specialise in handling hard-to-recycle plastics.
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Prepare plastics for recycling
Preparing plastics for recycling can be a confusing process, but it's an important one to understand to ensure that you're recycling correctly and efficiently. Here are some detailed instructions on how to prepare plastics for recycling, specifically focusing on Type 1 plastics.
Know Your Plastics
Firstly, it's essential to identify the type of plastic you're dealing with. Most plastic products are stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. Type 1 plastics are typically PET or PETE, commonly used for bottles of water, soda, and other drinks, as well as cooking oil containers and food jars.
Empty and Clean
Before placing Type 1 plastics in the recycling bin, make sure they are empty and clean. Remove any food scraps or residue, as containers contaminated with food cannot be recycled. Rinsing or scraping the container is usually sufficient to ensure it's "spatula-clean." You don't need to flatten plastic bottles, but flattening cardboard boxes before recycling them is recommended.
Keep Caps and Labels
Unlike with some other types of plastics, you don't need to remove caps or labels from Type 1 plastic bottles before recycling. Simply twist the caps back on the bottles after emptying them. Bottle caps are typically made from polypropylene plastic and can be recycled into various new products.
Check Local Guidelines
Recycling guidelines and capabilities can vary by location, so it's essential to check with your local recycling program to confirm what types of plastic they accept. Some areas may not accept certain plastics, like grocery bags, in curbside recycling bins due to the risk of tangling in the equipment. However, many retail and grocery stores collect these bags for proper recycling.
Separate Hard-to-Recycle Plastics
If you have hard-to-recycle plastics, such as Styrofoam, shrink wrap, or manufacturing scrap, separate them from your regular recycling. These materials often require specialized handling and may need to be dropped off at specific locations.
Seek Out Recycling Opportunities
Look for products made with recycled plastic to encourage the recycling of Type 1 plastics. You can also seek out public recycling bins at parks, stadiums, and beaches to properly dispose of your plastics when you're on the go.
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Know what can be recycled
Recycling plastic can be confusing, but it's important to know what can and can't be recycled to prevent items from ending up in landfills or harming marine life.
Most municipal recycling centers only accept plastics labelled #1 or #2 (PET/PETE and HDPE). These plastics are lightweight and easy to reform into new materials. However, some recycling centers are able to recycle #3 and #4 (PVC and LDPE). Polypropylene and polystyrene (#5 and #6) are rarely recycled and usually burned. Even though they are the easiest and most successful to recycle, PET and HDPE can’t always find new life in a new product.
The presence of a resin code doesn't necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. It’s the number inside the triangle that counts, because each number corresponds to a different type of plastic.
PET or PETE is used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks. It’s also used to make cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and containers for other popular food items. HDPE plastics are also extremely common. They’re used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers, and detergent bottles. PVC is a soft, flexible plastic, so it’s used for a huge array of household products. Plastic tubing, kids’ toys, plastic trays, and furniture are often made out of PVC. A lot of plastic wrappings are made of LDPE plastic. It’s also used to make grocery bags and the bags that hold newspapers, sliced bread loaves, and fresh produce, among other things.
It's important to research and understand your town's legislation and rules for recycling so that you know what can and cannot be recycled in certain bins. If you're still not sure, it's best to just throw it away. Non-recyclable items in the recycling stream cost processors time and money, and some processors will send the entire bag of items to the landfill if it contains too many non-recyclable items.
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How to recycle
Recycling plastic can be a complex process, and it's important to know your local guidelines for what is and isn't accepted. The first step is to identify the type of plastic you're dealing with. Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This resin code indicates the type of plastic and its recyclability.
For #1 plastics, the most common type, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE), is widely recycled. These are used for single-use bottled beverages, food bottles (like ketchup or salad dressing), and containers for items like peanut butter. To recycle these, rinse the container, ensuring no food residue is left inside, and place it in your recycling bin. Some areas may require you to take these to a drop-off site.
#2 plastics, or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), are also commonly recycled. These include plastic bags, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent bottles. Similar to #1 plastics, these should be rinsed and dried before being placed in your recycling bin or taken to a store drop-off location.
Other types of plastics may not be as widely recycled and may require specialised handling. For example, Low-Density Polyethylene (#4 plastics) is used for plastic bags, grocery bags, and bread bags. Technically, LDPE can be recycled, but it tends to tangle in recycling machinery, and many municipalities don't accept it in curbside recycling bins. Always check with your local guidelines to see if #4 plastics are accepted in your area.
Remember, recycling symbols and guidelines can vary by location, so be sure to familiarise yourself with your local rules to ensure you're recycling correctly.
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Frequently asked questions
PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) is the technical name for '1 plastic'. It is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages because it is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to recycle.
A product made of plastic is often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. If the product is stamped with a '1', it is made of PET or PETE.
Items made of PET or PETE include bottles for soda, water, and other drinks, cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and containers for other popular food items.
Rinse the bottle and place it in your recycle bin. You can also take it to your local recycling centre. Always check your municipality's recycling guidelines for clarity on what is and is not accepted.
When recycled, PET or PETE is usually made into fashion items, such as polar fleece clothes, backpacks, and carpets.
