Ethan Clarke
Have you ever noticed the number inside the recycling symbol on plastic products? These numbers, known as resin identification codes, indicate what type of plastic the material is made from. They do not necessarily mean that the product is recyclable or recycled. Plastics are numbered from 1 to 7, with numbers 2, 4 and 5 considered the safest, and numbers 1, 3, 6 and 7 to be avoided. Number 1 plastic, also known as PET or PETE, is one of the most commonly used plastics, found in water bottles, food jars and containers, and clothes fibres. Number 2 plastic, or HDPE, is another commonly used plastic that is highly recyclable and reusable. Number 3 plastic, PVC, is considered dangerous and difficult to recycle. Polystyrene, or PS, is another commonly used plastic that is recyclable but not widely due to its inefficiency. Understanding these plastic codes helps consumers make better choices by identifying safer types of plastic for health and the environment.
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What You'll Learn
The number indicates the type of plastic, not recyclability
The number inside the recycling symbol on plastic products is a resin identification code that indicates the type of plastic the material is made of. It does not indicate whether the product is recyclable or recycled. The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) established the ASTM International Resin Identification Coding System (RIC) in 1988 to help consumers and recyclers properly dispose of and recycle the many different kinds of plastics based on their chemical makeup.
For example, plastic #1 refers to Polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PETE or PET. It is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products and is found in water and beverage bottles, food jars and containers, and clothing fibre. While PET plastic is recyclable, only about 25% of PET bottles are recycled in the US. It is not meant to be reused, and proper cleaning requires harmful chemicals. Similarly, plastic #2, also known as HDPE, is one of the safest sorts of plastic and is also the most easily recyclable. It has a high strength-to-density ratio, resulting in superb wear resistance. HDPE products can withstand heating and freezing and can be reused without any harm.
Plastics #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not universally collected in local recycling programs. Plastic #3, also known as PVC, is one of the least recyclable plastics. It is commonly used to make plumbing pipes, pool toys, and vinyl records. Plastic #7 was designed as a catch-all for polycarbonate (PC) and "other" plastics, and there are no standardized reuse and recycling protocols within this category.
It is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable or reusable, and understanding the seven plastic codes can help consumers make better choices by choosing safer types of plastic for their health and the environment.
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Plastic #1 is PETE or PET
The recycling symbol for plastic #1 is a triangle with the number "1" inside, often found on the bottom of plastic containers. This symbol helps consumers identify the type of plastic used in the product and serves as a reminder to recycle. Recycling PET or PETE 1 plastic is a straightforward process that begins with collecting and sorting the plastic by type. The plastic is then cleaned and crushed into small pieces or "flakes," which are melted and formed into pellets to create new products.
PET is a type of polyester, while PETE is a type of polyethylene. PET is more rigid and has a higher melting point than PETE, making it a better choice for products that require durability, such as water bottles. PETE, on the other hand, is more flexible and commonly used in packaging for food and other consumer goods.
While PET and PETE plastics are recyclable, it is important to note that not all recycling centers accept all types of plastics. It is always a good idea to check with your local municipality to confirm which plastic materials can be recycled in your community.
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Plastic #2 is HDPE
Plastic #2, also known as HDPE (high-density polyethylene), is one of the safest and most commonly recycled plastics. It 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. This type of plastic is hard-wearing and resistant to sunlight and extreme temperatures. Its durability and reliability make it ideal for manufacturing various items, such as sturdy bottles for cosmetics, household cleaners, and detergents. It is also used for electrical insulation and automotive parts due to its lightweight and easily mouldable properties.
HDPE is widely accepted by recycling centres and can be recycled up to 10 times. Clear containers made from HDPE are recycled back into new containers, while coloured HDPE is turned into other products like pipes, lumber, toys, lawn furniture, pens, and floor tiles. However, it is important to distinguish between rigid and soft HDPE when recycling. Curbside recycling services typically accept rigid HDPE, such as bottles and containers, but not plastic bags or soft plastics. To identify rigid HDPE, perform the scrunch test: if the item bounces back into shape, it is rigid.
HDPE is identified by the plastic number #2 symbol, which can usually be found on the bottom of the item. This symbol consists of a triangle of chasing arrows with the number 2 inside, indicating the type of plastic the material is made from. While the recycling symbol provides information about the potential for recyclability, it does not guarantee that the item can be recycled by your local program. Always check with your local municipality to confirm which plastic materials can be recycled in your community.
Overall, HDPE is a versatile and durable plastic that is widely used in various applications, from household products to industrial parts. Its ease of recycling makes it a more environmentally friendly option compared to other plastics. By understanding the plastic numbering system and proper recycling methods, we can become better recyclers and reduce our environmental impact.
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Plastic #3 is PVC
Plastic #3, also known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), is one of the least recyclable plastics. It is also considered very dangerous due to the toxic chemicals produced during its manufacturing and disposal, such as lead, DEHA, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals can have adverse health effects, including birth defects, hormone disorders, and cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using plastic #3, especially for cooking or storing food, and to keep it away from heat.
PVC is a synthetic material that has been in industrial production for a long time. It was discovered in 1872 but gained popularity in the late 1920s. Some common products made from PVC include credit cards, pipes, shower curtains, and window and door frames. It is also used in various industries, including building and construction, medical, transportation, and electrical.
Recycling PVC can be challenging due to the presence of different additives. While some countries have takeback schemes for vinyl flooring or windows, it is generally not accepted for recycling and often ends up in landfills. However, rigid PVC bottles or containers might be recyclable through curbside recycling programs.
It is important to note that the recycling symbol on plastic products does not guarantee recyclability. The number inside the triangle of chasing arrows indicates the type of plastic and provides information about its recycling potential. Plastic #3, with its health risks and recycling difficulties, is best avoided or minimized in favor of safer and more recyclable alternatives.
Overall, while plastic #3 (PVC) has various industrial applications, its toxicity and negative environmental impact make it a less desirable choice for consumers. It is essential to opt for safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives whenever possible.
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Plastic #7 is a catch-all category
Number 7 plastics are used to make everyday items like baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, water cooler bottles, car parts, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, and exterior lighting fixtures. Some common plastics that fall within this category include nylon, polycarbonate, melamine, and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
The #7 category was designed as a catch-all for polycarbonate and "other" plastics, so reuse and recycling protocols are not standardized within this category. Number 7 plastics are generally tougher to recycle and are not universally collected in local recycling programs. They often cannot be recycled in curbside recycling bins, and their recyclability depends on the type of plastic.
It is important to note that all plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged, so it is best to move to other materials like metal and glass where possible.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers inside the triangle on plastic items are resin identification codes that indicate what type of plastic the material is made of.
Plastic recycling numbers 2, 4, and 5 are considered the safest. Number 2 plastic, also known as HDPE, is one of the safest and most easily recyclable types of plastic.
The number 1 on plastic indicates that it is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), which is one of the most commonly used plastics in water bottles and food containers. While it is recyclable, it is not meant to be reused.
Number 7 plastic is a catch-all category for "other" plastics, including polycarbonate (PC) and polycarbonate (PC). It is used in products like baby bottles, sippy cups, and car parts. However, there are concerns about the potential for chemical leaching from these plastics.
No, the presence of a recycling symbol on plastic does not necessarily mean that the item is recyclable. The symbol and number indicate the type of plastic and its recyclability potential, but specific guidelines vary by location. Always check with your local recycling program to confirm which plastic types they accept.
