Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, and while we know it when we see it, most of us can't explain the difference between types. Plastic products are often stamped with a number from one to seven inside a small triangle made of arrows, known as a resin code or resin identification code. This number corresponds to a different type of plastic, indicating what kind of plastic it is rather than whether it can be recycled. Number 5 plastic, or polypropylene, is hard and heat-resistant, and is often used in products like prescription medicine bottles, yoghurt cups, and hummus tubs.
Number 5 PP Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Recyclable, but only 1% of PP plastic is currently being recycled globally |
| Uses | Food packaging, household products, building materials, gardening supplies, clothing, new product packaging |
| Collection | Collected by PACKIT from designated collection points |
| Cleaning | Containers must be washed before recycling |
| Contamination | Dirty or contaminated items are likely to be sent to landfill |
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What You'll Learn
Number 5 plastics are hard to recycle
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, largely due to consumers' confusion about which types can be disposed of and in which ways. Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a triangle made of arrows. The number inside the triangle is what matters because it indicates the type of plastic.
Number 5 plastics, or polypropylene, are particularly hard and heat-resistant. They are often used in prescription medicine bottles, yoghurt cups, hummus tubs, single-use cutlery, and some packaging for personal care products like deodorant, lotion, or shampoo. Before 2018, number 5 plastics were widely accepted in both curbside and drop-off recycling centres. However, after China's National Sword policy was introduced in 2018, which stopped accepting contaminated plastic waste for recycling, number 5 plastics became more challenging to recycle.
While some recycling programs have reintroduced number 5 rigid plastic recycling, films and bags remain problematic. There are a few mail-in options for recycling polypropylene, but these can be expensive. Organisations like the international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organisation, Mathew 25: Ministries, accept clean, empty pill bottles, including prescription medicine bottles and small pill bottles.
To recycle number 5 plastics, it is important to ensure that food and liquid contaminants are removed as these can contaminate entire batches of recycling. Plastic #5 containers can be recycled with their caps on, as recycling equipment and processes have advanced, making it easier to recycle the whole bottle. It is also recommended to keep plastics containing food or drink out of hot places, as higher temperatures can cause the plastic to break down, melt, and release chemicals.
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Number 5 plastics can be recycled into new products
Number 5 plastics, also known as polypropylene or PP, can be recycled into new products. PP is a versatile plastic with a high melting point, good chemical and moisture resistance, and heat resistance, making it suitable for various applications. It is commonly used for food packaging, such as yogurt containers, sauce tubs, and medicine bottles, but it can also be used for non-food items like bottle caps, disposable cups, and rope.
Despite its recyclability, Number 5 plastic recycling rates are low, with only about 1% of PP plastic being recycled globally. This is due to the challenges in recycling certain plastics and the lack of widespread acceptance of this plastic type in some recycling programs. However, initiatives like PACKIT in New Zealand are working to increase the recycling and remanufacturing of Number 5 plastics.
When recycled, Number 5 plastics can be ground up, melted, and remanufactured into raw material pellets, which are then sold to manufacturers to create new products. These recycled pellets can be processed into various items, such as building materials, gardening supplies, clothing, and packaging. For example, recycled Number 5 plastics can be used to make brightly coloured mixing bowls, food storage containers, toothbrushes, and razor systems.
To recycle Number 5 plastics, it is important to check with local recycling programs to ensure they accept this material. Many curbside recycling programs accept rigid Number 5 plastic products, such as bottles or tubs, but may not take flexible PP like bags or soft packaging. Some communities also offer drop-off locations for soft plastics, such as at supermarkets or other stores. By recycling Number 5 plastics, individuals can help reduce the amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills and support the creation of new products from recycled materials.
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Number 5 plastics are widely used for food packaging
Plastic is ubiquitous, and while many know that it is recyclable, they may not be aware of the different types of plastic and their recyclability. Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number corresponds to a different type of plastic, and not every type can be recycled. Number 5 plastics, also known as polypropylene or PP, are a type of plastic that is particularly hard and heat-resistant. They are widely used for food packaging, such as yogurt cups and tubs, margarine tubs, hummus tubs, and syrup bottles. They are also used for single-use cutlery, prescription medicine bottles, and packaging for personal care products like deodorant, lotion, or shampoo.
Number 5 plastics are challenging to recycle and are considered hard-to-recycle plastics. Before China's National Sword policy in 2018, these plastics were widely accepted at curbside and drop-off recycling centers. However, after the policy was introduced, China stopped accepting contaminated plastic waste for recycling, and number 5 plastics became more difficult to recycle.
Despite the challenges, there are still some options for recycling number 5 plastics. Some curbside and drop-off programs have reintroduced rigid plastic recycling for number 5 plastics, but films and bags remain a problem. It's important to check with local solid waste districts to find out the specific options available in your region. Additionally, some organizations, such as the international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization Mathew 25: Ministries, accept clean, empty pill bottles, including small pill bottles that may not be recyclable through curbside recycling.
When recycling number 5 plastic containers that previously held food, it is essential to empty and scrape them as much as possible. Containers with food and liquid residues can contaminate entire batches of recycling and are often sent to landfills. It is recommended to keep plastics containing food or drink out of hot places, like microwaves, dishwashers, or cars, as higher temperatures can cause the plastic to break down, melt, and release chemicals.
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Recycling symbols don't always indicate acceptance
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, and consumers often don't know what types can be disposed of and in which ways. 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. The presence of a resin code doesn't necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. The number inside the triangle is what's important, as each number corresponds to a different type of plastic.
The recycling symbol on the bottom of a plastic product does not necessarily indicate that the item can be recycled. That number surrounded by chasing arrows is a resin identification code and tells users what kind of plastic they're holding. The chasing arrows symbol does not mean the plastic will be accepted and recycled in your community. The number 5 with the recycling symbol indicates polypropylene, often just shortened to PP. This plastic type is particularly hard and heat resistant. It's often used in prescription medicine bottles, yogurt cups, hummus tubs, single-use cutlery, and some packaging for personal care products.
Number 5 plastics were widely accepted in both curbside and drop-off recycling centers before China’s National Sword policy was introduced in 2018. That is when China stopped accepting contaminated plastic waste for recycling. Curbside and drop-off programs are reintroducing #5 rigid plastic recycling, but films and bags remain a problem.
Recycling symbols appear on lots of everyday items and help us to identify how different types of packaging can be recycled. They will tell you whether the packaging is likely to be collected for recycling or if you can take it to your local recycling center. As local authorities do not all collect the same materials, the labels are based on what the majority collect, or do not collect. If in doubt, enter your postcode into a recycling locator tool to find out what you can put in your home recycling bin and how to recycle specific items. Remember: not all packaging will have a recycling label, but this doesn't mean you can't recycle it.
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Consumers often don't know which plastics can be recycled
The recyclability of plastic types depends on how they are made. Thermoset plastics, for example, contain polymers that form irreversible chemical bonds and cannot be recycled, whereas thermoplastics can be re-melted and re-molded. Examples of non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated paper, and polycarbonate. Other commonly known non-recyclable plastics include cling film and blister packaging.
The market and city government also play a role in determining what can be recycled. If there is demand in the market, recyclers and companies will pay for post-consumer recyclables. However, recycling facilities are costly to build and operate, and small quantities of plastics can make the process non-economical. Additionally, certain plastics are not widely recyclable, and incineration is not an option due to the release of harmful gases.
Despite these challenges, recycling is still a valuable practice. The majority of recycled plastic comes from post-consumer sources, such as milk jugs, bottles, and packaging films. Recycled plastic can be transformed into various products, such as shampoo bottles, cosmetic caps, and packaging films. It can also be recycled into fashion items like polar fleece clothing, backpacks, and carpets.
To help increase the recyclability of plastics, consumers can make better choices by reusing and recycling everyday plastic items and reducing waste sent to landfills. They can also look for specific plastic resin codes and ensure that their plastics are washed and free of contamination before recycling.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic #5, also known as polypropylene or PP, is a type of plastic resin. It is particularly hard and heat-resistant.
Plastic #5 can be recycled and is used to make items such as battery cables, brooms, and bicycle racks. However, it is considered hard-to-recycle. Before 2018, it was widely accepted in recycling centres, but this changed with the introduction of China's National Sword policy.
Plastic #5 is often used in prescription medicine bottles, yoghurt cups, hummus tubs, single-use cutlery, and packaging for personal care products.
