Alexei Volkov
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number indicates the type of plastic the product is made of. Plastic number 7 is a catch-all category for all types of plastics other than numbers 1 through 6. This includes everyday items like baby bottles, plastic CDs, and car parts. While some number 7 plastics are technically recyclable, they often cannot be recycled through your local municipality or curbside recycling program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Number | 7 |
| Plastic Type | Other plastics |
| Identification | Chasing arrows with a seven inside |
| Recyclability | Includes recyclable, non-recyclable, and biodegradable plastics |
| Curbside Recycling | Not accepted in some areas |
| Examples | Baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, exterior lighting fixtures, Lego blocks, computer keyboards, takeaway containers, eyewear, CDs, plastic housing for electrical objects, plastic used for 3D printing |
| Other Considerations | Recycling laws and guidelines vary by location |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic #7 includes recyclable, non-recyclable, and biodegradable plastics
- Plastic #7 is a catch-all category for plastics that don't fit into types 1-6
- Plastic #7 products are often made from multiple types of plastics
- Plastic #7 products cannot be recycled in standard curbside recycling bins
- Plastic #7 products may be recycled by specialist recyclers
Plastic #7 includes recyclable, non-recyclable, and biodegradable plastics
Plastic #7 is a category of plastics that includes recyclable, non-recyclable, and biodegradable plastics. It is a catch-all category for plastics that do not fit into any of the first six categories. This includes plastics made from multiple types of resin or other hard-to-recycle plastics. Some common items made from plastic #7 include baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, and exterior lighting fixtures. Other common plastics in this group include nylon, polycarbonate, and melamine.
The recyclability of plastic #7 varies depending on the specific type of plastic and your local municipality's guidelines. While some plastic #7 items can be recycled, they may not be accepted in your curbside recycling bin. It is important to check with your local recycler to determine which types of plastic they accept.
The resin code or plastic by numbers is a helpful way to learn about the different types of plastics and their recyclability. The presence of a resin code, indicated by a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows, does not necessarily mean that the plastic can be recycled. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic, with plastic #7 representing a diverse range of plastics due to innovations and developments over time.
While recycling is an important part of reducing plastic waste, it is not always economically viable for all types of plastics. As a result, some plastics may end up in landfills even if they are technically recyclable. Additionally, certain plastics may require specialized handling for recycling, such as Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap.
To improve recyclability, it is recommended to focus on reusing or repairing items made from plastic #7 instead of immediately disposing of them. This can be done through repair cafes or by purchasing second-hand items when possible. By extending the lifespan of these plastic items, we can reduce the demand for new plastic products and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Plastic #7 is a catch-all category for plastics that don't fit into types 1-6
The Society of the Plastics Industry introduced the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system in 1988, categorising plastic resins into seven groups to facilitate post-consumer plastic recycling. Plastic #7, the final category, encompasses a diverse range of plastics that don't fall into the first six groups. This includes polycarbonate, which has raised health concerns due to its BPA content.
Products stamped with a 7 often contain multiple plastic types or other challenging-to-recycle plastics. While plastic #7 itself may not be easy to recycle, the complexity of recycling processes means that even some plastics in categories considered safer, like #2, #4, and #5, require specialised handling for proper disposal.
The presence of a resin code on a plastic product does not guarantee its recyclability. Each number within the triangle symbol corresponds to a distinct type of plastic, and their recyclability varies. For instance, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Polypropylene (PP) are considered safer options, with PET and HDPE being the two types most commonly accepted by recycling programs. However, even these "safer" plastics can leach hazardous materials under extreme conditions, such as extreme heat.
Overall, Plastic #7 represents a diverse group of plastics that don't fit into the first six categories. While some #7 plastics may be recyclable, the varying types and combinations of plastics within this category present challenges for recycling infrastructure and the environment.
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Plastic #7 products are often made from multiple types of plastics
The Society of the Plastics Industry introduced the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system in 1988, which divided plastic resins into seven different categories. The purpose was to "provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling of post-consumer plastics."
Despite the intention of the RIC system, not all plastics are easily recyclable. Plastic #7 products, in particular, are not typically recyclable. This is due to the fact that they are made from multiple types of plastics that can't easily be separated and recycled.
It's important to note that just because a plastic type can be recycled doesn't mean it should be placed in a local recycling bin for collection. The recyclability of a product depends on the facilities and guidelines of the local municipality. For example, in Massachusetts, the statewide waste ban prohibits the disposal of any single-resin narrow-necked bottles (such as soda bottles) in trash bins, making recycling these containers mandatory.
Overall, while the RIC system has helped standardize plastic classification, the complexity of plastic recycling remains a challenge, especially for plastics that fall into the #7 category.
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Plastic #7 products cannot be recycled in standard curbside recycling bins
Plastic #7 is a category of plastics that do not fit into any of the first six categories of plastics. This catch-all category includes a diverse range of plastics, from recyclable to non-recyclable, biodegradable, and multi-layer or mixed resin types. Some common items made from plastic #7 include baby bottles, plastic CDs, car parts, and nylon products.
While some plastic #7 products can be recycled, they cannot be placed in standard curbside recycling bins. This is because these plastics require specialized handling due to their complex nature. For example, hard-to-recycle plastics like Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap need to be processed by specialized recyclers.
The recyclability of plastic #7 products depends on the specific type of plastic and the capabilities of local recycling facilities. Some plastic #7 products may be recyclable through specialized programs or facilities, but it is essential to check with local recyclers to understand their specific guidelines and capabilities.
It is important to note that the presence of a resin code, often indicated by chasing arrows, does not guarantee that a product can be recycled. The number within the resin code triangle indicates the type of plastic, and each type has its own recyclability considerations.
To improve recycling practices, it is recommended to focus on reducing, reusing, and repairing items made from plastic #7. This can include buying second-hand products or opting for repair services when possible, as recycling plastic #7 products can be challenging and may require specialized facilities.
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Plastic #7 products may be recycled by specialist recyclers
Plastic #7, also known as 'other plastics', is a category that includes various types of plastics that do not fit into the first six categories. This catch-all group contains recyclable, non-recyclable, and biodegradable plastics, as well as multi-layer and mixed resin varieties. It is important to note that the presence of a resin code does not guarantee recyclability; it simply indicates the type of plastic.
Products stamped with a 7 often contain multiple types of plastics or plastics that are challenging to recycle. Examples of everyday items made from plastic #7 include baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, and exterior lighting fixtures. Some common plastics in this group are nylon, polycarbonate, and melamine.
While plastic #7 products cannot be recycled in your curbside recycling bin, they may be accepted by specialist recyclers. These recyclers have the necessary expertise and infrastructure to handle hard-to-recycle plastics. For example, Miller Recycling in Massachusetts specialises in recycling hard-to-recycle plastics, including Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap.
It is always a good idea to check with your local recycler to understand their specific capabilities and guidelines. Some recyclers may offer competitive prices for large quantities of hard-to-recycle plastics, making it economically viable to recycle these materials. Additionally, you can explore options like repair cafes to extend the lifespan of plastic items, reducing the need for recycling.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic number 7 is used for any plastic that does not fit into categories 1 through 6. It includes a variety of plastics, such as nylon, polycarbonate, and melamine.
Plastic number 7 is used for a wide range of products, including baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, and 3D printing materials.
Plastic number 7 can be recycled, but it depends on your location. These plastics cannot be recycled in your curbside recycling bin. You may need to find a specialist recycler to recycle them for you.
The other plastic recycling codes are: 1 - PET, 2 - HDPE, 3 - PVC, 4 - LDPE, 5 - PP, 6 - PS.
The resin code is the number inside the recycling symbol (chasing arrows). It indicates the type of plastic the product is made of.
