Ethan Clarke
Plastic is everywhere, and recycling it is one of the most complex processes. Plastic number 7 is a complex group that includes all plastic types except for numbers 1 to 6. It is a catch-all category for plastics that do not fit into any other category. This category includes recyclable, non-recyclable, and biodegradable plastics, as well as multi-layer and mixed resin types. Number 7 plastics are used in a wide range of products, from baby bottles and plastic CDs to car parts and exterior lighting fixtures. While some number 7 plastics can be recycled, they cannot be recycled in your curbside recycling bin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Number | 7 |
| Identification | Chasing arrows with a seven inside |
| Recyclability | Includes recyclable, non-recyclable, and biodegradable plastics |
| Curbside Recycling | Not accepted in curbside recycling bins |
| Types | Multi-layer or mixed resin plastics |
| Examples | Baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, exterior lighting fixtures, nylon, polycarbonate, melamine, Lego blocks, computer keyboards, takeaway containers, eyewear, CDs, plastic housing for electrical objects, plastic used for 3D printing |
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What You'll Learn
- Recycling plastic is complex, and consumers don't know what types can be recycled
- Resin codes on plastic products are numbers 1-7 inside a triangle
- Type 1 and 2 plastics are accepted in standard recycling bins
- Type 7 plastics are compostable and require processing at a modern facility
- Recycling laws vary by location, so check local guidelines
Recycling plastic is complex, and consumers don't know what types can be recycled
Plastic recycling is one of the most complex processes, and consumers often don't know what types of plastic can be recycled and in which ways. 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 code indicates the type of plastic the product is made of, with each number corresponding to a different type. While the presence of a resin code does not necessarily mean the product can be recycled, the number inside the triangle is important as it specifies the type of plastic.
Types 1 and 2 plastics, for example, PET or PETE (used for soda bottles, water bottles, and other drink containers) and HDPE (used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent bottles), respectively, can be tossed into standard recycling bins. However, other types of plastic may not be permitted in your bin, depending on your local guidelines. For instance, hard-to-recycle plastics like Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap require specialized handling.
Plastic Number 7, also known as "All Other Plastics", is a complex group that includes all plastic types except for numbers 1 to 6. This category covers a wide range of plastics with various characteristics, including recyclable, non-recyclable, mixed plastics, and biodegradable plastics. Some common items made from Plastic Number 7 are baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, and exterior lighting fixtures. While some of these items are made from recyclable plastic, they may not be accepted by your local curbside recycling program.
The recyclability of plastic products varies depending on the region and the capabilities of local recycling facilities. For example, some places may accept greasy pizza boxes for recycling, while others may not. Therefore, it is essential to check with your local recycler to understand the specific guidelines and restrictions in your area. Additionally, it is worth considering repairing or reusing plastic items instead of immediately disposing of them, as this can help reduce waste and extend the lifespan of these items.
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Resin codes on plastic products are numbers 1-7 inside a triangle
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 code helps identify the type of plastic the product is made of, as different types of plastics have different recycling processes and requirements. While the presence of a resin code doesn't necessarily mean that the product can be recycled, the number inside the triangle is important as each number corresponds to a specific type of plastic.
Plastics are divided into seven groups, with numbers 1 through 6 representing specific types of plastics, and number 7 serving as a catch-all category for all other types of plastics that don't fit into the first six groups. This includes a wide range of plastics with varying characteristics, such as recyclable, non-recyclable, mixed plastics, and biodegradable plastics.
Number 7 plastics include common items such as baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, and exterior lighting fixtures. They also include materials like nylon, polycarbonate, melamine, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Due to the diverse nature of this category, it can be challenging to provide a definitive answer regarding recyclability.
While some number 7 plastics are technically recyclable, they often cannot be recycled through your regular curbside recycling program. This means that even if these items are made from recyclable plastic, you may not have access to the appropriate recycling facilities. As a result, it is recommended to focus on reusing or repairing these items whenever possible, rather than simply discarding them. Additionally, when it comes to recycling, it's important to check with your local recycler, as guidelines and capabilities can vary from one location to another.
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Type 1 and 2 plastics are accepted in standard recycling bins
Plastic is one of the most complex 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 number inside the triangle indicates the type of plastic and whether it can be recycled.
Type 1 and Type 2 plastics are accepted in standard recycling bins. Type 1 plastic, also known as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), is commonly used for soda, water, and other drink bottles, as well as cooking oil containers and food jars. Only about 25% of Type 1 plastics are recycled in the US, with the rest ending up in the environment, causing harm to wildlife, marine life, and the atmosphere. Type 2 plastics are more commonly found in household items such as detergent bottles, milk jugs, and outdoor items like planters, benches, and trash bins. They are more durable and sturdy, making them suitable for larger items.
It is important to note that recycling guidelines may vary depending on your municipality. While Types 1 and 2 plastics are generally accepted in standard recycling bins, other types may not be permitted. Hard-to-recycle plastics, such as Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, require specialized handling and should not be disposed of in standard bins.
To ensure effective recycling, it is crucial that all materials are clean and free from non-recyclable contaminants. Additionally, when recycling plastic bottles, you don't need to remove the caps if you are using a curbside recycling bin. However, if you are taking them to a CRV redemption center, you will need to remove the caps and ensure no liquids remain inside.
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Type 7 plastics are compostable and require processing at a modern facility
Plastic number 7 is a category of plastics that do not fit into any of the numbers 1 through 6. It is a diverse and extensive group, encompassing various plastic resins and blends. This category includes everyday items like baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, and outdoor lighting fixtures. Some common plastics in this group are nylon, polycarbonate, and melamine.
While some type 7 plastics are biodegradable, others are not. This variety of plastic types within the category highlights the complexity of plastic recycling. Type 7 plastics cannot be recycled in your curbside recycling bin. They require specialised facilities and processes for proper disposal.
The recyclability of type 7 plastics depends on the specific type of plastic resin and the availability of specialised recycling facilities. Some type 7 plastics are recyclable, but they must be processed at modern facilities equipped to handle these specific materials. These facilities may employ advanced technologies and processes to break down and recycle these plastics.
It is essential to separate and properly manage type 7 plastics to reduce environmental impact. While recycling is preferable, reusing or repairing items made from these plastics can also help extend their lifespan and reduce waste. For example, repair cafes offer services to fix items, and second-hand options are available for purchasing items made from type 7 plastics.
Overall, type 7 plastics pose unique challenges due to their diverse nature. Proper disposal requires understanding the specific type of plastic and accessing the appropriate recycling facilities. By composting these plastics at modern facilities, we can ensure responsible waste management and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Recycling laws vary by location, so check local guidelines
Recycling laws vary by location, so it is important to check your local guidelines. For instance, in Massachusetts, the statewide waste ban prohibits the disposal of any single-resin narrow-necked bottles (like soda bottles) in trash bins—recycling these is not just recommended, but mandatory. Types 1 and 2 plastics may be tossed into standard recycling bins, but other types may not be permitted depending on your municipality's guidelines. Hard-to-recycle plastics, such as Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, require specialized handling.
In New York State, what is and is not accepted for recycling differs depending on where you live. If you have a private recycling hauler, you should contact them directly for a list of accepted items. Similarly, in Canada, acceptance can vary between provinces and territories, and local communities. It is recommended to check your community's website or distributed information.
In general, it is always a good idea to check local programs to confirm what's recyclable in your area. Your community's recycling website is often the best place to find information on your specific program. There are also other resources to check whether or not a package is recyclable in your area. For instance, some resources in the US include scannable QR codes that can be used to look up whether an item is recyclable in your community.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic #7 is a compostable, plant-based resin that will degrade under certain conditions. It is also known as #7/PLA or #7/Other.
Only a few communities recycle any Code 7 plastics. Code 7 compostables require processing at a modern, high-rate composting facility, which is not available in many places.
One misplaced container can destroy an entire recycling batch if not removed. Code 7 plastic represents a contaminant in bins for plastics 1-6.
Determine which resins your community recycles. If Code 7 is not on the local "accepted" list, make sure it doesn't end up in a recycle or compostables bin.
