Alexei Volkov
Plastic is ubiquitous, but it's not always easy to know what types can be recycled and how to recycle them. Less than 10% of plastic waste generated worldwide has ever been recycled, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. One of the barriers to recycling plastic is a lack of awareness around the seven plastic recycling symbols and the types of plastic they represent. Each type of plastic requires distinct recycling instructions. For example, LDPE, a flexible plastic used for bags, has not historically been accepted through most American recycling programs, but more and more communities are starting to accept it. HDPE, on the other hand, is a common type of plastic used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent bottles, and it can be recycled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Type | HDPE |
| Resin Code | 2 |
| Recyclable | Yes |
| Common Uses | Milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, plant pots |
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What You'll Learn
HDPE plastic is recyclable
HDPE plastic, or High-Density Polyethylene, is a strong, heavy, tough, and hard-wearing plastic with high tensile strength that resists tearing or bursting. It is used to make a variety of products, including milk and shampoo bottles, detergent and bleach bottles, Tupperware, pipes, cans, crates, wheelie bins, and other plastic objects that may spend some time outside. It is also used in wood-effect decking due to its durability and resistance to corrosion.
HDPE plastic has a resin identification code (RIC) or resin code of 2, which can usually be found inside a small triangle made of arrows. This code helps identify the type of plastic and its recyclability. Types 1 and 2 plastics may be tossed into standard recycling bins, although it is always good to check your local municipality's guidelines for recycling.
Recycling HDPE plastic is beneficial as it saves resources, water, energy, and landfill space, as well as reducing pollution. However, it is important to note that not all plastic with the RIC of 2 is HDPE, as this code also represents LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), which is a flexible plastic used for bags and containers that may not always be accepted by recycling programs. Therefore, it is essential to properly identify the type of plastic before recycling.
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Recycling symbols and their meanings
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic, indicating whether the product can be recycled and providing specific recycling instructions. For example, products stamped with a 7 are often made of multiple plastic types or other types of plastic that are hard to recycle.
Recycling symbols are tied to a resin identification code, which identifies the type of plastic resin used to make the item. These symbols can be found on a variety of packaging and explain a range of information, from whether an item can be recycled to whether it is made of recycled material.
Some common symbols and their meanings include:
- The Green Dot: This symbol is used on packaging in some European countries and means that the producer has made a financial contribution towards the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe. It does not mean that the packaging is recyclable, will be recycled, or has been recycled.
- Mobius Loop with an aluminium can: This symbol indicates that the product is made of recyclable metal or steel, which are generally recyclable.
- The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo: This symbol means that the item has been made using wood from well-managed forests.
- Seedling symbol: This indicates that an object is capable of being recycled through your local authority, but not necessarily via your home plastics recycling collection.
- Chasing arrows symbol: This is the universal recycling symbol, which is easily recognised today. However, it was never copyrighted, so companies are free to use and edit it as they please, which has caused confusion for customers.
It is important to research and understand your town's legislation and rules for recycling to ensure your plastic is being recycled properly.
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LDPE plastic and its recyclability
LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. It is a flexible, tough, and relatively transparent plastic with a wide range of applications, including plastic bags, packaging, bottles, lids, wires, and cables. LDPE is marked with a plastic code of 4 and is accepted in most domestic recycling bins. However, its recyclability depends on the local authority and varies across different regions.
LDPE is technically recyclable, but it is not widely recycled. It is often used for single-use products, such as plastic bags, which can take hundreds or even up to a thousand years to biodegrade. The low recycling rate of LDPE contributes to the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills, posing a threat to the environment.
One of the challenges in recycling LDPE is the contamination of the material. LDPE products, such as plastic bags, tend to get tangled in recycling machinery, causing operational disruptions and damage to equipment. Additionally, flexible LDPE products are more difficult to recycle due to contamination from the items they package. As a result, rigid LDPE items are generally preferred for recycling over soft and flexible ones.
To recycle LDPE effectively, it is important to separate it from other plastic types, especially HDPE (high-density polyethylene). LDPE must be cleaned and dried to remove any food residue, labels, or stickers. Specialized LDPE recycling machines are then used to shred the plastic into small pieces, which are melted and moulded into pellets. These pellets can be used to create various new products, such as bubble wrap, film plastic, bin liners, compost bins, and floor tiles.
To promote the recyclability of LDPE, individuals should check with their local authorities to understand the specific guidelines and restrictions in their area. Some communities are starting to accept LDPE through recycling programs, and certain supermarkets or household waste recycling centres may have specific carrier bag recycling points. By properly disposing of LDPE and recycling it whenever possible, we can reduce its negative impact on the environment.
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Plastic resin codes
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE): This type of plastic is commonly used for bottles (such as soda, water, and cooking oil containers), peanut butter jars, and food containers. PET is one of the most widely recycled plastics and can be turned into products like polyester fabric, cushion fillings, and recycled PET (rPET) plastic bottles.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is a durable, hard plastic that is often used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and some food containers like milk bottles. It is another widely recycled plastic and can be recycled up to 10 times.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is a soft, flexible, and durable plastic that is used for a wide range of household products, including plastic tubing, toys, trays, and furniture. However, PVC products cannot be recycled.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE is a flexible plastic commonly found in plastic bags (such as grocery bags, bread bags, and newspaper bags), squeezable bottles, Ziploc bags, and food packaging. LDPE is not widely accepted in American recycling programs, but some communities are starting to accept it.
- Polypropylene (PP): PP products can sometimes be recycled. They are used for items like disposable cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers.
- Polystyrene (PS): Styrofoam products are made from PS plastic. PS products can sometimes be recycled, but they often require specialized handling due to their bulkiness and low density.
- Other Plastics: The number 7 indicates that the packaging is made of a type of plastic other than the previous six or is a mixture of different plastics. This category includes bioplastics, composite plastics (like crisp wrappers), plastic-coated wrapping paper, and polycarbonate. Plastics with this code are generally not recyclable in normal collections.
It is important to note that the presence of a resin code does not necessarily indicate that the product is recyclable. The recyclability of a plastic item depends on various factors, including the capabilities of local recycling facilities and municipal guidelines. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your local facilities and stay informed about your community's recycling rules.
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Plastic bags and recycling
Type 1 and 2 plastics are generally accepted in standard recycling bins. Type 1 plastics, or PET/PETE, are commonly used for soda, water, and other drink bottles, as well as cooking oil containers and food jars. Type 2 plastics, or HDPE, are used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and some plant pots. However, it's important to note that not all areas follow the same guidelines, and it's crucial to check your local regulations.
Other types of plastic, like LDPE (low-density polyethylene), have historically not been accepted by most American recycling programs, but an increasing number of communities are starting to accept them. LDPE is used for plastic bags, including grocery bags, Ziploc bags, and tote bags. While these bags can sometimes be returned to stores for recycling, it's recommended to clean and dry them before recycling.
It's important to understand your town's legislation and rules for recycling to ensure your plastic waste is properly recycled. Some areas, like Portland, base their plastics recycling on the size and shape of the item rather than the resin code. In Portland, plastic bags, plastic film, plastic lids, plastic takeout containers, and disposable plates, cups, and cutlery are not accepted in recycling bins.
To reduce plastic waste, it's best to avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. However, when plastic cannot be avoided, recycling is crucial to prevent it from ending up in landfills and harming marine life.
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Frequently asked questions
The number inside the triangle, also known as a resin code, corresponds to a different type of plastic. Number 2 plastic, or HDPE, is recyclable and is used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and some plastic bags.
The recyclability of plastic depends on the type of plastic and the local recycling guidelines. In Portland, for example, plastic bottles and jars with a neck of 6 ounces or larger are accepted, while thin, crinkly plastic pots are not.
Number 2 plastic can often be returned to stores for recycling. It is best to check with your local recycling facility or municipality for specific guidelines.
Types 1 and 4-7 plastics may be recyclable. Type 1, or PET, is used for water and soda bottles and can be recycled. Type 4 resin is often used for plastic bags, which should not be put into recycling bins as they can get tangled in recycling equipment. Type 5 is not usually accepted by public recycling centers. Types 6 and 7 are difficult to recycle, but some communities are starting to accept Type 6, or PS, and Type 7 with PLA coding can be composted.
