Alexei Volkov
Most plastic materials have a number imprinted inside a recycling symbol. Contrary to popular belief, this does not always indicate that the product is recyclable. Instead, these numbers represent a resin identification code (RIC) that specifies the type of plastic the material is made from. For example, plastics with the RIC #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled, whereas plastics #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are harder to recycle and are not always collected by local recycling programs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of numbers | Indicates the type of plastic the material is made from |
| Recyclability | The numbers do not indicate whether a product is recyclable or recycled |
| Most commonly recycled plastics | #1 (PETE) and #2 (HDPE) |
| Other plastics | #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are tougher to recycle and may not be accepted by local recycling programs |
| Plastic with high recycling market value | Clear PET |
| Plastic with high market value | HDPE |
| Plastic with low recycling rate | PP (found in caps, some yogurt containers, medicine bottles, and straws) |
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What You'll Learn
The numbers indicate the type of plastic
The numbers imprinted on plastic items are not an indication of recyclability. Instead, they are resin identification codes (RICs) that tell you what type of plastic the material is made of.
PETE or PET (#1)
PETE, or PET, is one of the most widely recycled plastics in the world. It is used in a lot of food containers, and its recycling process is simple. Clear PET, in particular, has one of the highest recycling market values, as it can be turned into products of similar quality and form. It can commonly be recycled onshore.
HDPE (#2)
HDPE is another widely recycled plastic worldwide and is one of the few plastics with a high likelihood of an onshore recycling centre. It is a durable, hard plastic that can withstand most solvents. Because of this, it is most commonly used for cleaning or personal care products. Since it is not usually used for food products (except milk bottles), it has a high market value and can be recycled more times than many other types of plastics.
PVC
PVC is used frequently for vinyl and pipes and is not as stiff as PET and HDPE. It is the primary base plastic in a variety of piping, paneling, decking, fencing, bottles, credit cards, and IV fluid bags and tubing. PVC products have an average lifetime of 30 years, with some reaching 50 or more years. There is a high chlorine content in raw PVC (around 56% of its weight), as well as high levels of hazardous additives. As a result, PVC requires separation from other plastics for recycling.
PP
PP is commonly found in caps, some yogurt containers, medicine bottles, and straws. It is one of the least recycled post-consumer plastics, at a rate of less than 1%. The recycling process involves collection, sorting, cleaning, reprocessing by melting, and producing new products.
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Numbers 1 and 2 plastics are easily recycled
The numbers on plastic items are resin identification codes (RICs) that indicate the type of plastic the material is made of. They are usually found inside a small triangle of arrows, known as the recycling symbol. However, the presence of this symbol does not necessarily indicate that the product is recyclable or has been recycled. It is the number within the triangle that is important, as each number corresponds to a different type of plastic.
Numbers 1 and 2 plastics are the most common types of plastic containers and the most easily recyclable. They are also the most likely to have a California Redemption Value (CRV) associated with them. Type 1 plastic, or PET/PETE, is used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks, as well as cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and food containers. It can absorb bacteria and toxic chemicals from other plastics, so it is meant for single use only. Type 2 plastic, or HDPE, is used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and other containers that have held liquids. It is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is accepted by most recycling companies worldwide.
While Numbers 1 and 2 plastics are widely recycled, it is important to check with local requirements before placing them in your recycling bin. Some collectors require lids to be left on, while others need them removed. Additionally, plastic bags should not be placed in recycling bins as they can get tangled in recycling equipment.
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Numbers 3-7 plastics are tougher to recycle
The numbers on plastic items are resin identification codes, which indicate the type of plastic the material is made of. These codes were introduced by the Society of Plastics Industry, now known as the Plastics Industry Association. The most commonly recycled plastics are those numbered 1 (PETE) and 2 (HDPE).
However, plastics numbered 3-7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not as widely accepted by local recycling programs. This is because these plastics are often made of multiple plastic types or out of other types of plastic that are difficult to recycle. For example, polystyrene or Styrofoam products, numbered 7, are not generally recyclable and account for about 35% of US landfill material. Because it breaks apart so easily, it is often ingested by marine animals and found littering beaches. Polystyrene has also been linked to human health issues, especially when heated and eaten, as it may leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen.
Another reason why some plastics are harder to recycle is that they require separation from other types of plastics. For instance, PVC has a high chlorine content and high levels of hazardous additives, so it needs to be separated from other plastics for recycling. Similarly, to recycle plastic film, HDPE film must be separated from LDPE film, and clear films must be separated from coloured or printed films.
The ease of recycling also depends on the colour of the plastic. Clear or natural plastic is the most valuable and easiest to recycle, whereas coloured plastic is almost impossible to recycle. As a result, products made from recycled materials are often dark or black.
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Clear plastic is the easiest to recycle
The numbers imprinted on plastic products are resin identification codes, indicating the type of plastic the material is made from. Plastics with codes #1 (PETE) and #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics. HDPE is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is accepted at most recycling centres worldwide. It is a durable plastic that can withstand most solvents and is used for cleaning or personal care products, such as shampoo bottles.
However, it is important to note that recycling is not just dictated by the type of plastic. Market demand, price determinations, and local regulations also play a role in the success of recycling. Additionally, the shape and condition of the plastic item also determine its recyclability. For example, plastic bags can clog recycling machinery, and multi-layered items, like coffee cups, are difficult to recycle due to their thin, tightly stacked layers.
To be recycled, plastic must be separated according to its resin type and colour. Clear films should be separated from coloured or printed film, as mixing different types of plastic can affect the value of the recycled product. Furthermore, food contamination can render plastic unrecyclable, so it is important to rinse and wash plastics before recycling them.
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HDPE is widely recycled and durable
The numbers imprinted on plastic items are resin identification codes, indicating the type of plastic the material is made from. Plastics with the numbers 1 (PETE) and 2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled types.
HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is widely recycled and is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. It is accepted at most recycling centres worldwide, including in the UK and Australia. HDPE is a tough, durable, hard-wearing plastic with high tensile strength, making it resistant to tearing and bursting, and corrosion. It can also withstand exposure to temperatures of up to 120°C without being affected.
Due to its durability, HDPE is commonly used in the manufacture of bottles, particularly for milk, fruit juice, and cleaning products. It is also used for pipes, cans, crates, wheelie bins, and other plastic objects that may be used outdoors. HDPE is valued for its utility in injection moulding and its lightweight properties, making products cheaper and easier to transport.
HDPE can be recycled into new pipes, crates, film, plastic lumber, and recycling bins. A 2018 study found that non-contaminated HDPE can be recycled up to 10 times. However, it is important to separate HDPE from other plastics before recycling, as contamination can reduce the quality of the recycled product.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers on plastic indicate what type of plastic the material is made from.
Yes, plastics #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not universally collected in local recycling programs. Plastics with #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics.
The recycling symbol does not necessarily indicate that a product is recyclable or recycled. However, it includes a resin identification code (RIC), which helps identify the type of plastic.
