Alexei Volkov
The numbers inside triangles on plastic containers are known as resin ID codes or resin codes, and they indicate the type of plastic the item is made of and how it may be used in recycling. Numbers 1 and 2 are the most recyclable, whereas numbers 3, 6, and 7 are among the least recyclable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling symbol | Triangle of chasing pointers with a number from 1 to 7 inside it |
| Plastic Number 1 | Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET) |
| Plastic Number 2 | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Plastic Number 3 | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Plastic Number 4 | Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) |
| Plastic Number 5 | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Plastic Number 6 | Polystyrene (PS) |
| Plastic Number 7 | Miscellaneous (multiple plastic types or other types that can't be easily recycled) |
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What You'll Learn
The numbers indicate the type of plastic used
The numbers inside the triangle on plastic containers are resin identification codes, also known as resin codes, that indicate the type of plastic used for the product. These codes range from 1 to 7, with each number corresponding to a different type of plastic. For instance, a triangle with the number 1 inside it indicates that the plastic container is made of PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), which is often used for water and beverage bottles, food jars, and containers. Similarly, the number 2 signifies HDPE (high-density polyethylene), commonly found in butter/yogurt containers, milk jugs, and juice bottles.
The resin identification codes help recycling facilities sort through the various types of plastic and determine their recyclability. For example, types 1 and 2 plastics can generally be recycled and placed in standard recycling bins, whereas other types may not be accepted depending on local guidelines. However, it is important to note that the presence of a resin code does not guarantee that an item can be recycled.
Number 3 plastic, for instance, is known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and is considered dangerous and challenging to recycle. Products stamped with a 7 often contain multiple plastic types or other challenging-to-recycle plastics. These codes help consumers and recycling facilities understand the potential harm and recyclability of different plastics.
Additionally, these codes guide the recycling process by indicating how the containers may be used in recycling. For example, plastic number 1 can be recycled into new products such as carpets, fibres, paneling, and tote bags. Number 2 plastics can be efficiently recycled up to 10 times, with clear containers being recycled into new containers, and coloured containers finding new uses in pipes, lumber, toys, and more.
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The triangle is known as the chasing arrows symbol
The triangle with arrows chasing each other, also known as the "chasing arrows" symbol, is found on plastic containers and products. It is often mistaken for the recycling symbol, but it actually indicates the resin or plastic type and its recyclability. The numbers within the triangle, ranging from 1 to 7, specify the type of plastic used, with each number representing a different variety.
The chasing arrows symbol provides essential information about the recyclability of the product. For instance, plastics labelled with a 1 or 2 are widely recyclable, whereas those with other numbers may not be recyclable through standard methods and may require specialised facilities. This symbol was previously used by hand sorters to identify the type of plastic, but now, with automated sorting, it primarily serves to inform consumers about the plastic composition of the product.
The chasing arrows symbol is often misunderstood as the universal recycling symbol due to their visual similarity. This confusion has led to contaminated recycling streams, as people mistakenly believe that all plastics with this symbol can be recycled. However, the symbol itself does not indicate recyclability; it is the number within the triangle that holds significance, as it corresponds to the specific type of plastic.
The chasing arrows symbol, along with the number, is known as the resin identification code or resin ID code. This code helps recycling facilities sort through different types of plastics and determine their potential for recycling. Each number within the triangle corresponds to a specific type of plastic with distinct properties and recyclability. For example, plastic #1, or PET/PETE, is a commonly used thermoplastic polymer resin that can be recycled, while plastic #3, or PVC, is dangerous and difficult to recycle.
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Plastic #1 is commonly used for food and drinks packaging
Plastic containers are often marked with a triangle and a number, ranging from 1 to 7. These symbols are known as "resin identification codes" or "resin ID codes", and they indicate the type of plastic used in the container. This information is crucial for recycling purposes, as different types of plastic have different recyclability and safety characteristics.
Plastic #1, also known as PETE or PET, is one of the most commonly used plastics in food and drinks packaging. It is typically used for disposable items such as water and beverage bottles, food jars and containers, salad dressing and oil bottles, and mouthwash bottles. Plastic #1 is usually clear in colour and is intended for single use only. It has a porous structure, which means it requires strong cleaning products, as regular detergents can cause carcinogens to leach into the plastic. Additionally, it is important to never heat PETE plastic, as this can cause the leaching of antimony, a toxic chemical.
Despite being widely recyclable, with recycled PET bottles being turned into polyester fibre for clothing, carpets, sleeping bags, and more, Plastic #1 is not without its drawbacks. Due to its porous nature, it is crucial to avoid reusing Plastic #1 containers, as they can harbour harmful chemicals. Therefore, it is recommended to store these containers in cool environments and refrain from reheating or reusing them.
While Plastic #1 is considered relatively safe for food and beverage packaging, it is always advisable to minimise plastic usage and opt for reusable materials like glass or metal whenever possible. Additionally, it is essential to follow local recycling guidelines, as some facilities may have specific requirements or limitations regarding the types of plastic they can process.
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Plastic #2 can be recycled up to 10 times
Plastic containers are often marked with a triangle and a number, ranging from 1 to 7. These symbols are known as "resin ID codes" or "resin codes", and they indicate the type of material used in the plastic and its recyclability.
Plastic #2, also known as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is one of the safest and most commonly recycled types of plastic. It can be easily and efficiently recycled up to 10 times. HDPE products have a high strength-to-density ratio, resulting in excellent wear resistance. They can withstand heating and freezing, making them suitable for various weather conditions.
Clear containers made of HDPE 2 plastic are recycled back into new containers. On the other hand, coloured HDPE 2 can be turned into a variety of products, such as pipes, lumber, toys, lawn items, pens, and floor tiles.
HDPE is commonly used in the packaging industry for items like grocery bags, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and a multitude of other containers. Its sturdiness and relatively high melting point make it ideal for applications that require durability.
When recycling #2 plastics, it is important to ensure they are clean before placing them in the recycling bin. Residual food or liquid can contaminate entire batches of recyclable materials, rendering them unrecyclable.
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Plastic #7 is used for multiple plastic types
The chasing arrows triangle symbol on plastic containers indicates the type of plastic used and is not a recycling symbol. The numbers within the triangle, ranging from 1 to 7, correspond to different types of plastic. Plastic #7 is a miscellaneous category that includes all plastic types except for numbers 1 to 6. It is worth noting that plastic #7 is rarely recycled and is not accepted in curbside collection programs.
The resin identification code (RIC) system, introduced by the Society of the Plastics Industry in 1988, categorizes plastic resins into seven groups to facilitate the recycling of post-consumer plastics. However, the RIC system's effectiveness has been questioned, as it can confuse consumers about the recyclability of certain plastics.
While plastic #7 represents a diverse range of plastics, some common types include polycarbonates, which are strong and tough materials used in products like eyewear and CDs. Another type is polylactic acid (PLA), which is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar canes. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is another plastic in the #7 category, known for its impact resistance and used in products like Lego blocks and car parts.
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