Alexei Volkov
The numbers inside the chasing arrows triangle on plastic products are called resin identification codes, which indicate the grade of plastic and what type of plastic the material is made of. The numbers range from 1 to 7, with 1 and 2 being the most commonly recycled plastics. However, the presence of the triangle does not necessarily indicate that the product can be recycled, as this depends on the local recycling programs available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling symbol | Triangle made of arrows |
| Symbol meaning | Indicates type of plastic |
| Recyclable symbol | Number inside the triangle |
| Recyclable numbers | 1 and 2 |
| Non-recyclable numbers | 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 |
| Resin code | Number between one and seven |
| Resin code other name | Resin Identification Code |
| Plastic type 1 | PET or PETE |
| Plastic type 2 | HDPE |
| Plastic type 3 | PVC |
| Plastic type 4 | LDPE |
| Plastic type 7 | Polyurethane |
| Plastic type 7 other | Mixture of plastics |
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What You'll Learn
The numbers in the triangle indicate the grade of plastic
The numbers inside the triangle on plastic items are called resin identification codes and they indicate the grade or type of plastic the item is made from. The system was implemented by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988 to help recyclers distinguish between different types of plastics during sorting. The numbers inside the triangle are what really count, as each number corresponds to a different type of plastic.
The most commonly recycled plastics are #1 (PETE) and #2 (HDPE). PETE is used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks, as well as cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and food packaging. It is the most widely recycled plastic in the world and can be recycled into bottles and polyester fibres. HDPE is accepted worldwide as it is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is often used for household cleaners, buckets, shampoo bottles, and yogurt containers.
Plastics #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not as widely accepted in local recycling programs. For example, #7 plastics are a mixture of different plastics and plastics that are not easily recyclable, such as polyurethane. #4 plastics, like produce and grocery bags, can get tangled in recycling equipment and are often collected separately by grocery stores.
It is important to note that the presence of a recycling symbol on a plastic product does not necessarily mean that it can be recycled. The acceptability of different plastics for recycling can vary from place to place, so it is always good to check with local guidelines.
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The triangle is not the recycling symbol
The "'chasing arrows' triangle symbol on plastic containers is not the recycling symbol. It is a resin code, which indicates the grade or type of plastic. The presence of a resin code does not necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. It is the number inside the triangle that counts, because each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. For example, PET or PETE, which is used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks, can be recycled. However, if the number in the triangle is not 1 or 2, it might be recyclable in a specialized facility but probably does not belong in your recycling bin.
The chasing arrows triangle symbol is often confused with the recycling symbol because they look very similar. This confusion leads to contaminated recycling, as people assume that the chasing arrows triangle means that the plastic can be recycled. In reality, the symbol is used to help sorters identify the type of plastic, especially when recycling was done by hand. Now that recycling is largely done by machine, the symbol is not as necessary, but it is still required by many states.
It is important to check your local recycling guidelines to determine which types of plastic are acceptable for recycling in your area. Some recycling centers may accept all kinds of plastic, only to divert them to a landfill later. This practice helps maintain consumers' recycling habits, even if their waste is not actually being recycled. Additionally, some plastics, such as Styrofoam, are not accepted at most recycling centers due to the difficulty of processing them.
The numbers inside the triangle on plastic items are crucial for understanding the safety and uses of that item. For example, PVC, which is found in shampoo bottles, medical plastics, and some toys, can contain phthalates and is typically not used for household items that can be consumed. On the other hand, HDPE, which is found in milk jugs and detergent bottles, is considered one of the safest forms of plastic and can be easily recycled into plastic lumber, more bottles, or drainage pipes.
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The numbers are resin identification codes
The numbers inside the triangle on plastic items are resin identification codes, also known as resin codes. They indicate the grade of plastic and the type of plastic the item is made from. These codes were implemented by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988 to help recyclers identify and sort different types of plastics. The numbers range from 1 to 7, with each number corresponding to a specific type of plastic.
Resin identification codes are important because they provide information about the safety and uses of plastic items. For example, some plastics may contain phthalates, which are not suitable for household items that can be consumed. Additionally, certain plastics are easier to recycle than others. PET or PETE (coded as 1), for instance, is one of the most commonly recycled plastics and is used for soda bottles, water bottles, and food packaging. It can be recycled into bottles, fibres, or polar fleece.
On the other hand, plastics with codes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not always accepted by local recycling programs. For instance, Styrofoam, often used for coffee cups and takeout containers, is challenging and expensive to recycle due to its low density. Similarly, PVC (coded as 3), found in shampoo bottles and condiment bottles, needs to be separated from other plastics for recycling due to its high chlorine content and hazardous additives.
It is important to note that the presence of a resin identification code does not necessarily indicate that the plastic item can be recycled. The recyclability of a plastic item depends on various factors, including the capabilities of local recycling facilities and the specific rules and guidelines of the local municipality or waste management authority. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with local guidelines to determine which types of plastics can be recycled in your community.
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Plastics numbered 1 and 2 are the most commonly recycled
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 inside the triangle is important because each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. Plastics numbered 1 and 2 are the most commonly recycled, and these can be tossed into standard recycling bins.
Plastics numbered 1 and 2 include PET or PETE products, which are used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks, as well as cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and containers for other popular food items. These products can be recycled. HDPE plastics are also extremely common and fully recyclable. Most milk jugs, detergent containers, and oil bottles are made from HDPE. It is also one of the safest types of plastic to use.
On the other hand, plastics numbered 3 to 6 are more difficult to recycle, and some recycling centers do not process them. Plastic #7 is even more challenging to recycle and is often excluded. It includes products made from multiple plastic types or other types of plastic that cannot be easily recycled.
It is important to note that the presence of a resin code or the triangle symbol on a plastic product does not necessarily mean that it can be recycled. The number inside the triangle is what matters when it comes to determining recyclability.
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Different regions have different recycling rules
The numbers inside the recycling triangles on plastic items indicate the grade of plastic and the safety and uses of that item. However, the presence of a resin code does not necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. For example, PET or PETE, denoted by the number 1, is used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks. Type 4 plastic is used for produce and grocery bags.
United States
In the United States, recycling regulations can vary from state to state. For instance, Massachusetts has implemented a statewide waste ban that prohibits the disposal of single-resin narrow-necked bottles (such as soda bottles) in trash bins, making recycling these containers mandatory. On the other hand, some states might not accept certain types of plastic for recycling, like LDPE (found in squeezable bottles) or Styrofoam, which is often not recycled at many facilities.
Canada
In Canada, companies are held responsible for the recyclability of their packaging, and they must pay a fee when more packaging is used. This has led to a reduction in packaging and the use of thinner materials for glass, paper, and metal. Additionally, Google, Microsoft, and Walmart have been noted for their efforts in leading sustainability initiatives in the country.
United Kingdom
In the UK, each household receives a leaflet and different-coloured bins for various waste streams, such as cardboard, paper, glass, and cans. This system promotes proper waste segregation and collection for recycling.
Austria
Austria boasts one of the highest recycling rates globally, with 96% of the population separating their waste into recyclable categories. The country has also implemented a ban on plastic bags since 2020.
South Korea
South Korea has significantly improved its food recycling rate, increasing from 2% in 1995 to an impressive 95%. This success is attributed to the implementation of a food waste fee, where households pay a small monthly fee for each bag of biodegradable food scraps. Additionally, almost everything can be recycled in South Korea, including steel, fabric, TVs, sofas, and styrofoam.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers in the recycling triangles on plastic indicate the grade of plastic and the resin ID code. It is a system implemented by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988 to allow recyclers to differentiate between the types of plastics when sorting.
Here is a list of some common types of plastics:
- PET or PETE: Used for soda, water, and other drink bottles, cooking oil containers, and peanut butter jars.
- LDPE: Used for bottles you can squeeze like shampoo or condiment bottles.
- PP: Used for medical bottles, yogurt tubs, bottle caps, and condiment bottles.
- PVC: Used for shampoo bottles, medical equipment, some toys, and window trim.
- HDPE: Used for household cleaners, buckets, shampoo bottles, and yogurt containers.
Numbers #1 (PETE) and #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics and can be placed in standard recycling bins. Numbers #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are tougher to recycle and are not universally collected in local recycling programs.
Items made from PET or PETE plastic include soda, water, and drink bottles, cooking oil containers, peanut butter jars, and food packaging.
Items made from LDPE plastic include squeeze bottles like shampoo or condiment bottles, plastic bags, and plastic films.
