Sofia Martinez
Plastic products often bear a triangle with a number inside, known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC). These symbols were developed in 1988 by the organisation now known as the Plastics Industry Association and are currently administered by ASTM International. The numbers inside the triangles, ranging from one to seven, indicate the type of plastic used for the product, with each number corresponding to a different type of plastic. Understanding these codes can help consumers determine which plastics can be recycled, as not all plastics are commonly accepted by recycling programs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the code | Resin Identification Code (RIC) |
| What does it indicate | The type of plastic used in the product |
| Recyclability | The presence of a recycling symbol does not indicate that a particular plastic will be accepted at the local recycling center |
| Number range | 1 to 7 |
| Number 1 | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) |
| Number 2 | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Number 3 | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) |
| Number 4 | Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) |
| Number 5 | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Number 6 | Polystyrene (PS) |
| Number 7 | Mixed plastics, nylon, polycarbonate |
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What You'll Learn
Resin identification codes (RIC)
The triangle symbols on plastic products are called Resin Identification Codes (RIC). They were developed in 1988 by the organisation now known as the Plastics Industry Association. The symbols are currently administered by ASTM International, which designs and sets standards for a wide range of industries. The RIC system helps consumers and recycling operations identify different types of plastics and their recyclability. The presence of a recycling symbol does not necessarily indicate that a particular plastic will be accepted at local recycling centres.
The numbers inside the triangles, ranging from one to seven, represent different types of plastics. Polyethylene terephthalate plastic items, typically marked with the letters PET or PETE, are identified by resin code 1. PET is commonly used for plastic soft drink, water and juice bottles and can be recycled into new packaging or used in textiles and carpeting. Products marked with resin code 2 are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is considered one of the safest forms of plastic. HDPE is commonly found in milk and water jugs and is frequently accepted by recycling centres.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), indicated by resin code 3, is used in vegetable oil bottles, plumbing pipes, wire coating and detergent bottles. PVC is not typically accepted by recycling centres but can be used in decking and building materials. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), marked with resin code 4, is used in condiment bottles, trash bags and container lids. Some recycling programs accept LDPE, which can be recycled into more bags, trash liners and floor tiles.
Products marked with resin code 5 are made from polypropylene (PP), a tough and lightweight material with excellent heat-resistant qualities. PP is commonly used in disposable diapers, plastic bottle tops, yogurt containers and straws. Polypropylene is considered microwave-safe, but studies have shown that even microwavable-safe plastic can cause asthma and hormone disruption. Resin code 6 indicates polystyrene (PS), also known as Styrofoam. PS is found in disposable cups, plates, carry-out containers and meat trays and is difficult to recycle.
Any plastic that does not fall under the first six types is marked with resin code 7, indicating mixed plastics that may contain various materials such as nylon and polycarbonate. These plastics are rarely recycled but can be transformed into plastic lumber and custom-made products. It is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable or reusable, and understanding the resin codes can help consumers make more informed choices about the types of plastics they use and their recyclability.
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Recycling symbols
Plastic items often bear a triangle with a number inside, known as a resin identification code (RIC) or resin code. These symbols were introduced in 1988 by the organisation now known as the Plastics Industry Association and are currently administered by ASTM International. The numbers inside the triangles, ranging from one to seven, indicate the type of plastic used for the product. However, it is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable or reusable, and the presence of a recycling symbol does not necessarily mean that a particular plastic will be accepted at your local recycling centre.
- Polyethylene terephthalate plastic, often bearing the letters PET or PETE, is marked with resin code 1. It is typically used for plastic soft drink, water, and juice bottles and can be recycled into new packaging or used in textiles and carpeting.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is marked with resin code 2. It is commonly found in milk and water jugs and is frequently accepted by recycling centres. Recycled HDPE can be used for plastic lumber, more bottles, or drainage pipes and is considered one of the safest forms of plastic.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is marked with resin code 3. It is used in vegetable oil bottles, plumbing pipes, wire coating, detergent bottles, and other products. PVC is not typically accepted by recycling centres but can be used by some manufacturers for decking and building materials.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is marked with resin code 4. It is used in condiment bottles, shrink wrap, container lids, and trash bags. LDPE is not always accepted by recycling programmes, but it can be recycled into composite lumber and compost bins.
- Polypropylene (PP) is a tough and lightweight plastic with excellent heat-resistance qualities. It is used as a barrier against moisture, grease, and chemicals. PP is marked with resin code 5 and is frequently used in food packaging. While it is considered microwave-safe, studies have shown that even microwavable safe plastic can cause asthma and hormone disruption. PP can be recycled, but the percentage of recycled PP plastic is very low.
- Polystyrene (PS), also known as Styrofoam, is marked with resin code 6. It is found in disposable cups and plates, carry-out containers, egg cartons, and meat trays. PS is difficult to recycle and has been banned in some municipalities. However, it can be recycled into packaging, containers, foam packing, light switch plates, and insulation.
- Resin code 7 indicates mixed plastics, including nylon and polycarbonate. These plastics are found in certain food containers, signs and displays, computers, electronic devices, DVDs, sunglasses, and bulletproof materials. Products marked with resin code 7 are not commonly recycled, but they can be transformed into plastic lumber and certain custom-made products.
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Plastic types
Plastic products are usually marked with a triangle, also known as the resin identification code (RIC), which indicates the type of plastic used for the product. The numbers inside the triangle, ranging from 1 to 7, are called resin codes. These codes help identify the different types of plastics and their recyclability.
Plastic Type 1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)
Plastic items with a resin code of 1 are made of polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET or PETE. PET is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products and is found in most water bottles, some packaging, and bottles for soft drinks, water, and juice. It can be recycled into new containers, pallet straps, paneling, carpet, and clothing fibres. However, the recycling rate for PET in the US was only 29.2% in 2017, according to the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) and the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR).
Plastic Type 2: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Plastic products with a resin code of 2 are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is commonly used in milk and water jugs, shampoo bottles, butter and yogurt tubs, motor oil bottles, shopping bags, trash bags, and detergent bottles. It is considered one of the safest forms of plastic and is the most commonly recycled plastic. Recycled HDPE can be used to create lumber, drainage pipes, picnic tables, floor tiles, and more.
Plastic Type 3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Plastic items with a resin code of 3 are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is known for its strength and elasticity due to softening chemicals like phthalates. However, it is considered dangerous and is one of the least recyclable plastics. PVC can be found in vegetable oil bottles, plumbing pipes, wire coating, detergent bottles, shower curtains, window and door frames, and clear food wrap. It is important to note that PVC can release toxic chemicals when heated, so it is not suitable for cooking or storing food.
Plastic Type 4: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Plastic products with a resin code of 4 are made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE is commonly used in condiment bottles, shrink wrap, container lids, trash bags, and plastic grocery bags. LDPE products are reusable but may not always be recyclable, depending on the local recycling program.
Plastic Type 5: Polypropylene (PP)
Plastic items with a resin code of 5 are made of polypropylene (PP). PP is tough, lightweight, and has excellent heat-resistance qualities. It is often used in food packaging, disposable diapers, plastic bottle tops, yogurt containers, straws, and rope. While PP is considered microwave-safe, studies suggest that even microwavable-safe plastic can cause asthma and hormone disruption. Therefore, it is recommended to substitute plastic containers with glass whenever possible.
Plastic Type 6: Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam)
Plastic products with a resin code of 6 are made of polystyrene (PS), also known as Styrofoam. PS is commonly found in disposable cups and plates, carry-out containers, egg cartons, and meat trays. It is considered difficult to recycle and has been banned in some municipalities in the US.
Plastic Type 7: Mixed Plastics
Plastic items with a resin code of 7 are made of mixed plastics, including nylon and polycarbonate. These plastics are found in certain food containers, signs and displays, computers, electronic devices, DVDs, sunglasses, and bulletproof materials. Products with a code of 7 may contain bisphenol A, which has potential effects on the brains and nervous systems of fetuses, infants, and children. These plastics are rarely recycled but can be transformed into plastic lumber and custom-made products.
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Plastic safety
Plastic is an integral part of modern life, with plastic items being used every day. However, not all plastics are created equal, and some can pose potential health and environmental hazards. The recycling symbol, a triangle with a number from 1 to 7 inside, provides important information about the type of plastic and its recyclability. These symbols, known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC), were developed in 1988 to help consumers identify different types of plastics and make informed choices. Understanding these plastic codes is crucial for plastic safety.
The numbers within the triangles, also known as resin codes, indicate the specific type of plastic used in the product. For example, a 1 signifies polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), commonly used in water bottles and packaging. A 2 indicates high-density polyethylene (HDPE), often found in milk jugs and detergent bottles. HDPE is considered one of the safest and most easily recycled forms of plastic. On the other hand, a 3 signifies polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is dangerous and challenging to recycle. PVC contains softening chemicals like phthalates, which can interfere with the hormonal system. It is important to avoid using PVC for cooking or food storage.
Other plastic codes include 4 for low-density polyethylene (LDPE), used in condiment bottles and trash bags, which is reusable but not always recyclable. Polypropylene (PP) is denoted by the number 5 and is known for its toughness, lightweight nature, and heat resistance. While PP is microwave-safe, studies suggest that even microwavable-safe plastic can cause asthma and hormone disruption. Therefore, it is recommended to substitute plastic containers with glass whenever possible. Number 6 stands for polystyrene (PS) or styrofoam, which is difficult to recycle and should be avoided or reused.
Finally, a 7 inside the triangle indicates mixed plastics, which may contain bisphenol A. This type of plastic is rarely recycled and should be avoided by pregnant women and children due to potential health risks. It is important to note that the presence of a recycling symbol does not guarantee that an item can be recycled. Consumers should check with their local recycling centers to understand which types of plastics they accept. By understanding these plastic codes and their implications, consumers can make more informed choices to protect their health and the environment.
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Plastic recycling
Plastic is an essential part of modern life, but it is also a significant environmental concern. Plastic recycling is the process of recovering scrap or waste plastic and reprocessing it into useful products. This reduces the consumption of fresh raw materials, thereby reducing energy usage and pollution.
The recycling symbol on plastics is a triangle with arrows and a number inside, known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC) or resin code. These codes indicate the types of plastics used in the products and their recyclability. The numbers inside the triangle range from one to seven, with each number representing a different type of plastic. For example, a triangle with the number one indicates the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), commonly used for water and soft drink bottles. Recycling programs widely accept this type of plastic, and it can be recycled into new packaging or used in textiles and carpeting.
A triangle with the number two indicates high-density polyethylene (HDPE), commonly found in milk and water jugs, detergent bottles, and some toys. HDPE is considered one of the safest forms of plastic and is the most commonly recycled plastic. It can be easily recycled into products such as plastic lumber, bottles, or drainage pipes.
Other types of plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), indicated by the number three, are more challenging to recycle. PVC is used in vegetable oil bottles, plumbing pipes, and detergent bottles, and contains harmful chemicals such as phthalates, which can cause problems with the hormonal system. While some manufacturers use PVC in decking and building materials, most recycling centers do not accept it.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), marked with the number four, is used in condiment bottles, trash bags, and container lids. Some recycling programs accept LDPE, but not all. Polypropylene (PP), represented by the number five, is tough, lightweight, and heat-resistant. It is commonly used in food packaging, yogurt containers, and bottle caps. While some factories recycle PP, the percentage of recycled plastic is low.
A triangle with the number six indicates polystyrene (PS) or styrofoam, commonly found in disposable cups, plates, and take-out containers. PS is difficult to recycle and has been banned in some US municipalities. Finally, a triangle with the number seven indicates mixed plastics, which may contain various resins such as nylon and polycarbonate. These plastics are rarely recycled and are found in items such as electronic devices and food containers.
Understanding these resin codes is essential for consumers to make informed choices about the types of plastic they use and ensure they are recycling correctly.
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Frequently asked questions
The triangles on plastic are called resin identification codes (RIC) and they indicate the type of plastic used for the product.
The numbers inside the triangles, ranging from 1 to 7, represent different types of plastics. For example, a 1 indicates that the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), while a 2 indicates high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
No, not all plastics with the triangles are recyclable. The triangles provide information about the recyclability of the product, but the presence of a recycling symbol does not guarantee that a particular plastic will be accepted by recycling centers.
A 7 inside the triangle indicates that the plastic is made of mixed resins. These plastics are rarely recycled and may contain harmful substances like bisphenol A.
The triangle codes help consumers identify which plastics are safe and recyclable. By understanding these codes, consumers can make more environmentally friendly choices and properly sort their recyclables.
