Omar Khalid
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin identification code (RIC), a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. The number inside the triangle is an important ID as it indicates the type of plastic and how it should be processed. A '4' on plastic means it is low-density polyethylene or LDPE. LDPE is commonly found in shopping bags, squeezable bottles, carpet, furniture, clothing, tote bags, dry cleaning bags, and frozen food or bread bags. LDPE is rarely recycled, but when it is, it can be made into floor tiles, lumber, paneling, shipping envelopes, compost bins, trash cans, and bubble wrap.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number | 4 |
| Type of Plastic | Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) |
| Common Items | Shopping bags, squeezable bottles, carpet, furniture, clothing, tote bags, dry cleaning bags, frozen food or bread bags |
| Recyclability | Rarely recycled. When recycled, can be made into floor tiles, lumber, paneling, shipping envelopes, compost bins, trash cans, and bubble wrap |
| Safety | Safer choice for consumers and does not contain BPA |
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What You'll Learn
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is a lightweight, soft, flexible, and durable plastic. It is also tough, corrosion-resistant, and low-cost. Its density is defined by a range of 917–930 kg/m3. It is not reactive at room temperature, except to strong oxidizers, and some solvents cause it to swell. LDPE has good chemical and impact resistance, and it is easy to fabricate and form. It is not suitable for applications requiring stiffness, high-temperature resistance, and structural strength.
LDPE is widely used for manufacturing various containers, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, plastic parts for computer components, and various molded laboratory equipment. Its most common use is in plastic bags, including grocery bags, and six-pack rings for soda. LDPE is also used for orthotics and prosthetics.
LDPE is recyclable, but it is not as commonly recycled as No. 1 (polyethylene terephthalate) or No. 2 plastics (high-density polyethylene). LDPE is not often recycled through curbside programs, but some communities may accept it. LDPE products should not be put into standard recycling bins as they can get tangled in recycling equipment.
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Plastic bags
LDPE plastic is reusable but not always accepted for recycling. It is important to check local guidelines, as different areas have varying rules. Some communities may accept LDPE through recycling programs, but it is often not collected via curbside pickup. Many grocery stores collect plastic bags for recycling, and some stores accept returned bags for recycling. Before recycling, it is essential to clean and dry the bags thoroughly.
LDPE is a durable material with weather-resistant qualities, making it suitable for outdoor furniture and plastic lumber. When recycled, LDPE can be transformed into floor tiles, lumber, compost bins, shipping envelopes, and trash cans. However, LDPE is rarely recycled, and its improper disposal can cause tangles in recycling equipment. To reduce LDPE consumption, individuals can opt for fabric shopping bags and silicone sandwich bags instead of plastic ones.
The recycling process for plastic bags can be complex, and not all plastic is recyclable or reusable. Recycling symbols, like the triangle with chasing arrows and a number, help consumers and recycling plants identify the plastic type. These symbols are part of the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system, which includes numbers 1-7. Type 1 plastic, or PET/PETE, is commonly used for beverage bottles and food containers, while Type 2, or HDPE, is used for milk jugs and detergent bottles. Harder-to-recycle plastics, like Styrofoam, require specialised handling.
Overall, understanding the meaning of the numbers on plastic bags, like the number '4', empowers consumers to make informed choices about recycling and reusing these materials. By researching local guidelines and properly preparing plastic bags for recycling, individuals can play a vital role in reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.
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Plastic recycling
A '4' inside the triangle indicates the plastic is low-density polyethylene, or LDPE. LDPE is found in shopping bags, squeezable bottles, carpet, furniture, clothing, tote bags, dry cleaning bags, and frozen food or bread bags. LDPE is rarely recycled. When it is, it can be made into floor tiles, lumber, paneling, shipping envelopes, compost bins, trash cans, and bubble wrap. LDPE plastic films are also used for shrink wrap and bags.
LDPE products are reusable but not always recyclable. It is important to check with your local collection service to see if they are accepting LDPE plastic items for recycling. To reduce LDPE consumption, it is recommended to replace plastic bags with fabric alternatives and plastic sandwich bags with platinum silicone alternatives.
Plastic bags with resin code #4 can be recycled, but they must be cleaned and dried before recycling. Ziploc bags, for example, should be washed inside and outside and dried completely before being taken to a drop-off site.
Recycling symbols and local legislation should be consulted to ensure plastic is being recycled properly.
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Plastic resin identification codes
The presence of an RIC on a plastic product does not necessarily indicate that it is recyclable. The number within the RIC symbol is what determines its recyclability, as each number corresponds to a different type of plastic resin. The numbers range from 1 to 7, with some sources suggesting that codes 1 and 2 are the most commonly recycled, and codes 3, 6, and 7 are usually non-recyclable. Code 4, specifically, is used for plastic bags, such as produce and grocery bags. These bags should not be placed in recycling bins as they can get tangled in recycling equipment. Instead, they can be returned to grocery stores for proper recycling.
The RIC symbols have undergone revisions, and the current standard, as of 2013, is a solid triangle, replacing the previous "chasing arrows" design. This change was made to address consumer confusion, as the old design resembled the universal recycling symbol, leading people to believe that the presence of an RIC symbol indicated recyclability. It is important to understand that the presence of an RIC symbol on a plastic product does not guarantee its recyclability, and consumers should refer to their local recycling guidelines to determine which plastic resin codes are accepted for recycling in their area.
Despite the existence of RICs, plastic recycling remains a complex process, and not all plastic products are recyclable. The recyclability of a plastic item depends on various factors, including the specific resin type, additives, and the type of material. Some plastics are made from blends of resins and additives, which often render them impossible to recycle. Additionally, certain plastics may be technically recyclable but are not economically feasible to recycle, leading to consumer confusion about the recyclability of certain plastic products.
To promote better recycling practices, organizations like the American Chemistry Council have launched programs such as "Recycling Terms & Tools" to educate consumers about recycling plastic products. It is recommended that consumers check with their local recycling facilities to understand which plastic resin codes are accepted for recycling in their area.
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LDPE products
LDPE, or Low-Density Polyethylene, is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. It was the first grade of polyethylene, produced in 1933 by John C. Swallow and M.W. Perrin, who were working for Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) using a high-pressure process via free-radical polymerization. LDPE is a water-resistant, cost-efficient, long-lasting, and 100% recyclable multi-purpose material used for a variety of commercial and residential applications.
LDPE is defined by a density range of 917-930 kg/m3. At room temperature, it is not reactive, except to strong oxidizers, and some solvents cause it to swell. LDPE has more branching than HDPE (about 2% of carbon atoms), so its intermolecular forces are weaker, its tensile strength is lower, and its resilience is higher. The side branches mean that its molecules are less tightly packed and less crystalline, and therefore its density is lower. When exposed to consistent sunlight, the plastic produces significant amounts of two greenhouse gases: methane and ethylene.
LDPE is widely used for manufacturing various containers, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, plastic parts for computer components, and various molded laboratory equipment. Its most common use is in plastic bags. Other products made from LDPE include:
- Liquid packaging boards for juice and milk cartons
- Die pads
- Hinges
- Impact pads
- Orthotic and prosthetic devices
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Frequently asked questions
The number 4 on plastic indicates that the plastic is low-density polyethylene, or LDPE.
LDPE is mostly used in plastic films, such as shrink wrap, dry cleaning, grocery, bread, frozen food, and produce bags. It can also be found in squeezable bottles, carpet, furniture, clothing, and tote bags.
LDPE is rarely recycled. However, when it is, it can be made into floor tiles, lumber, paneling, shipping envelopes, compost bins, trash cans, and bubble wrap.
The plastics with recycling labels #1, #2, and #4 on the bottom are safer choices and do not contain BPA.
The numbers on plastic are key identification codes that identify the type of plastic used for the product. They are called Resin Identification Codes (RIC) and were developed in 1988 by the organization now known as the Plastics Industry Association.
