Alexei Volkov
Plastic is everywhere, and recycling it is one of the most complex processes. Plastic Number 7 is a complex group that includes all plastic types except for numbers 1 to 6. It is a catch-all category for plastics that don't fit into the previous categories, including recyclable, non-recyclable, mixed plastics, and biodegradable plastics. This category includes everyday items such as baby bottles, plastic CDs, and car parts, and common plastics like nylon, polycarbonate, and melamine. While some Number 7 plastics can be recycled, they often can't be recycled in your curbside recycling bin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identification | Chasing arrows with a seven inside |
| Category | "Other" plastics |
| Recyclability | Includes recyclable, non-recyclable, and biodegradable plastics |
| Type | Mixed resins, multi-layer |
| Examples | Baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, exterior lighting fixtures, nylon, polycarbonate, melamine, Lego blocks, computer keyboards, takeaway containers, eyewear, CDs, plastic housing for electrical objects, plastic used for 3D printing |
| Curbside recycling | Not accepted in most areas |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic #7 is hard to identify and recycle
The difficulty in identifying Plastic #7 lies in the fact that it may not always have a recycling number on it. When in doubt, a mystery plastic that doesn't fit into resin categories 1 through 6 is likely Plastic #7. This can include bio-based plastics made from potato, sugar, or corn derivatives, as well as polylactic acid (PLA) plastic. Proper identification of Plastic #7 is crucial, as mixing it with other types of plastics can contaminate recycling batches. Some curbside recycling programs will accept #7 plastic items if there is a way to identify them with certainty.
Recycling Plastic #7 depends on the specific type of material it is made from. If the component parts fit within plastic resin categories 1 through 6, those recycling instructions can be followed. For example, bio-based plastics can be sent to commercial composting facilities, although they generally cannot be composted at home. However, certain types of Plastic #7, such as Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, require specialized handling and may not be accepted by local recycling companies.
The lack of awareness about the seven plastic recycling symbols and their distinct instructions contributes to the challenge of recycling Plastic #7. Consumers often struggle to differentiate between various types of plastics and their appropriate disposal methods. It is important for individuals to understand their town's legislation and rules for recycling to ensure proper recycling practices. Additionally, the presence of a resin code on a plastic product does not guarantee its recyclability; it is the number inside the triangle that indicates the type of plastic and its recyclability.
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It's a catch-all category for plastics that don't fit into groups 1-6
Plastic #7 is a catch-all category for plastics that don't fit into groups 1–6. It includes all plastic types except for numbers 1 to 6, including PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, and PVC. This category is challenging to define and even harder to recycle. It includes a wide range of plastics with various characteristics, such as recyclable, non-recyclable, mixed plastics, and biodegradable plastics. Plastic #7 can be identified by the chasing arrows with a seven inside.
The category includes everyday items such as baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, and exterior lighting fixtures. Some common plastics in this group are nylon, polycarbonate, or melamine, and others with more challenging names like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. Plastic #7 can be challenging to identify, especially if it doesn't have a recycling number, and it's important to note that not all communities recycle any Code 7 plastics.
Even if Code 7 plastics are made from recyclable materials, there may not be a local recycler that accepts them. It is always good to remember to reuse or repair these items instead of throwing them away. If you're unsure how to repair an item, you can try a repair cafe, where someone with expertise can help fix it. Additionally, in some instances, your curbside recycling program may accept #7 plastic items if they can be identified as such.
The plastics industry has stated that their category numbers are resin codes, not recycling codes, and that each polymer recycles using a different method or technology. Code 7 compostable, also known as #7/PLA, indicates a plant-based resin that will degrade under certain conditions, but it won't break down in a landfill, and there are not many modern, high-rate composting facilities to process it.
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It includes everyday items like baby bottles, CDs, and car parts
Plastic Number 7 is a complex group that includes all plastic types except for numbers 1 to 6. It is a diverse and extensive category that includes everyday items like baby bottles, CDs, and car parts. This group also includes other common items such as Lego blocks, computer keyboards, takeaway containers, eyewear, and plastic housing for electrical objects. The category includes a wide range of plastics with different characteristics, such as recyclable, non-recyclable, mixed plastics, and biodegradable plastics.
Baby bottles, in particular, have come under scrutiny due to concerns about the potential leaching of harmful chemicals. Studies have shown that all plastic baby bottles release microplastics, which can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of particles with each use. The health implications of ingesting these microplastics are still unknown, but they have been linked to decreased cognitive ability and fertility in some research. As a result, there is a growing trend towards using glass or silicone baby bottles instead of plastic ones.
Plastic Number 7 baby bottles may contain a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA), which is released from polycarbonate plastics. Due to the potential health risks associated with BPA, some countries have banned its use in baby bottles and formula. However, it's important to note that not all plastic baby bottles contain BPA, and those that don't will be labelled "BPA-Free."
When it comes to recycling Plastic Number 7 items, it's not as simple as with other types of plastics. Most of the plastics in this group cannot be recycled in your curbside recycling bin. However, this doesn't mean they can't be recycled at all. Some locations may accept certain types of Plastic Number 7 for recycling, but it's best to check with your local authority or specialist recyclers.
To identify Plastic Number 7, look for the chasing arrows symbol with a number seven inside. This symbol indicates that the plastic falls into the "Other Plastics" category, which includes a wide range of plastic types and applications.
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Plastic #7 can be recyclable, non-recyclable, or biodegradable
Plastic #7 is a complex group that includes all plastic types except for numbers 1 to 6. It is a catch-all category for "other" plastics, which can include recyclable, non-recyclable, and biodegradable plastics. This category was created in the 1980s when the resin code was established, and at that time, it made sense as a way to categorise plastics that did not fit into the other groups. However, in the present day, with innovations and developments in plastics, this category has become extensive and diverse, making it challenging to define and recycle.
Plastic #7 can be challenging to identify, especially if it does not have a recycling number. It often includes the chasing arrows symbol with a number 7 inside. Some common plastic #7 items you may find in your home include baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, and exterior lighting fixtures. It's important to note that plastic #7 items may contain harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to health problems and environmental degradation.
Recycling plastic #7 can be tricky, and it often cannot be recycled in your curbside recycling bin. The recyclability of plastic #7 depends on the specific type of material it is made from and the capabilities of your local recycling program. In some cases, your local recycling program may accept #7 plastic items if they can be identified as such. However, it's important to check with your solid waste management office or recycling office to understand their specific policies.
Biodegradable plastic #7, such as plant-based resins, requires processing at modern, high-rate composting facilities, which are not widely available. Even if a plastic #7 item is biodegradable, it may not degrade in a landfill or in the wild. Therefore, it's important to determine which resins your community recycles and ensure that plastic #7 items end up in the correct recycling or composting streams.
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Check with your local waste office to see what they accept
Plastic #7 is a catch-all category for "other" plastics that don't fit into the other resin categories, making it difficult to define and even harder to recycle. It includes polycarbonate plastics, which are often used in water bottles, and may contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical linked to health problems and environmental degradation.
Given the challenges of recycling plastic #7, it's important to check with your local waste or recycling office to see what they accept. Different localities have varying policies and capabilities for recycling this type of plastic. For instance, some curbside recycling programs will accept #7 plastic items if they can be identified as such, but this is not universal.
You can start by contacting your local recycling center or waste management office to determine if they can recycle #7 plastics. They will be able to provide specific guidelines and policies regarding the types of plastic they can process. It's important to follow their instructions to ensure your plastic waste is handled appropriately and does not end up in landfills or contribute to environmental pollution.
Additionally, some recycling centers may offer special programs for hard-to-recycle waste streams, including certain types of plastic. These programs can provide alternative solutions for plastic #7, such as transforming plastic materials into something new, like eco-bricks made from recycled items. By checking with your local waste office and exploring these alternative programs, you can make more informed decisions about recycling plastic #7 and contribute to the global effort to reduce plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic number 7 is a category for all plastic types that do not fit into the other categories of plastics numbered 1 through 6.
Plastic number 7 includes a wide range of plastics with many different characteristics, including recyclable, non-recyclable, mixed plastics, and biodegradable plastics. Some common items made from plastic number 7 are baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, and Lego blocks.
Plastic number 7 can be identified by the chasing arrows with a seven inside.
Plastic number 7 can be recycled, but it may not be accepted by your local curbside recycling program. Check with your local solid waste management or recycling office to find out their specific policies.
