Ethan Clarke
Plastic is everywhere, and it's almost impossible to avoid in our daily lives. However, not all plastics are created equal when it comes to their impact on the environment and our health. The plastic recycling codes, which are the numbers from 1 to 7 inside the chasing arrows triangle, help us identify the type of plastic and its recyclability. While these codes don't guarantee recyclability, they guide us in making better choices. For instance, plastics with recycling codes 2, 4, and 5 are considered safer and more recyclable, while codes 1, 3, 6, and 7 should be avoided due to their potential health and environmental hazards. Understanding these codes empowers us to make more informed decisions and reduce our plastic footprint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of plastic codes | 7 |
| Recyclability | The code does not indicate if the product is recyclable or not |
| Purpose of the code | To identify the type of plastic used for the product |
| Safest plastic codes | 2, 4, 5 |
| Plastic codes to be avoided | 1, 3, 6, 7 |
| Plastic code 1 | PET or PETE |
| Plastic code 2 | HDPE |
| Plastic code 3 | PVC |
| Plastic code 7 | Bioplastic, polycarbonate (PC), PLA |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic resin identification codes (RIC) do not indicate recyclability
Plastic resin identification codes (RIC) are a set of symbols that identify the type of plastic resin used to make a product. They were developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States. The RIC consists of a number from 1 to 7 surrounded by chasing arrows in a triangle or simply a triangle.
Despite their resemblance to the recycling symbol, RICs do not indicate the recyclability of a product. They were designed to make it easier for workers in recycling facilities to sort and separate items according to their resin type. Plastics must be recycled separately to preserve the value of the recycled material and enable its reuse.
The presence of an RIC on a product does not mean that it can be recycled. Consumers often misinterpret the RIC as an indicator of recyclability, which is one of the most common misconceptions about recycling. This has led to issues with recycling contamination as people put non-recyclable packaging in their recycling bins. To address this confusion, the RIC symbol was revised in 2013 to replace the arrows with a solid triangle.
It is important for consumers to understand the potential harm of different types of plastics and to choose safer options for their health and the environment. While it may be challenging to completely avoid plastic, individuals can make a difference by selecting more recyclable plastic containers and opting for reusable alternatives when possible.
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RIC #1 (PET) is one of the most commonly recycled plastics
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is a system of symbols and numbers that helps identify the type of plastic a container is made from. It was introduced in the 1980s by plastic manufacturers, who used a similar chasing arrows symbol to indicate recyclability. However, the RIC does not address recyclability, and consumers often assume that products with the arrows symbol are recyclable.
One of the most commonly recycled plastics is RIC #1 (PET), or polyethylene terephthalate. PET is widely used in the production of plastic beverage containers and is known for its versatility, durability, and lightweight strength. It is also safe for use in food packaging before and after recycling and is approved by governments and organisations worldwide.
PET is the only plastic that can be fully recycled in a closed-loop system, allowing for bottle-to-bottle recycling. This makes it the opposite of disposable "single-use" plastics. PET bottles can be recycled up to seven times, but decontamination processes can increase this number to ten or twenty times, or even more. The high recyclability of PET means that it can be given new life as another bottle or repurposed for other uses, such as roofing insulation or polyester fibre for carpets and soft furnishings.
The demand for PET is shifting towards recycled PET (rPET) production, with companies like Coca-Cola using rPET for their bottles. PET is also preferred over other plastics because it requires less energy to recycle, generating up to 75% less greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing PET products, consumers can make a more sustainable choice, reducing the environmental impact of the products they use.
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RIC #2 (HDPE) is easily recycled and safe
Plastic recycling codes, also known as Resin Identification Codes (RIC), were introduced in the 1980s to inform manufacturers of the type of plastic used in a product's container. However, the presence of the recycling symbol does not always indicate that the item can be reprocessed.
RIC #2 (HDPE) or High-Density Polyethylene is a safe and easily recyclable plastic that can be reused up to 10 times. It is one of the most common plastics and can be found in a variety of products, including sturdy bottles, crates, plastic bags, automotive parts, and electrical insulation. HDPE is accepted at most recycling centres and can be recycled through curbside recycling programs. However, it is important to note that only rigid HDPE items such as bottles and containers are accepted in curbside recycling bins, while plastic bags and soft HDPE plastics should be avoided.
HDPE is used to create many recycled products, such as toys, pipes, lumber, pens, and floor tiles. It is also used in outdoor furniture made from landfill-bound and ocean-bound plastics, contributing to environmental sustainability. When recycling HDPE, it is important to properly prepare the items by rinsing and cleaning them before placing them in the recycling bin. Additionally, it is recommended to check with local recycling guidelines and requirements, as they may vary.
Overall, RIC #2 (HDPE) is a safe and easily recyclable plastic option that can be reused multiple times to create new products, making it a sustainable choice for consumers and manufacturers.
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RIC #3 (PVC) is dangerous and hard to recycle
The recycling symbol, which looks like a triangle of chasing pointers with a number from 1 to 7 inside it, is known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC). While the RIC provides information about the type of resin used and the recyclability of the item, it does not necessarily indicate that the item can be reprocessed.
RIC #3, also known as PVC or Vinyl, is considered one of the least recyclable plastics. It is often not accepted by curbside recycling programs and only very specialized recycling programs can process it correctly. This is because PVC is made from many different formulations and additives, making it nearly impossible to separate and break down into its original components for recycling. As a result, very little PVC is collected and processed in recycling facilities.
PVC is also dangerous due to the toxic chemicals used in its manufacturing process and created as byproducts. For example, dioxins, which are now ubiquitous in our food supply, are highly toxic and can lead to developmental and reproductive diseases, immune system damage, and cancer. Other toxic chemicals produced during the PVC lifecycle include vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), ethylene dichloride (EDC), and DEHA, which can cause endocrine system issues and impact children's development.
When PVC is burned in incinerators, as it often is due to its difficulty in recycling, it releases dioxin into the atmosphere and waterways, further contributing to environmental and health hazards. Additionally, disposing of PVC in landfills can result in dioxin poisoning of groundwater.
To reduce the risks associated with PVC, it is recommended to limit its consumption and avoid flexible plastics and products with the plastic #3 symbol. Individuals can also locate specialized PVC recycling programs in their area using resources like RecycleNation, Earth911 (US), or RecycleNow (UK).
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RIC #7 plastics are hard to recycle and unsafe
The recycling symbol, also known as the chasing arrows symbol, was designed in 1970 to inform consumers that a product was recyclable. However, in the 1980s, plastic manufacturers began using a similar symbol, known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC), with a number inside. The RIC tells manufacturers what type of plastic a container is made from, but does not indicate whether the product is recyclable. This has led to the misconception that products with the arrows symbol are recyclable.
RIC #7 plastics are hard to recycle as they are not a single resin but a sum of all resins outside the 1-6 category. They are a catch-all for all other types of plastics that do not fall into the other categories. This includes bioplastics, polycarbonate, and new plastics. There are no standard protocols for reusing this plastic, and most factories do not accept it. Out of all #7 plastics, only acrylic and polycarbonate are recyclable.
Bioplastics, such as Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), are designed to break down in commercial composting facilities under specific conditions. This process does not occur in landfills or if the product is littered.
Additionally, #7 plastics can be unsafe. Polycarbonate, for example, contains highly dangerous BPA (Bisphenol A).
Overall, while RIC #7 plastics are hard to recycle, it is important to note that all plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged. Therefore, it is best to opt for materials like metal and glass whenever possible.
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Frequently asked questions
The best plastic codes are 1, 2, 4 and 5 as they are the safest and most widely recycled.
Plastic code 7 includes new plastics, bioplastics, and items composed of different types of plastics. It is hard to recycle and most factories do not accept it. It is best to avoid this type of plastic, especially for children's food.
Plastic code 3 is known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and is one of the least recyclable plastics. It is dangerous due to the softening chemicals it contains, such as phthalates, which cause problems with the hormonal system. It is widely spread and often used for vinyl and pipes.
Plastic code 1, also known as PET or PETE, is one of the most commonly recycled plastics. It is used in a lot of food containers and water bottles and can be turned into products of similar quality. Products made of this plastic should be recycled but not reused.
