Maya Ellison
The ubiquitous recycling symbol, with its three chasing arrows, is used to indicate that a material is recyclable. However, the presence of the symbol does not necessarily mean that the product is recyclable. The small number inside the triangle, ranging from 1 to 7, is the Resin Identification Code and helps identify the type of plastic and its appropriate disposal route. For example, the number 1 with the acronym PETE or PET represents polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly used for soft drink bottles and is easily recyclable. On the other hand, the number 7, often accompanied by the word OTHER, stands for other plastics, which include acrylic, polycarbonate, and nylon, and may not be recycled by local programs. Understanding these recycling symbols is key to ensuring proper disposal and reducing plastic waste, which, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, sees less than 10% of worldwide plastic waste being recycled.
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What You'll Learn
- The universal recycling symbol, its history, and what it is used for
- The seven different types of plastic recycling symbols and their meanings
- How to recycle plastic products and what to do with the packaging?
- The different types of plastic and their uses
- How to identify the type of plastic and if it is recyclable?
The universal recycling symbol, its history, and what it is used for
The universal recycling symbol, recognised around the world, consists of three chasing arrows folded in a Möbius strip. The symbol originated on the first Earth Day in 1970, created by Gary Dean Anderson, then a 23-year-old student at the University of Southern California. The symbol is not trademarked and is in the public domain, meaning anyone may use or modify the recycling symbol, royalty-free.
The design was inspired by the Bauhaus design school and M.C. Escher’s graphic representations of the Möbius strip. The Bauhaus movement, a German art school that ran from 1919 to 1933, was famous for its approach to design, founded on the concept of creating a "total" work in which all arts, including architecture, would eventually be brought together. The arrows on the recycling symbol are indicative of a never-ending path, a cyclical illustration that serves as a visual reference to the process physical materials could and should travel. The separation of arrows also depicts that there are clear, identifiable stages in this process, typically interpreted as "reduce, reuse, recycle", or the Three Rs.
The symbol was the winning selection of a nationwide design competition held by the Container Corporation of America (CCA) to promote cardboard's reusable properties and raise awareness of environmental issues. The competition, which drew more than 500 submissions, was originally intended to promote cardboard reuse, but the winning design became a universally identified symbol.
The recycling symbol is used to indicate that a product is recyclable, with the plain Möbius loop, either white with an outline or solid black, used for this purpose. The other two variants have the Möbius loop inside a circle—either white on black or black on white—and are meant for products made of recycled materials, with the white-on-black version used for 100% recycled fibre, and the black-on-white version for products containing both recycled and unrecycled fibre.
In addition to the plain Möbius loop, there are other recycling symbols that indicate the predominant plastic material used in the product or packaging. These symbols, known as resin identification codes, are based on the Möbius loop symbol but feature simpler bent arrows that can be embossed on plastic surfaces. The arrows are formed into a flat, two-dimensional triangle, with a number between 1 and 7 inside that defines the resin used. For example, the number 1 with the acronym PETE or PETG indicates polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly used for soft drink bottles, mineral water containers, and fruit juice containers. The number 7, on the other hand, stands for "other plastics," which can include acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic, polylactic fibres, nylon, and fibreglass.
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The seven different types of plastic recycling symbols and their meanings
The recycling symbol, also known as the “chasing arrows” symbol, is embedded on most plastics and is officially called a “Resin Identification Code”. The numbers within this symbol, ranging from 1 to 7, help identify the type of plastic and provide specific recycling instructions. It's important to note that the presence of the chasing arrows symbol does not necessarily indicate that the product is recyclable.
- PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate): This plastic is commonly used for soft drink bottles, mineral water containers, fruit juice containers, and cooking oil containers. It is easily recyclable and is often part of curbside recycling programs. It can be reused to create new bottles and jars, carpet, clothing, automotive parts, and more.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): HDPE is one of the most commonly used plastics in the United States. It is widely used for containers such as cleaning product bottles, milk cartons, detergents, and washing soap. HDPE sheets can be recycled into pipes, oil bottles, pens, and detergent bottles.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Plastic with the number 3 and the letter "V" is PVC. It is commonly found in bubble foils, trays for sweets and fruit, and expanded PVC foam boards for commercial applications. PVC is rarely recycled and is usually not part of curbside recycling programs. However, in rare instances, it can be recycled into speed bumps, roadway gutters, and cables.
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): LDPE plastic is identified by the number 4 and is often used for shopping bags, highly-resistant sacks, and crushed bottles. This type of plastic is not typically recycled but can be converted into floor tiles and shipping envelopes.
- PP (Polypropylene): Marked with the number 5, PP plastic is known for its durability, strength, and low weight. It is used in various products, including furniture, luggage, toys, and car parts. PP is increasingly accepted in curbside recycling programs.
- PS (Polystyrene): Styrene plastic, marked with the number 6, is commonly found in toys, hard packing, refrigerator trays, cosmetic bags, CD cases, and vending cups. PS is not widely accepted in curbside recycling programs, but it can be recycled into egg cartons, takeout containers, and rulers.
- OTHER: The number 7 symbol represents "other plastics" that don't fit into the previous categories. This includes acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic, polylactic fibers, nylon, and fiberglass. Acrylic and polycarbonate can be recycled and repurposed, but it's important to confirm with local recycling programs for other types of plastic marked with number 7.
By understanding these seven plastic recycling symbols and their respective meanings, you can make more informed choices about recycling and reducing your environmental impact.
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How to recycle plastic products and what to do with the packaging
Recycling plastic products and their packaging is a complex process, and it's important to understand the different types of plastics and their specific recycling requirements. Firstly, it's worth noting that not all plastic can be recycled, and some types are more commonly recycled than others. The seven plastic recycling symbols, known as the "chasing arrows" symbol, indicate the type of plastic and provide specific recycling instructions. Understanding these symbols is crucial for effective recycling.
The first step in recycling plastic products is to identify the type of plastic by looking for the resin identification code, which is the number enclosed within the "chasing arrows" symbol. Common types include PET (or PETE), HDPE, PVC, PP, PS, and polycarbonate. Each type has specific uses and recycling capabilities. For example, PET is commonly used for drink bottles and some food packaging, while HDPE is used for cleaning product bottles, milk cartons, and is widely recycled. PVC is found in bubble foils and trays, and PP is a popular packaging material used in furniture, toys, and car parts. PS, or polystyrene, is often used in disposable products like plates, cups, and trays, but it is not widely accepted in recycling programs.
To recycle plastic products, it is essential to separate different types of plastics and follow local guidelines. Some plastics are accepted in curbside recycling programs, while others may require drop-off at specific locations, such as retail stores or recycling centers. It is crucial to check with your local recycling entity, as guidelines can vary from place to place. Additionally, it is important to rinse recyclable packaging to prevent food residue from contaminating other materials.
When it comes to plastic packaging, it's important to separate the packaging into its components. For example, a bottle with a sleeve or film may require the sleeve to be removed before the bottle can be recycled. Plastic bags, wraps, and films are generally not accepted in curbside recycling but may be recycled at participating retail stores or recycling centers. These can gum up the works at recycling centers, so it is recommended to place recyclables directly into the curbside bin without using a plastic bag.
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The different types of plastic and their uses
The recycling symbol, with its "chasing arrows", is meant to help consumers identify the type of plastic used for a product and determine the appropriate disposal route. The small number inside the triangle is the Resin Identification Code (RIC), which falls into one of seven categories. The RIC system was introduced by the Society of the Plastics Industry in 1988 to "provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling of post-consumer plastics".
- PET or PETE: PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, and it is the most common type of plastic. It is used for beverage bottles, food bottles and jars, and fabrics due to its lightweight, strong, and typically transparent nature. It is easily recyclable and has a positive track record.
- HDPE: High-density polyethylene is the second most common type of plastic in the United States. It is used for containers of cleaning agents, milk, detergents, and other similar products. It is lightweight and strong, and it can be easily recycled into pipes, bottles, and other products.
- PVC: Polyvinyl chloride is the third most common type of plastic and comes in two forms: rigid and flexible. The rigid form is used in construction materials like doors, windows, and pipes, while the flexible form is used in plumbing, wiring, and electrical cable insulation.
- LDPE: Low-density polyethylene is a thinner and more flexible type of plastic compared to HDPE. It is used for shopping bags, plastic bags, and clear food containers.
- PP: Polypropylene is a flexible thermoplastic that is stronger than PE. It is durable, heat-resistant, and acid-resistant. PP is used for laboratory equipment, automotive parts, medical devices, and food containers.
- PS: Polystyrene is commonly used in toys, hard packing, refrigerator trays, cosmetic bags, CD cases, and vending cups. It is not widely accepted in curbside recycling programs but can be recycled into other products.
- Other: This group includes plastics that do not fall into the previous six categories, such as polycarbonate, acrylic, polylactic fibers, nylon, and fiberglass. Polycarbonate is known for its strength and toughness and is used in products like sunglasses, CDs, and mobile phones. Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass.
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How to identify the type of plastic and if it is recyclable
Plastic items are labelled with numbers 1 to 7, which are resin identification codes. These codes tell you what kind of plastic the material is made of and how it should be processed for recycling. However, it's important to note that these numbers do not necessarily indicate that a product is recyclable or will be accepted by your local recycling program.
Number 1: PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
This is the most frequently recycled type of plastic and is found in products like plastic bottles for water and soda, peanut butter jars, microwavable food trays, and salad dressing bottles. It is relatively easy to recycle, but some countries, like the US and China, have low recycling rates for PET.
Number 2: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is another commonly recycled plastic that is accepted at most recycling centres worldwide. It is versatile and has a low risk of leaching. You can find HDPE in milk jugs, juice bottles, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, some trash bags, and motor oil bottles. Check with your local recycling program to see if they accept HDPE.
Number 3: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is a challenging plastic to recycle due to its high chlorine content and hazardous additives. It is found in pipes, paneling, decking, fencing, credit cards, and medical equipment. To recycle PVC, it must be separated from other plastics.
Number 4: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
LDPE is used for plastic bags, shrink wrap, and plastic films. It can be recycled but may need to be taken to specialist points for proper disposal.
Number 5: PP (Polypropylene)
PP is a popular packaging material with a high melting point, making it suitable for hot liquids. It is found in syrup, ketchup, and medicine bottles, as well as bottle caps and straws. While PP is technically recyclable, it is difficult and expensive to recycle, and only a small percentage of it is actually recycled in the US.
Number 6: PS (Polystyrene)
PS can be made into rigid products or foam products like Styrofoam. It is used in disposable plates, cups, takeaway containers, and egg cartons. PS is difficult to recycle, and many curbside recycling programs do not accept it.
Number 7: Other
This category includes plastics that don't fit into the previous six categories, such as polycarbonates (PC) and multi-resin items. Examples include electronic equipment, glasses frames, and plastic toys. These plastics are generally tougher to recycle and may require specialist facilities.
To effectively recycle plastic items, it is essential to understand the recycling symbols and your local recycling guidelines. Different types of plastic have varying processing needs, and not all recycling centres accept all types of plastic. Always separate different types of plastics and packaging components before disposing of them to ensure proper recycling.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers inside the chasing arrows symbol represent the seven different types of plastic and their distinct recycling instructions.
The chasing arrows symbol, also known as the universal recycling symbol, does not necessarily mean the product is recyclable. It represents the concept of reduce, reuse, recycle.
The seven types of plastic are:
- PET or PETE/PETG (number 1) - used for drinks bottles and some food packaging
- HDPE (number 2) - used for cleaning product bottles, milk cartons, etc.
- PP (number 5) - used for medicine bottles, luggage, toys, etc.
- PS or polystyrene (number 6)
- Polycarbonate (number 7)
- PLA or polylactic acid (number 7)
Some examples of the recycling symbols on plastic are:
- PET or PETE/PETG (number 1) - used for drinks bottles and some food packaging
- HDPE (number 2) - used for cleaning product bottles, milk cartons, etc.
- PP (number 5) - used for medicine bottles, luggage, toys, etc.
- PS or polystyrene - commonly used in toys, hard packing, refrigerator trays, cosmetic bags, etc.
- Recycling symbols on plastic packaging - these indicate whether the packaging can be recycled or not and if it can be collected from your household recycling bins or needs to be taken to a local recycling centre
- Crossed-out wheelie bin symbol - found on electrical products, batteries, or their packaging, reminding you that these must be recycled through a recycling centre or retailer
