Alexei Volkov
The 'chasing arrows' triangle symbol on plastic products indicates the type of plastic used for the product and does not signify recyclability. The number within the triangle ranges from one to seven, with numbers one and two being the most recyclable. Number one plastic, or PET, is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products and is found in most water and pop bottles, and some packaging. Number two plastic, or HDPE, is commonly found in butter/yoghurt containers, milk jugs, and juice bottles. Number three plastic is PVC, which is usually recycled into panelling, flooring, cables, and decks. Number four plastic, or LDPE, is commonly found in shopping bags and squeezable bottles. Number six plastic, or PS, is frequently found in aspirin bottles, egg cartons, and CD cases. Number seven plastic is miscellaneous and sometimes found in DVD cases and bullet-proof materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Chasing arrows |
| Purpose | To identify the type of plastic used for the product |
| Recyclable | Only if the number inside the triangle is 1 or 2 |
| Numbers | Range from 1 to 7 |
| Number 1 | PET, one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products |
| Number 2 | HDPE or high-density polyethylene |
| Number 3 | PVC or polyvinyl chloride |
| Number 4 | LDPE or low-density polyethylene |
| Number 6 | PS or polystyrene |
| Number 7 | Miscellaneous, sometimes used for DVD cases and bulletproof materials; also used for compostable plastics made from bio-based polymers |
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What You'll Learn
The chasing arrows triangle is not the recycling symbol
The "chasing arrows" triangle symbol on plastic containers is not the recycling symbol. It is a resin identification code that tells you what kind of plastic the product is made of. The chasing arrows symbol was designed by Gary Anderson, a 23-year-old architecture student at the University of Southern California in 1970. He entered a design contest sponsored by a box manufacturer for a logo to promote the recycling of paper and won the contest. The logo became international shorthand for repurposing waste materials.
The chasing arrows triangle with a number inside is an unregulated symbol that anyone can use. It does not mean that the product is made from recycled plastic or that it will be recycled if it is placed in a recycling bin. The number inside the triangle identifies the type of plastic resin used in the product. This helps determine the appropriate management route for plastics. For example, plastics numbered 1 and 2 are commonly accepted for recycling at most Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), while plastic numbered 3 may be recycled and used in flooring, mud flaps, or paneling.
The chasing arrows symbol can be confusing for consumers because it looks similar to the recycling symbol. This confusion can lead to contaminated recycling, as people may mistakenly believe that a product with the chasing arrows symbol is recyclable when it is not. It is important for consumers to check their local recycling guidelines to determine which types of plastic are accepted for recycling in their area.
While the chasing arrows symbol is not the recycling symbol, it does provide valuable information about the type of plastic a product is made of. This information can help consumers make more informed choices about the products they purchase and how to properly dispose of or recycle them.
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It identifies the type of plastic used
The triangle symbol, also known as the "chasing arrows", on plastic products is not the recycling symbol. Instead, it identifies the type of plastic used for the product. Each chasing arrows triangle contains a number ranging from one to seven, indicating the seven standard classifications for plastics. For example, a triangle with a three indicates that the product is made from polyvinyl chloride, while a triangle with a five means the product is made from polypropylene. These two materials are not accepted by most public recycling centres.
The numbers within the chasing arrows triangle are also known as "resin identification codes" or "resin ID codes". For instance, number two (2) is HDPE or high-density polyethylene, commonly found in butter/yogurt containers, milk jugs, detergent or household cleaner bottles, and juice bottles. HDPE is considered one of the safest forms of plastic and is the most commonly recycled plastic. Number four (4) is LDPE or low-density polyethylene, which is found in shopping bags, some plastic bags, and squeezable bottles. LDPE is reusable but not always recyclable and is not accepted by many recycling centres. Number six (6) is PS or polystyrene, frequently found in aspirin bottles, egg cartons, and CD cases.
The chasing arrows triangle symbol used to help sorters when recycling was done by hand. Even though recycling is now largely done by machines, the symbol is still required by many states. However, it can confuse people because it resembles the recycling symbol. This has led to contaminated recycling, with people mistakenly believing that their waste is being recycled when it may not be recyclable at all.
Therefore, it is important to understand the seven plastic codes to make informed choices about plastic usage and recycling. For example, plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2, and #4 are safer choices and do not contain BPA. On the other hand, #7 plastics are not for reuse unless they have the PLA compostable coding and are best avoided, especially for children's food.
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If it's not #1 or #2, it's probably not recyclable
The “chasing arrows” triangle symbol on plastic containers is not the recycling symbol. It is a resin identification code that indicates the type of plastic the product is made of. This was useful when recycling was done by hand, as it helped sorters identify the type of plastic. However, now that recycling is largely done by machines, this symbol often confuses people, leading to contaminated recycling batches.
The chasing arrows triangle with a number inside is known as a Resin Identification Code. If the number in the triangle is not #1 or #2, it might be recyclable in a specialized facility but probably does not belong in your regular recycling bin. This is a general rule of thumb, and recycling capabilities can vary based on location. It is always good to check your local recycling guidelines.
Plastics with the resin identification code #1 are called PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) and are the most common type of plastic for single-use bottled beverages. They are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to recycle, although recycling rates remain relatively low at around 20%. Products with this code can be found in soft drink bottles, water bottles, ketchup bottles, beer bottles, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter containers, salad dressing containers, and vegetable oil containers.
Plastics with the code #2 are called HDPE or high-density polyethylene. They are commonly found in butter containers, yogurt containers, milk jugs, juice bottles, detergent bottles, and household cleaner bottles. HDPE is considered one of the safest forms of plastic and can be easily recycled into plastic lumber, more bottles, or drainage pipes.
While #1 and #2 plastics can be recycled at almost every recycling center, plastics with codes #3, #6, and #7 usually cannot be recycled at most centers. Some recycling centers can process plastics labeled #4 and #5, but it is recommended to call your local center to confirm.
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#7 plastics are not for reuse
The "'chasing arrows' triangle symbol on plastic products is not the recycling symbol. Instead, it is a resin identification code that indicates the type of plastic the product is made of. These codes range from numbers 1 to 7, with numbers 1 and 2 being the most recyclable, and number 7 plastics being the most difficult to recycle.
Number 7 plastics are often made from multiple types of plastic or other hard-to-recycle plastics. This includes materials like Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap. These plastics require specialized handling and are not accepted by all recycling centres. Therefore, it is important to check with local recycling guidelines before attempting to recycle number 7 plastics.
The difficulty in recycling number 7 plastics also stems from the fact that they are often contaminated by food or other substances, making the resins not clean enough to be reused. Additionally, small quantities of these plastics may not be economical to recycle due to the high costs and low efficiencies of operating recycling facilities.
While number 7 plastics may be challenging to recycle, it is important to explore alternatives to landfill disposal. Plastic waste can often be repurposed or reused, diverting it from landfills for a period of time. For example, plastic bags can be reused multiple times before disposal, and other types of plastic can be recycled into new products with specialized treatment.
Overall, while number 7 plastics may not be suitable for reuse in their current form, they can still have value and be diverted from landfills through proper waste management and recycling practices.
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Plastics with recycling labels #1, #2 and #4 are safer choices
The "'chasing arrows'" triangle symbol on plastic products is known as a resin identification code, and it indicates the type of plastic the product is made of. The number within the triangle, ranging from one to seven, corresponds to a different type of plastic. While the triangle symbol may resemble the recycling logo, it does not necessarily indicate that the product can be recycled.
Plastics with recycling labels #1, #2, and #4 are considered safer choices. These plastics are less likely to contain harmful chemicals such as BPA, which can migrate into food and drinks, especially when heated.
#1 plastic, or PET (or PETE), is commonly used for water and soda bottles, cooking oil containers, and food packaging. While it can be recycled, it should not be reused, and it should be stored in a cool environment.
#2 plastic, or HDPE, is considered one of the safest forms of plastic. It is often used for milk jugs, detergent and oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags. HDPE is the most commonly recycled plastic and can be cost-effectively recycled for secondary use.
#4 plastic, or LDPE, is commonly found in shopping bags and squeezable bottles. While it can be recycled, it should not be placed in recycling bins as it can get tangled in the equipment at recycling facilities.
It is important to note that while #1, #2, and #4 plastics are considered safer, all plastic products can potentially leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged. Therefore, it is recommended to use alternative materials like metal or glass whenever possible. Additionally, understanding the different types of plastics and their recyclability can help minimize health and disposal issues associated with plastic use.
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Frequently asked questions
The triangle, also known as the "chasing arrows", is a symbol that tells you what kind of plastic the product is made of.
Within the triangle, there is a number ranging from one to seven. If the number is 1 or 2, it is likely recyclable. Numbers 3 to 7 are probably not recyclable and may be rejected by public recycling centres.
Number 1 plastic is called PET and is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products. Number 2 plastic is called HDPE or high-density polyethylene and is considered one of the safest forms of plastic.
Number 3 plastic is made from polyvinyl chloride and is often used for cooking oil, shampoo and window cleaner bottles. Number 4 plastic is LDPE or low-density polyethylene, commonly found in shopping bags and squeezable bottles. Number 6 plastic is PS or polystyrene, found in aspirin bottles, egg cartons and CD cases. Number 7 plastic is miscellaneous and may include compostable plastics.
