Maya Ellison
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, and it can be tricky to navigate the different types of plastics and their recyclability. The numbers on plastic products, known as resin identification codes, indicate the type of resin or plastic used and help identify how the product can be recycled. While these codes don't directly indicate whether a product is recyclable, they provide valuable information about the plastic's properties and safety. Understanding these codes can empower consumers to make more sustainable choices and properly sort their recyclables. With that said, it's important to consult local guidelines, as recycling programs and accepted materials can vary across different municipalities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Plastics | 7 |
| Number 1 Plastics | Polyethylene, lightweight bottles, water bottles, soda bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, food, health, cleaning, beauty bottles |
| Number 2 Plastics | Polyethylene, lightweight bottles, water bottles, soda bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, food, health, cleaning, beauty bottles |
| Number 3 Plastics | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), PVC pipes, plastic sheets, shower curtains, raincoats, children's toys |
| Number 4 Plastics | Low-density polyethylene, soft and flexible, grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, plastic food wrap, squeezable bottles |
| Number 5 Plastics | Polypropylene, flexible hard plastic, "clamshell" food containers, screw-on caps, butter tubs, food cups, yogurt containers |
| Number 6 Plastics | Polystyrene (Styrofoam), disposable cups and plates, meat trays |
| Number 7 Plastics | Acrylic, nylon, other plastic resins, CDs, DVDs, sunglasses, cellphone cases |
| Resin Identification Code | Indicates type of resin, safety of resin, and how the product might be recycled |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic resin content is indicated by numbers inside triangles
- Numbers 1 and 2 are widely accepted by most recycling centres
- Number 7 plastics are difficult to recycle and include CDs and DVDs
- HDPE plastics are commonly used for milk jugs and shampoo bottles
- LDPE plastics are used for grocery bags and can sometimes be recycled
Plastic resin content is indicated by numbers inside triangles
Plastic resin content is indicated by a number inside a triangle, known as a resin identification code or resin code. These codes were originally developed by The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), now known as The Plastics Industry Association, in 1988. The numbers inside the triangle indicate the type of plastic used in the product, with each number corresponding to a different type of plastic. There are seven standard classifications for plastics, from 1 to 7.
Products with a resin code of 1 are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) and are commonly used for soft drink, water, and juice bottles. These plastics are typically accepted by recycling programs. Type 2 plastics are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and are used for products such as milk and water jugs. Like type 1 plastics, they are frequently accepted by recycling centers.
Type 3 plastics are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are used in a variety of household products, including plastic tubing, kids' toys, and detergent bottles. Type 3 plastics are not typically accepted by recycling centers. Type 4 plastics are made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and are used for grocery bags, bread bags, and produce bags. Some recycling programs accept LDPE, but it is not always recycled.
Type 5 plastics are made from polypropylene (PP) and are commonly used for food containers, straws, and bottle caps. Recycling of PP products is accepted by some programs but is not universal. Type 6 plastics are made from polystyrene (PS) and are used for disposable cups, packing peanuts, and takeout containers. Some recycling programs accept PS, but it is not as commonly recycled as types 1 and 2.
Finally, type 7 plastics are made from mixed plastics and may contain bisphenol A, which has potential health risks, especially for pregnant women and children. These plastics are not commonly recycled, and it is recommended to avoid putting them in your recycling bin.
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Numbers 1 and 2 are widely accepted by most recycling centres
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, in part because consumers don’t know what types can be disposed of and how. The presence of a resin code doesn't necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. The number inside the triangle that counts, because each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. The numbers are resin identification codes that tell you what kind of plastic the material is made of.
However, it's important to note that not all plastics are recyclable, and the acceptability of certain plastics may vary depending on your local municipality's guidelines. For example, PVC products cannot be recycled, and PS products can sometimes be recycled but are often not accepted by local recycling programs.
It is always a good idea to check with your local recycling centre to understand what types of plastics they accept and to properly dispose of or recycle your plastic waste.
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Number 7 plastics are difficult to recycle and include CDs and DVDs
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven, to indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic. Generally, most recyclers accept plastics #1 and #2, which are considered safe for reuse. However, number 7 plastics are more difficult to recycle. This category includes products made of multiple plastic types or other types of plastic that can't easily be recycled.
CDs and DVDs are made of plastic, specifically polycarbonate plastic, which is classified as a number 7 or "other" plastic. They are usually made of a mixture of plastic resins, and without a specific resin identification code, recycling centres may struggle to know how they should be processed. As a result, your local curbside recycling program is unlikely to accept them.
CD cases, on the other hand, are typically made of plastic number 6, which some curbside recycling programs do accept. However, it is important to check with your local program before placing these in your recycling bin. If your recycler does accept the cases, be sure to remove any paper liners first (also recyclable) and plastic film (not recyclable).
If you have old CDs or DVDs that you want to recycle, you may need to find a nearby drop-off recycling centre that accepts them. They could fall into your municipality's e-waste category. Alternatively, there are companies such as GreenDisk that accept old media, where you can mail your CDs and DVDs to be recycled and reused for new products.
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HDPE plastics are commonly used for milk jugs and shampoo bottles
Plastic containers and bottles are often stamped with a number, known as a Resin Identification Code (RIC), which indicates the type of resin used to produce the plastic. These numbers range from 1 to 7 and are found inside a small triangle made of arrows. The presence of a RIC doesn't necessarily mean that the product can be recycled; it's the number inside the triangle that counts as each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. Generally, most recyclers accept plastics #1 and #2.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is a type of resin commonly used in plastic bottles and containers. It is often used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent bottles. HDPE is ideal for these products as it is strong enough to hold thicker liquids such as milk, shampoo, and conditioner, which are relatively heavy. Additionally, HDPE is lightweight, making it a suitable choice for these containers as it does not add much to the overall weight of the product.
HDPE is also known for its unique properties, which arise from its molecular structure. It has a low degree of branching, allowing it to withstand heavier loads and higher pressures. This feature makes it suitable for various applications, including piping and other outdoor uses. HDPE is also resistant to mould and extreme temperatures, enhancing its versatility and functionality across different industries.
HDPE products can be recycled. When HDPE reaches the end of its first life, it can be melted down and reused. This process involves heating the material until it becomes liquid, producing a resin that can be moulded into new products. Recycling HDPE is beneficial as it reduces the need for virgin resin in the production of new HDPE items, leading to reduced energy consumption and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
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LDPE plastics are used for grocery bags and can sometimes be recycled
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, and consumers often don't know which types can be recycled and in what way. The numbers inside the triangle symbol on plastic products indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic. LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a type of plastic that is widely used but not widely recycled. LDPE is known as plastic type #4 and is commonly used to make grocery bags, bread bags, food wrappings, squeezable bottles, and tops for plastic containers.
LDPE is technically recyclable, but it is not always accepted by recyclers. For example, in Massachusetts, plastic bags cannot be put into recycling bins because they can get tangled in the equipment at recycling facilities. However, grocery stores often collect these bags for proper recycling. In 2015, only 6.2% of LDPE generated that year was recycled, compared to recycling rates of 18.4% and 10.3% for plastics type #1 and #2, respectively.
LDPE can be recycled by collecting and sorting the plastic waste, cleaning it to remove impurities, and then melting it down to form pellets. These pellets can then be used to produce new products, such as trash bags and packaging material. Recycled LDPE is less expensive than virgin LDPE and can be used to create a wide range of products, from garbage cans to manufactured lumber. It also helps to conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease the amount of waste in landfills.
To increase the recycling rate of LDPE, consumers should properly dispose of their plastic waste by separating it from other types of waste and ensuring it is clean and free of contaminants. Individuals can also support LDPE recycling by purchasing products made from recycled LDPE and participating in local recycling programs.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers are resin identification codes that specify the type of resin used in the product, its safety, and how it might be recycled.
Plastics numbered 1 and 2 are widely accepted by most recycling centres. These plastics are made of polyethylene and include water bottles, soda bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and most bottles used for food, health, cleaning, or beauty products.
Polystyrene products, marked with the number 7, should be avoided as they are not generally recyclable and are often found in the stomachs of marine animals and on beaches. They are also linked to human health and reproductive system dysfunction.
Number 4 plastics, such as grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, and plastic food wrap, and number 5 plastics, such as butter tubs and yoghurt containers, are increasingly being recycled by municipalities, but many still do not accept them.
The chasing arrows symbol was designed in 1970 to indicate that a product was recyclable. However, it is important to note that the presence of this symbol or a resin code does not always mean a product can be recycled.
