Sofia Martinez
Plastic waste is a pressing issue, with 8 million tonnes dumped into our oceans annually. As companies move towards sustainability, consumers are increasingly opting for recycled plastics. Recyclability depends on the type of plastic, identified by a numbered triangle symbol. These symbols are known as Plastic Identification Codes or SPI codes. In Australia, there is conflicting information on which plastics are accepted by kerbside collection, and it may depend on the state or council area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of distinct plastic families | 7 |
| Plastic Identification Code | Numbers inside a triangle |
| Recyclable plastics | 1, 2, 3, 5 |
| Non-recyclable plastics | 4, 6, 7 |
| Plastic with higher recycling symbol number | Less chance of being recycled |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic Identification Code: numbered triangle symbol classifying plastic type
- Recycling Numbers: seven types of plastic, higher the number, the less likely to be recycled
- HDPE: second recycling number, milk jugs, detergent containers, recycled into picnic tables
- PVC: derived from polyvinyl chloride, found in plumbing pipes, toxic, avoid food use
- Recyclability: determined by SPI code, or recycling number, not all plastics with codes are recyclable
Plastic Identification Code: numbered triangle symbol classifying plastic type
The numbers inside the triangle symbol on plastic products are called the Plastic Identification Code. They classify the type of plastic material and are known as the plastic's recycling number or code.
There are seven distinct families of plastic for recycling purposes, and manufacturers usually print the recycling symbol number on plastic items. The seven types of plastic are:
- PET (Soft drink bottles)
- HDPE (Milk and cream bottles, detergent containers, and some plastic bags)
- PVC (#3) or Polyvinyl Chloride (Plumbing pipes, windows, cooking oil and shampoo bottles)
- LDPE (Not recycled in kerbside collection)
- PP (Not recycled in kerbside collection)
- PS (Not recycled in kerbside collection)
- Other (May include multiple types of resin; not recycled in kerbside collection)
It is important to note that the Plastic Identification Code does not signify that an item is recyclable. The higher the number, the less likely it is that the plastic product can be recycled in local waste facilities. Only packaging and containers with the symbols 1, 2, 3, and 5 are accepted in the recycling bin.
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Recycling Numbers: seven types of plastic, higher the number, the less likely to be recycled
Plastic is divided into seven distinct types or families, each with its own recycling symbol and instructions. These symbols are known as the Plastic Identification Code, Resin Code, or SPI Code, and they classify the type of plastic material. The presence of a resin code does not necessarily indicate recyclability; rather, it is the number inside the triangle that matters because each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. The higher the number, the less likely it is to be recycled.
Type 1 plastics, or PET/PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), are the most common form of plastic for single-use bottled beverages. They are also used for cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and other food containers. PET/PETE products can be recycled. Type 2 plastics, or HDPE (high-density polyethylene), are used for milk and cream bottles, detergent containers, plastic shopping bags, and some plastic bags. HDPE products can be recycled, and recyclers often turn them into plastic lumbers, bed liners, and picnic tables.
Type 3 plastics, or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), are derived from polyvinyl chloride and are used for plumbing pipes, windows, and sometimes cooking oil and shampoo bottles. PVC products cannot be recycled through standard methods and require specialised recycling programmes to process them into flooring and panelling. Type 4 plastics are commonly used for produce and grocery bags, but they should not be put into recycling bins as they can damage equipment at recycling facilities. Type 5 plastics, or PP (polypropylene), have a high melting point and are often used for containers holding hot liquids, such as yogurt containers, syrup and medicine bottles, caps, and straws. PP products can sometimes be recycled through some curbside programs.
Type 6 plastics, or PS (polystyrene), are used for disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers. PS products can sometimes be recycled. Type 7 plastics are often made of multiple plastic types or other hard-to-recycle plastics, such as Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap. These plastics require specialised handling and are not commonly recycled.
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HDPE: second recycling number, milk jugs, detergent containers, recycled into picnic tables
HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is the second type of plastic in the seven distinct families of plastic. It is identified by the number 2 symbol, which is a 2 inside the chasing arrows. HDPE is a very durable, robust, and widely used plastic that can be found in most homes. It is also relatively easy to recycle and is accepted at most recycling centres.
HDPE is commonly used to make milk jugs, detergent containers, shampoo bottles, and some plastic bags. It is considered a safe form of plastic, and recyclers often turn it into plastic lumbers, bed liners, and picnic tables. Recycling HDPE is beneficial as it reduces the overall cost of the manufacturing process and helps the environment by reducing the amount of plastic going into landfill.
While HDPE can be recycled, it is important to note that not all recycling centres accept all types of plastic. In Australia, there is conflicting information about which plastics can be recycled through kerbside collection, and it sometimes depends on the state or council area. Therefore, it is essential to check with your local council or recycling centre to confirm which types of plastic they accept.
When recycling HDPE, it is important to separate it from other types of plastic. HDPE should not be placed in the same recycling bin as other plastics, as different types of plastic have different recycling processes. Additionally, some forms of HDPE, such as plastic bags, should not be placed in kerbside recycling bins as they can get tangled in the equipment at recycling facilities. Instead, plastic bags made of HDPE can be recycled at supermarkets with REDcycle bins.
By recycling HDPE, we can give this plastic a new life and put it back into use, reducing the need to deplete our natural resources. Recycled HDPE can be moulded into an array of attractive styles and colours, making it a popular choice for picnic tables and other outdoor furnishings.
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PVC: derived from polyvinyl chloride, found in plumbing pipes, toxic, avoid food use
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a type of plastic derived from crude oil and salt. It is a synthetic resin with polar chlorine atoms, making it different from other plastics. PVC is used in a variety of products, including plumbing pipes, windows, cooking oil bottles, and shampoo bottles. It is also found in some food packaging and children's toys.
In Australia, PVC is marked with the number 3 as part of the Plastic Identification Code or recycling numbers. These numbers are not recycling symbols but instead classify the type of plastic material. While PVC can be recycled, it requires specialised programs to process it into products like flooring and panelling.
PVC has been identified as a potentially harmful substance, particularly when used for water pipes. This is because it contains chemical additives, some of which are toxic to humans. For example, burning PVC pipes can release toxic compounds such as benzene, carbon monoxide, and vinyl chloride, which is a known human carcinogen.
Due to the potential health risks, it is recommended to avoid using PVC products for food or drink purposes. In particular, the use of PVC pipes for drinking water has been questioned, as chemicals from the pipes can leach into the water, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can be harmful to children and developing fetuses. The production of PVC has also been associated with negative health and environmental impacts, often taking place in low-income communities and communities of colour.
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Recyclability: determined by SPI code, or recycling number, not all plastics with codes are recyclable
The recyclability of plastic is determined by its SPI code or recycling number. However, it is important to note that not all plastics with these codes are recyclable. The SPI code, also known as the Plastic Identification Code, is the numbered triangle on plastic products that indicates the type of plastic material. While these codes provide information about the type of plastic, they do not necessarily indicate recyclability.
There are seven distinct types of plastic, each with its own recycling code. These codes are used to classify and sort plastic items during the recycling process. The higher the recycling symbol number, the less likely it is that the plastic product can be recycled in local waste facilities. For example, plastics with the codes 1, 2, 3, and 5 are commonly accepted in recycling bins, while soft or "scrunchable" plastics are generally not recyclable and should be disposed of in the landfill bin.
Some common examples of recyclable plastics include PET (soft drink bottles) with the code 1, HDPE (milk and cream bottles, detergent containers) with the code 2, and PVC (#3) found in plumbing pipes, windows, and some shampoo bottles. Recyclers turn HDPE into items like plastic lumbers, bed liners, and picnic tables. PVC requires specialised recycling to process it into flooring and panelling.
It is worth noting that the recyclability of plastic can vary depending on the state or council area in Australia. Some councils may have specific guidelines or restrictions on the types of plastic they accept for recycling. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with local waste management guidelines or recycling centres to understand the specific recyclability of different plastic items in your area.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers on plastic indicate the type of plastic the product is made from. There are seven types of plastic, and manufacturers usually print the recycling symbol number on the product.
Only plastic packaging and containers with the symbols 1, 2, 3, and 5 are accepted in the recycling bin in Australia. The higher the recycling symbol number, the less likely the plastic product can be recycled in local waste facilities.
Some examples of plastic recycling codes are:
- PET (soft drink bottles)
- HDPE (milk and cream bottles, detergent containers, and plastic bags)
- PVC (#3) derived from Polyvinyl Chloride and found in plumbing pipes, windows, cooking oil, and shampoo bottles
