Alexei Volkov
Plastic recycling can be a complicated and frustrating process, with less than 10% of the seven billion tons of plastic waste generated globally being recycled. When determining whether a plastic item is recyclable, most people look for the chasing arrows symbol. However, this symbol does not necessarily indicate that an item is recyclable. Instead, the numbers within the recycling triangles are what matter. These numbers are part of the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system and indicate the seven types of plastic resin used to create a product. Products labelled with the numbers one and two are the easiest to recycle, while the remaining numbers are more complicated for various reasons. For example, number six plastics are rarely accepted in recycling programs due to their breakability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of plastic types | 7 |
| Plastic with highest recycling rate | PET |
| Plastic with lowest recycling rate | PP |
| Plastic with highest recycling rate after PET | HDPE |
| Plastic that is never recycled | PVC |
| Plastic that is difficult to recycle | LDPE |
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What You'll Learn
The recycling symbol does not always indicate recyclability
The presence of a recycling symbol on a plastic product does not always indicate its recyclability. The recycling symbol, also known as the "chasing arrows" symbol, represents the concept of reduce, reuse, recycle. However, the symbol's primary purpose is to help identify the type of plastic used for the product.
The little number inside the triangle, known as the resin identification code, is what determines the recyclability of a plastic product. Each number, ranging from 1 to 7, corresponds to a different type of plastic, with some being more commonly recycled than others. For example, Type 1 plastic, or PETE, is commonly used for soft drink bottles and is widely recycled, while Type 6 plastic, or PS, used for takeaway boxes, is not easily recyclable.
It's important to note that the recyclability of a plastic product also depends on the capabilities of your local recycling facilities. Some types of plastic, such as LDPE (Type 4) and PVC (Type 3), are not always accepted by local recycling programs. Additionally, certain plastic products, like grocery bags, should not be placed in recycling bins as they can cause issues in the recycling equipment.
Furthermore, the absence of a recycling symbol on a product does not necessarily mean that it cannot be recycled. Some recyclable materials, such as glass and metal, do not always bear the recycling symbol but can still be recycled through the appropriate channels. It is always a good idea to check with your local recycling facility or consult your municipality's website for specific instructions on what can and cannot be recycled.
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Plastic numbered 1 is the most likely to be reprocessed
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, largely due to a lack of awareness about which types can be disposed of and in which ways. The presence of a resin code on a plastic product does not necessarily mean that it can be recycled; it is the number inside the triangle that indicates whether the plastic can be recycled or not. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic.
Plastics numbered 1 are the most likely to be reprocessed. Number 1 plastics, also known as PET or PETE, are used to make bottles for soda, water, and other drinks. They are also used to make cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and containers for other food items. Number 1 plastics are one of the most commonly recycled plastics and are easy to recycle. They are accepted in standard recycling bins. However, it is important to note that the acceptance of number 1 plastics in recycling bins may vary depending on local regulations and guidelines.
Number 2 plastics, or HDPE, are also among the most commonly recycled plastics. They are used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers, and detergent bottles. Like number 1 plastics, number 2 plastics are generally accepted in standard recycling bins.
On the other hand, plastics numbered 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are typically tougher to recycle and are not as widely accepted in local recycling programs. Number 4 plastics, for example, are often used for plastic bags, which can get tangled in recycling equipment and are therefore not recommended for standard recycling bins. Number 7 plastics are often made of multiple plastic types that are difficult to recycle.
While recycling is crucial for preventing plastic waste from ending up in landfills or harming the environment, it is essential to understand the specific recycling guidelines and symbols for different types of plastics.
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Plastic numbered 2 is half as likely to be reprocessed as number 1
Plastic recycling is a complex process, and consumers often struggle to understand the differences between plastic types and their recyclability. Plastic products are often stamped with resin codes or plastic recycling numbers, which are numbers between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. These codes provide information about the type of plastic and its potential recyclability. However, it's important to note that the presence of a resin code does not guarantee recyclability, as other factors come into play.
Plastics numbered 1 and 2 are the most commonly recyclable types and can be tossed into standard recycling bins. Type 1 plastic, also known as PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), is used for beverage bottles, food containers, and other everyday items. It is lightweight, inexpensive, and widely accepted at recycling plants, making it the most commonly recycled plastic globally.
On the other hand, plastic numbered 2, or HDPE (high-density polyethylene), is known for its high strength-to-density ratio and superb wear resistance. This type of plastic is safe and durable, withstanding heating and freezing conditions. While it is still recyclable, it is half as likely to be reprocessed as number 1 plastic. This could be due to various reasons, including the fact that type 2 plastic is used in applications where its durability and reliability are essential, such as sturdy bottles for cosmetics and household cleaners.
Other types of plastic, such as numbers 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, have varying levels of recyclability. For example, plastic number 3 (PVC) is not typically recyclable in normal collections, while plastic number 4 (LDPE), used for plastic bags, can sometimes be recycled but is often not accepted in curbside recycling bins due to tangling issues and low financial incentive. Numbers 6 and 7 plastics are generally not recycled. Additionally, certain plastics, like Styrofoam and plastic wrappings, are hard to recycle and require specialized handling.
Overall, while plastic numbered 2 is recyclable, it is less likely to be reprocessed than number 1 plastic due to its specific characteristics and applications. Understanding the recyclability of different plastic types is crucial for consumers to make informed choices and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Plastic numbered 6 is rarely recycled
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, with less than 10% of plastic waste generated worldwide ever being recycled. This is due to a variety of barriers, including a lack of awareness around the seven different plastic types and their distinct recycling processes.
Plastics are numbered and each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. These numbers are known as Plastic Resin Identification Codes and are indicated by a number, usually found with a triangle symbol on a container. The numbers range from 1 to 7, with some sources also mentioning a number 3 plastic.
Number 6 plastic is rarely recycled. This is because it is a polycarbonate plastic, which has been linked to health concerns due to the presence of bisphenol A (BPA), a possible hormone disruptor. As a result, it is advisable to avoid using containers marked with number 6, especially when microwaving food or beverages.
In addition to number 6, other types of plastic that are difficult to recycle include numbers 3, 4, 5, and 7. Number 3 plastic, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is not recyclable in normal collections. Number 4 plastic, or low-density polyethylene (LDPE), is technically recyclable but is often not accepted by municipalities due to the risk of tangling in recycling machinery. Number 5 plastic is also challenging to recycle and may not be processed by some recycling centers. Number 7 plastic is the most difficult to recycle and is almost always excluded.
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Plastic numbered 7 is almost never recycled
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle. This is partly because consumers don't know which types can be disposed of and how. Most recycling symbols feature the Mobius symbol with a number inside, usually 1 through 7, which is the symbol for Plastic Resin Identification Codes. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic.
Plastics numbered 7 are almost never recycled. This is because products stamped with a 7 are often made of multiple types of plastic or other types of plastic that are hard to recycle. Polycarbonate is a #7 plastic and is a clear, hard plastic that has been shown to include bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor. Other substitutes, such as BPS and BPF, may also disrupt endocrine function. PLA (polylactic acid), which is made from plants and is carbon-neutral, also falls into the #7 category.
While recycling rates have increased in almost every country, plastic recycling still has a long way to go to reach levels of reuse of materials such as aluminium and glass. Less than 10% of plastic waste generated worldwide has ever been recycled. One of the barriers to recycling plastic is a lack of awareness around the seven plastic recycling symbols, each of which represents a different type of plastic and distinct recycling instructions.
To recycle plastic effectively, it is important to research and understand your town's legislation and rules for recycling so that you know what can and cannot be recycled in certain bins.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers 1-7 on plastic items are Plastic Resin Identification Codes, which indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic.
Generally, plastics numbered 1 and 2 are accepted by most recyclers. Plastics numbered 3-6 are more difficult to recycle and may not be accepted by some recycling centres. Plastic numbered 7 is almost never recycled.
Plastics numbered 1 are typically made of PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), which is used for beverage bottles, cooking oil containers, and peanut butter jars. Plastics numbered 2 are usually HDPE, which is used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and cleaning product containers. Both types are accepted by most recycling programs.
Plastics numbered 3-6 are generally tougher to recycle. Plastic numbered 3, or PVC, is used for plastic tubing, kids' toys, and plastic trays. Plastic numbered 4, or LDPE, is used for plastic bags, grocery bags, and bread bags. Plastic numbered 5 is PP, which is used for margarine and yogurt containers, and potato chip bags. Plastic numbered 6 is PS, which is used for disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, and to-go containers.
