Chloe Zhang
Plastic is everywhere, and while recycling it is complex, it is critical to improving the environment and bettering waste management solutions. There are seven types of plastic, ranging from 1 to 7, with 7 being 'other'. Each type of plastic has a different composition, usage, and disposal method. The most widely recycled plastic globally is PET, which is often found in plastic bottles. However, some countries are struggling to reach decent recycling rates. Other types of plastic, like LDPE, are more challenging to recycle. Understanding the recycling symbols on plastic products is essential for effective recycling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic types | PETE or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), Polycarbonate |
| Plastic categories | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Recyclability | PET is the most widely recycled plastic in the world. HDPE is the most commonly recycled plastic in the world. LDPE is still quite difficult to recycle. PP is gradually becoming more accepted by recyclers. PVC is seldom recycled. Plastics numbered 6 and 7 are never recycled. |
| Recycling process | Mechanical recycling, chemical recycling |
| Recycling symbols | Each of the seven plastic recycling symbols represents a different type of plastic and distinct recycling instructions. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic resin codes
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): This type of plastic is widely recycled and often used for clear plastic bottles. It has a glossy finish and good chemical resistance. PET can be recycled into polyester fabric for clothing, filling for fleeces, carpets and cushion fillings. It is also one of the few plastics that can be recycled into the same form, such as new beverage bottles.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is another commonly recycled plastic, known for its durability and resistance to most solvents. It is frequently used for cleaning or personal care products and milk bottles.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is a durable plastic that is resistant to sunlight, water, and other harsh conditions.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE is a type of plastic commonly used in shrink wrap and plastic bags.
- Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene is often used in packaging and industrial applications, such as plastic lumbers, park benches, and auto parts. Recycled PP usually ends up being black or grey, making it unsuitable for clear packaging.
- Polystyrene (PS): Polystyrene is used in a variety of products, including food containers, disposable cups, and packaging materials like foam peanuts.
- Other Plastics: This category includes bioplastics, composite plastics (like crisp wrappers), plastic-coated wrapping paper, and polycarbonate (which contains BPA). Plastics with a resin code of 7 are not typically recycled in standard collections.
It is important to note that the presence of a resin code on plastic packaging does not guarantee that it is recyclable. The recyclability of a plastic product depends on various factors, including the availability of recycling facilities and the economic feasibility of the process.
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PET plastics
PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a clear, durable, and versatile plastic that is the most widely recycled and recyclable plastic in the world, including in the United States. It is also one of the few polymers that can be recycled into the same form, with recycled PET (rPET) being a highly sought-after material. Using rPET instead of new plastic reduces environmental impact by lowering total energy consumption and limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
PET is most commonly used for beverage bottles, which are designed to be 100% recyclable. In many countries, PET bottles are recycled to a large degree, with Switzerland recycling about 75% of them. The prime uses for recycled PET are polyester fibre, strapping, and non-food containers. PET is also increasingly being used as a construction material in third-world countries. For example, plastic bottles can be filled with sand and stacked, then mudded or cemented together to form a wall.
In addition to being recycled into new bottles, PET can be recycled into a variety of other products, including clothing, backpacks, carpets, rugs, playground equipment, and dog beds. In fact, a substantial part of PET plastic is recycled into fashion items. This involves transforming PET into flakes, which can then be spun as a yarn. PET is also used in the textile industry, often blended with cotton as a heat insulation layer.
PET is a thermoplastic, which means it can be re-melted and re-molded. It is also known for its excellent combination of properties, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance, as well as dimensional stability. One process for making PET uses bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, which can be synthesized through an esterification reaction between terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. Another way to make PET is by recycling PET itself.
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HDPE plastics
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. It is one of the most versatile plastic materials and is used in a wide variety of applications. It has a high strength-to-density ratio, tensile strength, and large strength-to-density ratio, making it ideal for products that require strong, lightweight materials.
HDPE is commonly used in the production of plastic bottles, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, milk jugs, cutting boards, food storage containers, and piping. It is also used in geomembranes, plastic lumber, chemical drums, and kayaks. One of the benefits of HDPE is its high malleability, which makes it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to heavier materials.
HDPE is easily recyclable and is accepted at most recycling centres worldwide. It has a resin identification code of 2 and can be recycled into new products such as fashion items, carpets, and construction materials. Recycling HDPE helps keep non-biodegradable waste out of landfills and reduces plastic production by up to 50%.
However, it is important to note that not all plastic products are recyclable. Some plastics are hard to recycle, such as crisp packets, salad bags, plastic wrap, and Styrofoam. These plastics may require specialized handling or may not be accepted by standard recycling bins or centres. It is always good to check with local waste management providers to understand which plastics are accepted for recycling in your area.
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LDPE plastics
LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a lightweight, flexible, and soft plastic. It is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene and was the first grade of polyethylene, produced in 1933. LDPE is widely used for manufacturing various containers, dispensing bottles, plastic bags, and tubing. It is also used in the medical field for orthotics and prosthetics.
LDPE is known for its low-temperature flexibility, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It has high chemical and impact resistance and is easy to fabricate and form. However, it is not suitable for applications requiring stiffness, high-temperature resistance, or structural strength. LDPE is identified by a number 4 in a triangle, usually on the bottom or side of the item.
LDPE is one of the most complex plastics to recycle. It is estimated that only 5.7% of LDPE is recycled in the United States. LDPE can be recycled, but it is not as commonly recycled as other plastics, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or HDPE (high-density polyethylene). The recycling symbol for LDPE is the number 4 within a triangle, which is known as the resin identification code.
Despite its recyclability, LDPE is not always accepted by recycling programs due to its low density. Its lower density also means that it breaks down more easily than other plastics, which can lead to the production of greenhouse gases. Therefore, while LDPE can be recycled, it is important to check with local recycling guidelines to ensure it is accepted in your area.
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PP plastics
PP, or polypropylene, is a thermoplastic polymer that is widely used for a variety of applications. It is one of the most popular plastic packaging materials globally and can be found in everything from bottle caps and straws to disposable diapers and food containers. Despite its popularity, only about 1-3% of PP is recycled in the US, with the rest ending up in landfills.
The low recycling rate of PP can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, polypropylene recycling is difficult and expensive, and it can be challenging to remove the smell of the product the plastic contained. Additionally, recycled PP typically ends up being black or grey, making it unsuitable for packaging use. As a result, recycled PP is often used in industrial applications such as plastic lumbers, park benches, auto parts, and speed bumps.
To recycle PP properly, it is essential to follow specific protocols. Polypropylene bags, for instance, must be collected, sorted, shredded, separated by colour, and then compounded for effective processing. The recycling of PP is crucial for minimizing waste and protecting the environment. Recycled PP can be transformed into various products, including fibres for clothing, industrial materials, and kitchenware, battery cables, cases, and broom fibres.
It is important to note that some PP products with metal components may be rejected at metal detectors or removed by magnets during the recycling process, resulting in them being sent to waste streams instead of being recycled. Additionally, fillers, pigments, and additives used with PP can increase the density of the resulting blend, causing it to sink in float-sink tanks and be lost as waste.
While recycling PP can be challenging, it is not impossible. By implementing proper sorting and collection methods, as well as working with specialized recyclers, PP can be given a new life and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
There are seven different types of plastic used around the world, ranging from 1 to 7, with 7 being 'other'. These numbers are known as resin codes, or SPI codes, and they indicate the type of plastic a product is made of. The lower the resin code, the more likely the plastic is to be easily recyclable.
The most widely recycled plastic in the world is PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate). It is found in beverage bottles, perishable food containers, and mouthwash. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is another commonly recycled plastic, often used for milk jugs, yoghurt tubs, and cleaning product containers. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is also recyclable but can be more difficult to recycle. It is often used for plastic bags and wrap, as well as frozen food containers. PP (Polypropylene) is another recyclable plastic, but it is often thrown away.
Plastic categories 6 and 7 are never recycled. Some other non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper, and polycarbonate. Other hard-to-recycle plastics include Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, which require specialised handling.
