Omar Khalid
Plastic products are often stamped with a number inside a triangle, known as a resin code or resin identification code (RIC). These codes indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic and range from numbers one to seven. While the presence of a resin code does not necessarily mean that the product can be recycled, these codes can help us determine the recyclability of a product.
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What You'll Learn
- PET/PETE/PET 1: recyclable, used for soda and water bottles, cooking oil containers, etc
- HDPE 2: recyclable, used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent containers, etc
- PVC 3: non-recyclable, used for plastic food wrapping, sewage pipes, synthetic window frames, etc
- LDPE 4: sometimes recyclable, used for grocery bags, cling film, plastic dry cleaner covers, etc
- PP 5: sometimes recyclable, used for yoghurt containers, straws, rope, carpet, etc
PET/PETE/PET 1: recyclable, used for soda and water bottles, cooking oil containers, etc
PET, PETE, or PET 1 is a common, widely recycled plastic, known for its clarity, lightweight, and strength. It is one of the most commonly used plastics in the world, making up more than 10% of global plastic production. It is also one of the most widely recycled plastics, with a simple recycling process that can be done onshore. Clear PET has one of the highest recycling market values, as it can be turned into products of similar quality and form, and recycled multiple times.
PET is a type of polyester, while PETE is a type of polyethylene. They are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two. PETE is known for its clarity and strength, and is widely used in bottles for beverages, food, and personal care products. It is also used for packaging and containers for food items such as soda, water, cooking oil, peanut butter, and other drinks and food products.
Recycling PET/PETE 1 is a straightforward process. First, the plastic is collected and sorted by type. Then, it is cleaned and crushed into small pieces called "flakes" or "pellets." These flakes or pellets are then melted and formed into new products. Recycling PET/PETE 1 plastic requires less energy and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than creating new plastic.
In some places, such as Massachusetts, recycling PET/PETE 1 containers is mandatory. It can be recycled curbside, in a local recycling center, or in a bottle bill depot in countries and states with container deposit laws. However, it is important to note that not all recycling programs accept all types of polyethylene, so it is essential to check with local guidelines.
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HDPE 2: recyclable, used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent containers, etc
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. The presence of a resin code doesn't necessarily mean that the product can be recycled—it's the number inside the triangle that indicates whether the plastic can be recycled.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is one of the most widely recycled plastics in the world and is used in a lot of non-food containers. It is a durable, hard plastic that can withstand most solvents and is resistant to corrosive chemicals. Because of these properties, it is most commonly used for cleaning or personal care products. It is also used for milk bottles, which are the single biggest HDPE package.
HDPE is lightweight, shatterproof, and can be coloured in virtually any colour. It is compatible with most acid and alkaline solutions but has limited compatibility with solvents. The minimum continuous operating temperature for HDPE bottles is -50°C.
HDPE products are used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent containers, bleach bottles, motor oil bottles, and cosmetic product bottles. They can be recycled into recycling bins, plastic lumber, picnic tables, pipes, crates, and non-food bottles.
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PVC 3: non-recyclable, used for plastic food wrapping, sewage pipes, synthetic window frames, etc
Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, is one of the oldest synthetic materials in industrial production. It was discovered in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann and became a popular material in the late 1920s. Some of the first products made from PVC were golf balls and shoe heels, but it soon found its way into a wide range of consumer goods, including raincoats, shower curtains, and pipes.
PVC is a soft, flexible plastic, so it is used for a huge array of household products. Plastic tubing, kids' toys, plastic trays, and furniture are often made out of PVC. It is also used for plastic food wrapping, sewage pipes, synthetic window frames, and more.
PVC is difficult to recycle and is not usually accepted by curbside recycling programs. This is because it contains chlorine, which creates toxic dioxin when burned in incinerators. As a result, very little PVC is collected and processed in recycling facilities. However, some specialist recyclers can recycle certain types of PVC, such as the Recofloor vinyl flooring take-back scheme in the UK, Ireland, and Australia.
To reduce your impact on the environment, it is best to limit your consumption of PVC products. Avoid flexible plastics, stay away from products with plastic #3 symbols, and look for home renovation products that are vinyl-free.
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LDPE 4: sometimes recyclable, used for grocery bags, cling film, plastic dry cleaner covers, etc
LDPE, or plastic number 4, is low-density polyethylene, a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. It is identified by the number 4 symbol and is easily recyclable. LDPE is both durable and flexible, and it resists acids, bases, and oils. It also does not release harmful chemicals, making it a safe choice for food storage.
LDPE is often used for grocery bags, cling film, and plastic dry cleaner covers. It is also used for plastic wrappings, newspaper bags, sliced bread loaf bags, and fresh produce bags. It is important to note that while LDPE is recyclable, soft forms of LDPE should be recycled at specialist soft plastic recycling drop-off locations. Additionally, grocery stores often collect plastic bags for proper recycling as they can get tangled in equipment at regular recycling facilities.
To reduce your use of LDPE, you can opt for reusable grocery bags, buy concentrated cleaners that can be diluted, or make your own cleaners and condiments. LDPE is also used in some industrial applications such as electrical insulation, adhesives, and sealants. It is also used in the automotive industry for car panels due to its lightweight and easily moldable properties.
LDPE is one of the safer plastics, and recycling it is encouraged. However, it is always good to check with your local recycling program to ensure they accept LDPE.
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PP 5: sometimes recyclable, used for yoghurt containers, straws, rope, carpet, etc
PP 5, or polypropylene, is sometimes recyclable and has a variety of applications, including food and drink packaging. Its resistance to heat, chemicals, and water makes it ideal for yoghurt containers, straws, and bottle caps. It is also used for other types of food packaging, such as margarine and syrup bottles. PP 5 is a versatile plastic with excellent mechanical properties due to its low friction and easy weldability. It is utilised in automotive parts, such as bumpers and interior trims, as well as in battery trays and cases. Additionally, PP 5 is used in rope production, carpet manufacturing, and clothing.
PP 5 has some drawbacks, such as poor adhesion, making it unsuitable for gluing or painting. It is also not recommended for high-temperature applications and can become brittle at low temperatures. Despite these limitations, PP 5 is highly recyclable, capable of being recycled up to six times. However, currently, only about 1% of PP 5 plastic is recycled. In New Zealand, however, there is a demand for PP 5 in recycling.
The versatility of PP 5 extends beyond its use in food packaging and manufacturing. It is also a key component in the production of household items such as garden tools, compost bins, and speed humps. Its lightweight nature, due to its low density, makes it ideal for shipping. PP 5's thermoplastic properties allow it to melt at 163.8°C, making it suitable for injection moulding and recycling multiple times.
While PP 5 has its advantages, it is important to note that it falls under the category of plastics that are sometimes recyclable. This means that its recyclability depends on various factors, including local recycling guidelines and infrastructure. It is always a good idea to check with your local recycling provider to understand their specific requirements and capabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic codes that are recyclable include:
- PET or PETE (number 1)
- HDPE (number 2)
- LDPE (number 4)
- PP (number 5)
PET is used for water bottles, soda bottles, cooking oil containers, peanut butter jars, and other food containers.
HDPE is used for milk jugs, detergent containers, shampoo bottles, and other cleaning product containers.
LDPE is used for plastic bags, grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, and shrink wraps.
PP is used for food containers like yoghurt pots, straws, rope, and bottle caps.
Yes, some plastic codes are non-recyclable or very difficult to recycle, including PVC (number 3), PS (number 6), and plastics that fall under code 7.
