Chloe Zhang
Plastic products are often stamped with a number, usually inside a triangle, which indicates the type of resin used to produce the plastic. These numbers range from 1 to 7, with plastics numbered 3 through 7 being more difficult to recycle. This is because they are considered low-value by commodities markets and are harder to process, with some recycling centers not accepting them at all.
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What You'll Learn
- #3 plastics are PVC, which can be recycled at some local facilities
- #4 plastics are LDPE, often used for plastic bags
- #5 plastics are PP, which can be recycled and are in high demand
- #6 plastics are polystyrene, which can be recycled at some local facilities
- #7 plastics are tricky to recycle and are often avoided by recycling markets due to the difficulty of knowing their composition
#3 plastics are PVC, which can be recycled at some local facilities
Plastic products are often stamped with a number, known as a resin code, between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number indicates the type of resin used to produce the plastic. However, the presence of a resin code does not necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. It is the number inside the triangle that indicates whether the plastic can be recycled and each local recycling facility collects different types of plastics.
#3 plastics are known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a soft and flexible plastic. They are widely spread and can be found in shower curtains, cleaner bottles, pipes, cooking oil bottles, window and door frames, floors, and clear food wrap. They are also used to make plastic tubing, kids' toys, plastic trays, and furniture.
PVC is considered one of the least recyclable plastics due to the presence of softening chemicals, such as phthalates, which are harmful to the hormonal system. Other highly toxic chemicals like DEHA can also be produced during the lifecycle of #3 plastics, affecting children's development and the immune and endocrine systems. These harmful chemicals have also been linked to cancer.
While PVC products are generally considered non-recyclable, some local facilities may accept them for recycling. It is important to check with your local waste recycling factory, as the recyclability of PVC products may vary depending on the specific facility's capabilities and guidelines.
It is worth noting that plastics #3 to #6 are generally more difficult to recycle, and some recycling centers may not process them. Plastic #7, in particular, is often made from multiple plastic types that are challenging to recycle.
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#4 plastics are LDPE, often used for plastic bags
Plastic #4, also known as LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), is a type of plastic often used for plastic bags and garbage bags. It is also commonly used for squeezable bottles (such as honey, mustard, or ketchup), plastic wrap, and grocery bags. LDPE is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene, the same material used for HDPE. It has a lower density than HDPE, making it more malleable and flexible, but not as strong. LDPE is known for its durability, flexibility, and transparency, making it useful for packaging. It also does not release harmful chemicals, so it is a safe choice for food storage.
LDPE is technically recyclable, but it is considered "lower value" and has a very low recycling rate. The market demand for LDPE waste is low, and many municipalities have stopped collecting it due to the difficulty in finding recycling companies that will take it. As a result, even if LDPE is accepted by recycling programs, it is likely to be incinerated rather than recycled. Therefore, it is recommended to throw this plastic away instead of attempting to recycle it, as it can overload the recycling system.
It is important to note that soft plastics, such as plastic bags, should not be placed in curbside recycling bins as they can cause issues at processing plants. Only rigid plastics should be put in recycling bins unless the local program specifically accepts soft plastics.
To reduce the use of plastic #4, it is recommended to minimise the overall consumption of plastic products. This can be done by using reusable grocery bags, buying concentrated cleaners that can be diluted, and making your own sauces and condiments.
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#5 plastics are PP, which can be recycled and are in high demand
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, and consumers often don't know which types can be disposed of and in which ways. The numbers 1 to 7 found on plastic items inside a small triangle made of arrows are resin codes that indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic, and it is these numbers that recycling centres look at to determine recyclability, not the resin code itself.
#5 plastics are PP, or polypropylene, which is lightweight, heat-resistant, and sturdy, making it ideal for various packaging. It is the second-most widely produced plastic and is commonly used for food containers, yoghurt containers, bottle tops, and soft plastics like chip packets or ropes.
While PP is recyclable, it is one of the least recycled plastics, with less than 3% of PP being recycled. This is partly because many recyclers still don't accept it, and consumers are unsure of how to dispose of it properly. However, most curbside recycling programs accept rigid PP items like yoghurt containers, but not soft, flexible items. It is important to check with local recycling programs to see what they accept.
Due to the low recycling rate of PP, it is recommended to reduce consumption and opt for reusable alternatives.
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#6 plastics are polystyrene, which can be recycled at some local facilities
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic.
#6 plastics are polystyrene, which can sometimes be recycled at certain local facilities. However, it is not available and practiced everywhere. Polystyrene is used for disposable styrofoam drinking cups, takeout containers, packing peanuts, and more. It is lightweight and easily finds its way into the environment, where it can leach toxic chemicals. It breaks apart easily and can be found inside marine animals' stomachs and on beaches. It is also suspected to be a cancer-causing neurotoxin for humans.
Plastics #3 to #6 are more difficult to recycle, and some recycling centers do not process them. Plastic #7 is even more challenging to recycle and is often excluded. Generally, most recyclers accept plastics #1 and #2.
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#7 plastics are tricky to recycle and are often avoided by recycling markets due to the difficulty of knowing their composition
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. Generally, most recycling centers accept plastics #1 and #2. However, plastics #3 to #6 are more difficult to recycle, and some recycling centers do not process them at all.
#7 plastics are the most challenging to recycle and are often avoided by recycling markets due to the difficulty of knowing their composition. Products stamped with a #7 are often made of multiple plastic types or other types of plastic that are hard to recycle. They can be made from potato, sugar, or corn derivatives, and are known as polylactic acid (PLA) plastic. When it comes to recycling #7 plastics, it depends on the material they are made from. If the component parts fit within plastic resin categories 1 through 6, those recycling instructions can be followed. However, if the #7 plastic is a unique composition, it is unlikely to be recycled.
Some curbside recycling programs will accept #7 plastic items if they can be identified as such. However, it can be hard to identify #7 plastics, especially if they do not have a recycling number. When in doubt, a plastic item that doesn't fit into any other resin category (1 through 6) is likely a #7 plastic.
Recycling facilities differ in the types of plastics they collect, and it is essential to check with your local recycling center to know which plastics they accept. For example, a facility in San Jose, California, takes all plastics other than styrofoam, which is too light for their machines.
It is worth noting that just because a plastic type can be recycled doesn't mean your local municipality wants you to put it in your recycling bin for collection. Some hard-to-recycle plastics, like styrofoam, are not accepted by some recycling companies due to the specialized handling they require.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastics #3 to #7 are harder to recycle, and some recycling centres do not process them. #3 is PVC, #4 is LDPE (often plastic bags), #5 is PP, #6 is polystyrene, and #7 is a grouping of 'all other plastics'.
The seven plastic recycling symbols each represent a different type of plastic with distinct recycling instructions. Most recycling facilities collect different types of plastics, and plastics #3 to #7 are generally harder to process.
The type of plastic is usually indicated by a number inside a small triangle on the product. Plastics #1 and #2 are the most commonly accepted by recycling facilities. However, it's best to check your local recycling guidelines.
