Omar Khalid
Plastic is everywhere, and it's important to understand the potential harm of the elements of different plastics. The numbers on plastic items are resin identification codes that tell you what kind of plastic the material is made of and how it can be recycled. These codes were established in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry to help both consumers and recyclers properly dispose of and recycle the many different kinds of plastic based on chemical makeup. While some plastics are considered generally safe for food storage, others have been linked to health issues.
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What You'll Learn
Numbers identify the type of plastic and its recyclability
The numbers imprinted on plastic items are resin identification codes (RICs) that indicate the type of plastic the material is made of. They are found within a triangular recycling symbol, also known as a Möbius loop, which has three clockwise arrows, known as chasing arrows. However, the presence of this symbol does not necessarily indicate that the plastic item is recyclable or recycled. The numbers help identify the type of plastic and its recyclability.
The numbers range from 1 to 7, with some plastics being more commonly recycled than others. Plastics with the numbers 1 (PETE or PET) and 2 (HDPE) are the most frequently recycled types. PET, for instance, has one of the highest recycling market values, as it can be turned into products of similar quality and form, and the recycling process is simple and can be commonly performed onshore. A 2018 study found that HDPE can be recycled up to 10 times, making it one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. Most recycling companies collect HDPE and take it to large facilities for processing.
However, plastics with the numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not universally collected by local recycling programs. For example, polycarbonates (PC), which may be labelled as number 7, are one of the most difficult plastics to recycle. While chemical recycling is an option for PC, the recycled product may show reduced resilience and impact resistance compared to newly manufactured PC. LDPE, often used for soft plastic products, is challenging to recycle due to its flimsy nature, and it is not typically accepted in kerbside collections.
PVC, labelled as number 3, is a durable plastic used across various industries, including construction, plumbing, and transport. While PVC recycling is increasing, there is a limited market for recycled PVC due to its reduced durability. Additionally, due to the high chlorine content and hazardous additives in raw PVC, it requires separation from other plastics for recycling.
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Plastic #1 is PETE or PET
Plastic #1, also known as PETE or PET, is one of the most commonly recycled plastics in the world. It is a strong, stiff synthetic fibre and resin and a member of the polyester family of polymers. It is commonly used in applications such as water bottles, carbonated beverage bottles, food jars and containers, and salad dressing and oil bottles.
PETE or PET plastic is transparent, lightweight, strong, and has good barrier properties. It demonstrates notable resistance to stress cracking compared to HDPE plastics. This higher resistance to stress cracking, attributed to its molecular weight and crystallinity, helps withstand mechanical and chemical pressures. PETE, being more flexible, is commonly used in packaging for food and other consumer products. On the other hand, PET is more rigid and has a higher melting point, making it ideal for products that require higher durability, such as water bottles.
The recycling process for PETE or PET plastic involves collecting, sorting, cleaning, crushing, melting, and transforming the plastic into new products. Recycling this type of plastic helps reduce environmental waste and conserve natural resources. It is important to note that PETE or PET plastic is intended for single use only and should not be reused. Heating PETE plastic can cause the leaching of antimony, a toxic chemical.
Clear PET, in particular, has one of the highest recycling market values, as it can be turned into products of similar quality and form. Recycled PET bottles can be transformed into polyester fibre, which is used in producing fleece clothing, carpets, sleeping bags, jackets, and pillows.
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Plastic #2 is HDPE
Plastic #2, also known as HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), is one of the safest and most commonly recycled plastics. It has a high strength-to-density ratio, resulting in superb wear resistance. Its chemical resistance, strength, and durability make it a versatile material for various household and industrial applications.
HDPE is commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and children's toys. It is used to make bottles for non-food items such as shampoo, soaps, and cleaners. It is also used in the automotive industry for fuel tanks and car body parts due to its lightweight and easily mouldable properties. Additionally, HDPE is the preferred material for electrical insulation.
One of the key advantages of HDPE is its recyclability. A 2018 study found that non-contaminated HDPE can be recycled up to 10 times. It is widely accepted at recycling centres and can be recycled into various products, such as toys, pipes, and containers. However, it is important to note that only rigid HDPE is accepted in most curbside recycling programs, while flexible HDPE should be recycled separately.
To identify HDPE, look for the plastic number #2 symbol with a 2 inside the chasing arrows. When recycling HDPE, be sure to clean out any food residue from the containers and place them in your recycling bin. By properly recycling and reusing HDPE products, we can reduce our environmental impact and promote the sustainable use of this versatile plastic.
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Plastic #3 is PVC
PVC is a durable plastic that is not easily impacted by sunlight, water, or other harsh conditions. Because of this, it is used across many industries, including construction, plumbing, and transport. It is also used in medical and electrical applications. PVC is commonly used in pipes, window frames, door frames, flooring, and credit cards.
PVC recycling is challenging and not very accessible to the general community. While some rigid PVC bottles or containers can be recycled in curbside recycling, many places do not have the facilities to recycle PVC. It is best to try to use #3 plastic as seldom as possible and to avoid using it for cooking or storing food.
PVC is one of the oldest synthetic materials in industrial production, having been discovered in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann. Some of the first products made from PVC were golf balls and shoe heels, but soon it was used for raincoats, shower curtains, PVC pipes, and other items.
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Plastic #7 is a catch-all for 'other' plastics
Plastic #7 is a catch-all category for all types of plastics other than numbers 1 through 6. This category was established in the 1980s when the resin code was first introduced. Since then, innovation and development in plastics have made this category extensive and diverse.
Plastic #7 includes polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, nylon, melamine, and other miscellaneous plastics used to make bottles, safety glasses, clothing, and headlight lenses. These products are generally not recycled due to difficulties.
One type of plastic in this category is polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic generally made from corn starch or sugar cane. It is commonly used in food packaging. While PLA is biodegradable, it will only break down when composted in an industrial compost operation. It will not break down in a landfill, and it is not easy to compost at home. If mixed with general plastic recycling, it can contaminate other plastics and cause issues.
Another type of plastic in this category is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), an opaque thermoplastic made from petroleum. ABS is lightweight, strong, and has good shock absorbency.
When it comes to recycling plastic #7, the answer is complex. In general, these plastics cannot be recycled in your curbside recycling bin. However, some bottles and containers made from polycarbonate, for example, can be recycled through specialist recyclers or in certain locations.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers on plastic are resin identification codes (RICs) that indicate what type of plastic the material is made of.
The numbers on plastic do not indicate whether the plastic is recyclable or not. However, plastics with the numbers #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics.
The RICs can help decipher if a product is recyclable and help choose between different packaging options.
