Ethan Clarke
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, and it can be challenging to determine what types of plastic can be recycled and how. Most plastic items have a recycling symbol on them, which is a triangle made of arrows with a number from 1 to 7 inside, known as a resin code. This number indicates the type of plastic the material is made from, with #1 (PETE) and #2 (HDPE) being the most commonly recycled plastics. However, the presence of a resin code does not guarantee recyclability, and some types of plastic, such as #3, #6, and #7, are more challenging to recycle and may not be accepted by local recycling programs. Additionally, certain items, like plastic bags, should not be placed in recycling bins as they can cause issues in the recycling equipment. It is important to properly identify the type of plastic and check with local recycling guidelines to ensure proper disposal or recycling methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic with no recycle number | Polycarbonates (PC), multi-resin and mixed plastic items |
| Examples | Electronic equipment, glasses frames, plastic brick toys |
| What to do | Separate plastic film, separate clear films from coloured or printed films |
| Recycling polycarbonates (PC) | Chemical recycling |
| Plastic without a number | K-cups, black plastic boxes, yogurt cups |
| Plastic with a number but not recyclable | Plastic bags, cups, straws, plastic cutlery, plastic plates, bakery/produce clamshell containers, salad bins, takeout containers, rotisserie chicken bins, frozen food bags, chip bags, candy or snack wrappers, food or juice pouches |
| Plastic with a number and recyclable | Types 1 and 2 plastics, PET or PETE (plastic bottles for soda, water, drinks, cooking oil, peanut butter jars), HDPE (milk jugs, juice bottles, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, trash bags, shopping bags, motor oil bottles, butter and yogurt tubs, cereal box liners) |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic with no number is rarely recycled
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, and it is critical to improving the environment and bettering waste management solutions. This is because consumers don’t know what types can be disposed of and in which ways. Many types of plastic can be recycled, even if the process is not widespread, but many plastics aren’t recycled simply because they aren’t easily recyclable.
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 counts, because each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. The general rule of thumb is: the lower the number, the more likely the plastic type is to be easily recyclable.
Some types of plastic to avoid include numbers 1, 3, 6, and 7. Number 2, 4, and 5 are considered safer, but it's still recommended to avoid heating them and to not put them in the microwave. Hard-to-recycle plastics include Styrofoam, shrink wrap, manufacturing scrap, cling film, blister packaging, bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper, and polycarbonate.
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Check local recycling rules
It is important to check your local recycling rules before disposing of any plastic waste. Recycling rules and regulations vary from city to city and municipality to municipality. For instance, in Massachusetts, there is a statewide waste ban that prohibits the disposal of any single-resin narrow-necked bottles (such as soda bottles) in trash bins. Recycling these containers is mandatory.
Some municipalities provide single-stream recycling programs, where all recyclables go into the same bin. In such cases, it is important to ensure that recyclables are free of food residue or other materials that can contaminate items like paper and cardboard and prevent them from being recycled. Other municipalities may have specific rules about how to recycle certain materials. For example, some municipalities may require that containers be recycled with or without their lids.
It is also important to note that just because a plastic type can be recycled, it does not mean that your local municipality wants you to put it into your recycling bin for collection. Some plastics, like Styrofoam, are hard to process and are not accepted by some recycling companies. Plastic bags, especially those made of type 4 plastic, should not be put into recycling bins as they can get tangled in recycling equipment. These bags are often collected at grocery stores for proper recycling.
To properly dispose of plastic waste, it is recommended to consult your municipality's website for specific instructions and guidelines. Additionally, some plastics, like plastic shopping bags, can often be returned to stores for recycling.
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Avoid heating plastics numbered 2, 4, and 5
Plastics are marked with a number inside a triangle, which is known as a resin identification code. This number, ranging from 1 to 7, corresponds to a different type of plastic and provides information about its recyclability. While plastics numbered 2, 4, and 5 are generally considered safe, it is important to avoid heating them.
Plastics with the resin code 2 are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and are commonly used for milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries containers. HDPE is considered safe with a low risk of leaching and is accepted by most recycling programs. However, it is recommended to avoid heating HDPE containers as it could cause harmful substances to leach into your liquids.
Number 4 plastics are often used for grocery bags, food wraps, squeezable bottles, and bread bags. These bags are not typically recycled through curbside programs due to the risk of tangling in recycling equipment. Instead, they can be returned to grocery stores for proper recycling. It is important to avoid heating these plastics as they may contain chemicals that can interfere with hormonal development.
Plastics numbered 5 are considered safe for use and can be recycled. However, it is important to avoid heating them, as all plastic products can potentially leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged. While it may be challenging to completely avoid plastics, it is recommended to opt for safer alternatives like glass, metal, or bamboo whenever possible.
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Do not microwave plastics numbered 2, 4, and 5
Plastic products are usually stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number is important as it indicates the type of plastic and its recyclability.
While plastics numbered 2, 4, and 5 are considered relatively safe for use with food, it is advised not to heat them or put them in the microwave, even if they are labelled as microwave-safe. Number 2 plastic, or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), is generally safe but has lower heat tolerance. Number 4 plastic, or Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), is usually safe but also has lower heat tolerance. Number 5 plastic, or Polypropylene (PP), is the second most widely produced plastic and is considered microwave-safe due to its high heat resistance. However, some studies suggest that even microwave-safe plastics can cause asthma and hormone disruption, so it is recommended to use glass or ceramic containers for microwaving food instead.
It is important to understand the potential harm that different types of plastics can cause. Even microwave-safe plastics have maximum temperature thresholds, and using inappropriate plastics in microwaves can lead to chemical leaching, degradation, and negative health effects. Therefore, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines and use only recommended plastics for microwave use.
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Plastic numbered 3, 6, and 7 are rarely used, especially with food and drinks
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This code provides important data about the used resin and the recyclability of the item. However, the presence of a resin code does not necessarily indicate that the product can be recycled; it simply indicates the possibility of recycling.
Plastics numbered 3, 6, and 7 are among those that should be rarely used, especially with food and drinks. Number 3 plastic, also known as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or vinyl, is a soft, flexible plastic that is rarely recycled. While PVC is not often used in single-use plastics, it can be found in items like shower curtains, floor tiles, fence boards, and decking.
Number 6 plastics, also known as Polystyrene (PS), are commonly used for disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers. PS products can sometimes be recycled, but they often contain hazardous contaminants, and their recycling may be prohibited by local regulations.
Number 7 plastics are a catch-all category for "everything else." Products stamped with a 7 are often made of multiple plastic types or other difficult-to-recycle plastics. Some number 7 plastics, like acrylic, can be recycled, but thermosets cannot be recycled. Thermosets are plastic resins that change chemically when heated, preventing them from being reheated or melted for recycling.
It is important to note that the recyclability of plastics can vary depending on your local municipality's guidelines and the capabilities of local recycling companies. Always check with your local guidelines to understand what types of plastics can be included in your recycling bin.
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Frequently asked questions
If the plastic has no recycle number, it is best to check with your local recycling program to see if they accept it. Some plastics without a recycling number may still be recyclable, but it is important to check with your local program to be sure.
The recycling symbol on plastic, which is a number from 1 to 7 inside a triangle, is a resin identification code that indicates the type of chemical resin used to make the plastic. Not all plastics are created equal, and some may not have a recycling number because they are not widely recycled or accepted by local recycling programs.
Polycarbonates (PC) and multi-resin or mixed plastic items, such as electronic equipment, glasses frames, and plastic brick toys, often do not have a recycling number because they are difficult to recycle using conventional methods.
The recyclability of a plastic item depends on your local recycling program. Some programs may accept certain types of plastics without a recycling number, while others may not. It is always best to check with your local program to find out what specific types of plastics they accept.
If your local recycling program doesn't accept a specific type of plastic, you can try to reduce your use of that plastic or opt for more environmentally friendly alternatives. Reusing and repurposing plastic items whenever possible can also help reduce waste.
