Ethan Clarke
Plastic recycling can be confusing, but understanding the symbols and numbers on plastic products is important for ensuring that your plastic waste is being recycled properly. The numbers 1-7, found inside a small triangle, are resin identification codes that indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic. These numbers do not necessarily indicate that the product can be recycled, as this depends on the facilities and guidelines of your local municipality. However, by understanding these codes, you can learn which types of plastic are safe and suitable for food and drink consumption and which are recyclable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Implementation | The recycling numbers on plastics have been in use for several years, but it is unclear exactly when they were first introduced. |
| Purpose | The numbers, often found inside a triangle, indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic. |
| Range | The numbers go from 1 to 7, with each number corresponding to a different type of plastic. |
| Recyclability | The presence of a recycling symbol does not always mean that an item is recyclable. The numbers indicate the type of plastic, and some types are more commonly recycled than others. |
| Common Types | PET/PETE (1) and HDPE (2) are the most commonly recycled types of plastic. |
| Examples of PET/PETE Uses | Water bottles, soda bottles, cooking oil containers, peanut butter jars, etc. |
| Examples of HDPE Uses | Milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, trash bags, etc. |
| Other Types | PVC is a soft, flexible plastic used for household products. PS is used for Styrofoam products and is sometimes recyclable. |
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What You'll Learn
Recycling symbols and their meanings
Recycling symbols are important to understand as they help us identify how different types of packaging can be recycled. They indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic. The presence of a resin code doesn't necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. It is the number inside the triangle that counts, with each number corresponding to a different type of plastic. The universal recycling symbol is easily recognised today, but there are countless variations, with each ascribed to a specific material.
Plastic Recycling Numbers
The numbers 1-7 are the most common recycling symbols and each represents a different type of plastic with distinct recycling instructions.
- Number 1: PET or PETE is used to make bottles for soda, water and other drinks. It is also used for cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars and other food containers. PET/PETE products can be recycled but should not be reused as they are meant for single-use applications and carry a risk of leaching and bacterial growth.
- Number 2: HDPE plastics are used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers and detergent bottles. HDPE can be recycled through most curbside recycling programs.
- Number 3: PVC is a soft, flexible plastic used for a wide range of household products.
- Number 4: Bags made of type 4 plastic, like produce and grocery bags, shouldn't be put into recycling bins because they can get tangled in recycling equipment.
- Number 5: PP plastics are used to make straws, syrup bottles, ketchup bottles and some yogurt containers.
- Number 6: PS is used to make disposable cups, packing peanuts, coolers and to-go food containers. PS products can sometimes be recycled.
- Number 7: Products stamped with a 7 are often made of multiple plastic types or other types of plastic that can't be easily recycled.
Other Symbols
In addition to the numbered symbols, there are other recycling symbols that carry important meanings.
- The Green Dot is used on packaging in some European countries. It does not mean that the packaging is recyclable but rather signifies that the producer has made a financial contribution towards the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe.
- The Seedling Symbol indicates that an object is capable of being recycled but not that it will necessarily be accepted in all recycling collection systems.
- The Compostable Plastic Symbol indicates that an object can be recycled with garden waste through your local authority.
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How to recycle different plastics
Recycling numbers, also known as resin codes, were first introduced in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI). These codes are numbers 1 through 7 enclosed in a triangle and indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic. While the presence of a resin code does not guarantee recyclability, each number corresponds to a different type of plastic, with some being more commonly recycled than others. Here is a guide on how to recycle different types of plastics:
PET or PETE (Number 1)
Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET or PETE, is used for water bottles, plastic soda bottles, cooking oil containers, peanut butter jars, and other food containers. These plastics are safe to recycle and are often recycled into new containers, kitchen utensils, toys, and more. However, it is recommended not to reuse PET containers due to the risk of bacterial growth and chemical leaching. Before placing these plastics in the recycling bin, give them a quick rinse to remove any leftover food or residue.
HDPE (Number 2)
High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and cleaning product containers. HDPE plastics are widely recycled and can be picked up through most curbside recycling programs. Similar to PET plastics, it is recommended to give them a quick rinse before recycling to prevent contamination.
PVC (Number 3)
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a soft and flexible plastic used for a wide range of household products. While it is recyclable, it is essential to check with your local recycler or municipality guidelines to ensure it is accepted in your recycling bin.
PS (Number 7)
Polystyrene, or PS, is used for Styrofoam products such as disposable cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers. Recycling PS products can be more challenging, and they may not always be accepted by your local recycling program. Some specialized recycling companies can recycle PS, but it is crucial to check before attempting to recycle these materials.
Other Plastics
In addition to the main categories above, there are other types of plastics that can be recycled. Plastic bottle caps, for example, are typically made from polypropylene and are recyclable. Many grocery and retail stores collect plastic bags, wraps, and films for recycling, which can be recycled into lumber for decks or fences. It is important to check with your local stores and recyclers to understand what specific types of plastics they accept for recycling.
General Tips
- Check your town's legislation and rules for recycling to understand what can and cannot be recycled in your area.
- Keep a separate bin for recyclables during gatherings to make it easier for your guests to recycle.
- Place small recycling receptacles in various rooms, such as the bathroom and laundry area, to make recycling more convenient.
- Look for products made with recycled plastic to promote a circular economy.
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Plastic resin codes
The RIC consists of a number, usually between one and seven, enclosed within a small triangle made of arrows. This number indicates the type of resin used to produce the plastic. For example, the number "1" inside the triangle indicates that the plastic is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is commonly used for water bottles, soda bottles, and other food containers. The number "2" represents high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and other similar products.
It is important to note that the presence of a resin code does not necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. The recyclability of a plastic product depends on the local recycling facilities and their capabilities. However, understanding the resin codes can help consumers make more informed choices about the recyclability of products and encourage proper sorting and disposal.
Some communities have instructed residents to refer to the form of packaging ("bottles", "tubs", "lids", etc.) when determining what to include in a curbside recycling bin, rather than relying solely on the RIC. This is because some plastics with certain RICs may not be accepted by local recycling programs. Additionally, even if a plastic is technically recyclable, it may not be economically feasible to do so, leading to consumer confusion and a lower recycling rate.
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Plastic recycling rates
The recycling of specific types of plastic containers, such as PET bottles and jars, and HDPE natural bottles, has been more significant, with rates of 29.1% and 29.3% respectively in 2018. Nevertheless, the overall amount of recycled plastics is relatively small, with 3 million tons out of 8.7% recycled in 2018.
The recycling process for plastics involves various steps, and the success of this process depends on the proper identification and segregation of plastic waste by consumers. Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, a number inside a small triangle, which indicates the type of resin used to produce the plastic. These numbers range from 1 to 7, with each number corresponding to a different type of plastic. For instance, PET or PETE, commonly used for beverage bottles, is marked with a 1, while HDPE plastics, used for milk jugs and detergent containers, are marked with a 2. These types of plastics are generally recyclable through most curbside recycling programs. However, it is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable, and certain types, like Styrofoam, may require specialized handling or be rejected by local recycling facilities.
To improve recycling rates, it is essential to have transparency in data collection and consistency in measurement methods. The EPA has released the "National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution" to address plastic pollution, but more efforts are needed to transition to a circular economy.
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Plastic recycling laws
For example, in Massachusetts, the statewide waste ban prohibits the disposal of any single-resin narrow-necked bottles (e.g. soda bottles) in trash bins, making recycling these containers mandatory. Types 1 and 2 plastics may be tossed into standard recycling bins, while other types may not be permitted depending on local guidelines. Hard-to-recycle plastics, such as Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap, require specialized handling. Similarly, grocery stores in Massachusetts collect plastic bags for proper plastics recycling, but these bags should not be placed in recycling bins as they can get tangled in the equipment at recycling facilities.
In 2023, several states, including Massachusetts, Utah, Kansas, and Indiana, implemented advanced recycling legislation and single-use plastic bans. Additionally, Oregon and Maine enacted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, which require manufacturers to be responsible for the recycling, reuse, or disposal of their own products. California has also made strides in plastic recycling laws, mandating that plastic beverage bottles contain an average of 15% recycled plastic, with plans to increase this percentage over time.
To properly recycle plastics, individuals should research their town's legislation and rules for recycling to understand what can and cannot be recycled in certain bins. Some municipalities provide single-stream recycling programs, where all recyclables go into the same bin. However, it is important to ensure that items are rinsed before being placed in these bins to prevent contamination of other recyclables.
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Frequently asked questions
The recycling numbers on plastics are known as resin identification codes, and they indicate the type of plastic the material is made from. The use of these codes started in 1988 when the Society of the Plastics Industry introduced them as a way to help recyclers sort plastics by type.
The numbers, usually found inside a triangle on plastic products, range from 1 to 7 and indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic. For example, PET or PETE (number 1) is used for soda, water, and other drink bottles, while HDPE (number 2) is used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent bottles.
Not necessarily. The presence of a recycling symbol or resin code on a plastic product does not always mean that it can be recycled. It is important to check with your local municipality to confirm which plastic materials can be recycled in your community, as accepted materials can vary from place to place.
