Alexei Volkov
Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle, with consumers often unsure about which types can be disposed of and how. Most plastics are stamped with a resin code, a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. The number inside the triangle is what indicates whether the plastic can be recycled or not. While all plastics can be recycled through a process called pyrolysis, not all are accepted by local recycling programs. So which plastic number is the most widely recycled?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Number | 1 and 2 |
| Other Names | PETE, PET, HDPE |
| Common Uses | Water bottles, soda bottles, cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers, detergent bottles |
| Recyclability | Most recyclers accept plastics #1 and #2. |
| Recycling Rate in 2018 | 29.1% for PET bottles and jars, 29.3% for HDPE natural bottles |
| Plastic Film | LDPE, PP |
| LDPE Common Uses | Plastic bags, grocery bags, newspaper bags, sliced bread loaves, fresh produce bags, shrink wraps, dry cleaner garment bags |
| LDPE Recyclability | LDPE products can sometimes be recycled. |
| PP Common Uses | Food containers (yogurt, sour cream, margarine), straws, rope, carpet, bottle caps |
| PP Recyclability | PP products can sometimes be recycled. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic #1 (PET/PETE) is widely recycled
Plastic #1, also known as PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate), is widely recycled. It is a common type of plastic used for packaging and is known for its transparency, lightweight nature, and strength. It is also sometimes referred to as polyester, particularly in the context of textile applications.
PET/PETE is widely used in bottles for beverages, food, and personal care products. It is the most common plastic for soft drink bottling and is also used for cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and containers for other popular food items. Its use in beverage bottles is so prevalent that it accounts for about 30% of global demand for this type of plastic.
The recycling process for PET/PETE is straightforward. First, the plastic is collected and sorted by type. It is then cleaned and crushed into small pieces called "flakes." These flakes are melted and formed into pellets, which can then be used to create new products. This process requires less energy and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than creating new plastic.
The recycling symbol for PET/PETE is a triangle with the number "1" inside, which can be found on the bottom of plastic containers made from this material. This symbol helps consumers identify the type of plastic and serves as a reminder to recycle. It is important for consumers to understand this symbol and properly recycle PET/PETE products to reduce their environmental impact.
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Plastic #2 (HDPE) is widely recycled
Plastic #2, or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), is one of the most common plastics and is widely recycled. It is identified by a number 2 symbol inside a triangle made of arrows. HDPE is relatively easy to recycle and is accepted at most recycling centres worldwide. It is hard-wearing, durable, robust, and does not break down under sunlight exposure. It can also withstand more extreme temperatures than PET, both hot and cold.
HDPE is used in a wide range of products due to its durability and flexibility. It is commonly used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers, detergent bottles, and plastic bags. It is also used in industrial applications such as electrical insulation, automotive parts, fuel tanks, and car body parts.
As one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle, HDPE can be recycled and reused in various ways. It is often recycled into kids' and dogs' toys, plastic lumber, tables, roadside curbs, and benches. Recycling companies typically collect HDPE products and send them to large facilities for processing. In the United States, the recycling rate for HDPE bottles is around 30%.
It is important to note that while HDPE is widely recycled, not all plastic types are recyclable. Some plastics, such as PVC and LDPE, are more challenging to recycle and may not be accepted by local recycling programmes. It is always good to check with your local recycling guidelines to understand what types of plastics they accept.
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Plastic #3 (polyvinyl chloride) is not widely recycled
Plastic #3, also known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a soft, flexible plastic that is widely used in many industries, including construction, packaging, and healthcare. While PVC is valued for its durability, versatility, and low cost, it is not widely recycled due to several reasons.
Firstly, PVC contains toxic chemicals such as vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), ethylene dichloride (EDC), lead, DEHA, and other pollutants that can contaminate groundwater, surface water, and air during its manufacturing or disposal. These chemicals pose significant health risks, including birth defects, hormone disorders, developmental and reproductive diseases, immune system damage, and cancer. Due to these adverse health effects, it is recommended to keep PVC products away from heat and not use them for storing food.
Secondly, PVC is challenging to recycle because it can easily contaminate other recyclable plastics, such as PETE or HDPE. The risk of cross-contamination is very high, and many recycling centers do not accept PVC for this reason. As a result, only a small fraction of PVC is collected and processed in recycling facilities.
Additionally, when PVC is incinerated, it releases various toxins, including dioxins and hydrogen chloride. While modern incinerators in some countries, such as Singapore, have chemical scrubbers to trap these toxins and prevent their release into the atmosphere, they still remain contaminants in the bottom ash. Dioxins, in particular, are highly toxic and have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and reproductive issues.
Due to the challenges and health risks associated with recycling PVC, it is often burned in incinerators or disposed of in landfills. However, burning PVC can create more dioxin, further contributing to environmental pollution. To reduce the impact of PVC on the environment and human health, it is advisable to limit its consumption, avoid flexible plastics, and choose vinyl-free products whenever possible.
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Plastic #4 (LDPE) is sometimes recycled
Plastic #4, also known as LDPE (low-density polyethylene), is sometimes recycled. LDPE is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene, just like HDPE. It is durable, flexible, and does not release harmful chemicals, making it suitable for food storage. It is also resistant to oils, chemicals, and acids. LDPE is commonly used in plastic bags, shrink wrap, produce bags, and squeezable bottles for condiments.
LDPE is accepted by some curbside recycling programs, and many grocery stores also offer drop-off programs for LDPE plastic bags. However, it is important to check with your local recycling program, as some do not accept LDPE plastic bags.
The recyclability of LDPE is important for environmental reasons. LDPE, like other plastics, can pollute oceans and wild habitats, posing a threat to wildlife. Additionally, soft plastics, such as LDPE, can easily escape from landfills and cause environmental damage before they fully break down. Recycling LDPE keeps waste out of landfills and saves energy compared to producing new items from virgin materials.
While LDPE can be recycled, it is not as commonly accepted for recycling as plastics #1 and #2. Some recycling centers may not process plastics #3 to #6 due to the challenges associated with recycling these materials.
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Plastic #5 is not widely recycled
Plastic #5, also known as polypropylene or PP, is a type of plastic that is not widely recycled. It is often used in prescription medicine bottles, yoghurt cups, hummus tubs, single-use cutlery, and some packaging for personal care products like deodorant, lotion, or shampoo. It is also used to make straws, rope, carpet, and bottle caps.
While it is technically possible to recycle all plastics through a process called pyrolysis, this process is not yet widely used in the recycling industry. As a result, the recyclability of different types of plastics depends on the capabilities of local recycling facilities. Many recycling centres do not accept Plastic #5 because it is a hard plastic that is heat resistant, making it difficult to process.
Before China's National Sword policy was introduced in 2018, Plastic #5 was widely accepted in both curbside and drop-off recycling centres. However, after the policy was implemented, many recycling centres stopped accepting this type of plastic. This highlights the impact of international policies on the recyclability of certain materials.
To properly recycle Plastic #5, individuals may need to look beyond their standard recycling bins and local recycling facilities. Some companies, like TerraCycle, offer specialised recycling programs for hard-to-recycle materials, including Plastic #5. These programs may be free or fee-based, and individuals can mail their Plastic #5 waste to the company for proper recycling.
It is important for individuals to research their town's legislation and rules for recycling to understand what can and cannot be recycled in their specific location. By understanding the recycling symbols and their town's guidelines, individuals can ensure that they are properly recycling their plastic waste and not contaminating other recyclable materials.
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Frequently asked questions
The number, usually found with a triangle symbol on a plastic container, indicates the type of resin used to produce the plastic.
The most widely recycled plastic in the world is PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), which is used for single-use bottled beverages.
The recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was 29.1% in 2018. However, its recycling rates remain relatively low (around 20%) despite being easy to recycle.
Recycled PET is often transformed into fashion items like polar fleece clothes, backpacks, and carpets.
Plastics with numbers 1 and 2 are the most commonly recycled. These include PETE and HDPE, respectively.
