Ethan Clarke
Plastic recycling symbols are important to understand as they help us identify how different types of plastic can be recycled. The most common symbol is the three arrows that form a triangle, with a number in the middle. This number is what enables us to identify the specific plastic type used to manufacture the product. Plastics are given a '
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What You'll Learn
- Recycling symbols help identify the type of plastic resin used, with numbers 1-7 defining the resin
- The 'chasing arrows' symbol indicates the steps of the recycling process, from manufacturing to purchase
- Not all plastics are recyclable. Code 7 plastics, for example, are burned
- Local authorities have different recycling capabilities, so acceptable items vary by location
- Some plastics are compostable and can be recycled with garden waste
Recycling symbols help identify the type of plastic resin used, with numbers 1-7 defining the resin
Plastic recycling symbols are an essential tool to help us identify how different types of packaging can be recycled. These symbols are based on what the majority of local authorities collect or do not collect for recycling. The recycling signs and symbols commonly seen on plastics can be confusing, but the numbers inside the chasing arrows symbol can help us understand what type of plastic we are using and if it is recyclable. These numbers, ranging from 1 to 7, are called Resin Identification Codes and define the type of plastic resin used to make the item.
Number 1, with the acronym PET or PETE, represents polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly used for soft drink bottles, fruit juice containers, and cooking oil containers. It is easily recyclable and is often part of curbside recycling programs. Number 2, with the acronym HDPE, indicates high-density polyethylene, which is used for cleaning product bottles, milk cartons, and detergent bottles. This type of plastic is also widely recycled.
Number 3, PVC, is used for car parts and window fittings and is not easily recyclable. Number 4, LDPE, is used for plastic bags and wrapping and can be recycled at specialist points. Number 5, PP, is used for some tubs and trays and is widely recycled. Number 6, PS or polystyrene, is used for takeaway boxes, disposable cutlery, and vending cups. It is not easily recyclable and is not accepted in many curbside recycling programs.
Finally, Number 7, marked as "Other," includes plastics such as acrylic, polycarbonate, and nylon. These plastics are not commonly recycled, but some, like acrylic and polycarbonate, can be recycled and repurposed for future projects. It is important to check with your local recycling program to understand what specific types of plastic they can process.
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The 'chasing arrows' symbol indicates the steps of the recycling process, from manufacturing to purchase
The chasing arrows symbol, also known as the Mobius loop, is a widely recognised recycling logo. It consists of three arrows in the shape of a triangle with round corners, each arrow chasing the other. The symbol was discovered by German astronomer and mathematician August Ferdinand Mobius in 1858 and has since been considered a mathematical marvel of simplicity, singularity, and continuity.
The chasing arrows symbol is a representation of the recycling loop, with each arrow representing one step in a three-step process. The first step, represented by the first arrow, is the collection of materials to be recycled. This occurs when recyclable materials are placed into a recycling bin for curbside collection or taken to a local collection centre. The second arrow represents the manufacturing process, where the collected materials are cleaned and sorted for reuse or recycling. The third arrow, completing the loop, represents the purchase of new products made from recycled materials.
The chasing arrows symbol is often accompanied by a number, typically ranging from 1 to 7, which defines the type of plastic resin used to make the item. These numbers are known as Resin Identification Codes. For example, the number 1 is assigned to PET or PETE, which is used for drinks bottles and some food packaging, while the number 2 represents HDPE, commonly used for cleaning product bottles, milk cartons, and other containers.
It is important to note that the presence of the chasing arrows symbol does not always indicate that an item is recyclable. In some cases, it may simply provide information about the type of plastic used, which is useful for recycling facilities. Additionally, the recyclability of an item can vary depending on the city or region, as different areas may have different recycling guidelines and infrastructure. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with local authorities or recycling programs to confirm which specific types of plastics they can accept.
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Not all plastics are recyclable. Code 7 plastics, for example, are burned
Plastic items often feature symbols that help consumers identify how to recycle them. These symbols are usually Resin Identification Codes (RICs), represented by a 'chasing arrows' symbol surrounding a number between 1 and 7. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic resin, indicating the composition and recyclability of the plastic packaging material. However, it is important to note that the presence of the chasing arrows symbol does not necessarily imply that the item is recyclable.
RICs 1 through 6 identify specific plastic types, while RIC 7, also known as "Other," groups a wide variety of plastic resins that do not fit into the previous categories. These include, but are not limited to, acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic, polylactic fibers, nylon, and fiberglass. Code 7 plastics are not easily recyclable and are not commonly accepted by curbside recycling programs. This is because there is no standard recycling protocol for this diverse group of plastics, and they often require processing at specialised facilities.
For example, Code 7 plastics include compostable resins, which are plant-based and will degrade under certain conditions. However, they require processing at modern, high-rate composting facilities, which are not widely available. As a result, most Code 7 compostables end up in landfills, where they do not readily biodegrade.
Additionally, some Code 7 plastics, such as polycarbonate, have raised health concerns due to their potential to leach harmful chemicals like BPA into food and water. This has led to recommendations to avoid using plastic containers marked with Code 3, 6, or 7 when microwaving food or beverages.
While not all plastics are recyclable, it is important to properly dispose of non-recyclable plastics to prevent environmental contamination. It is always advisable to check with local recycling programs and facilities to determine which specific types of plastics they can process and accept.
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Local authorities have different recycling capabilities, so acceptable items vary by location
Plastic recycling symbols are a helpful way to identify the type of plastic resin used to make an item and how it can be recycled. The familiar "chasing arrows" or triangle symbol, with a number in the middle, is a Resin Identification Code. The number inside the symbol identifies the specific plastic type, and the arrows indicate that the material can be recycled. However, it's important to note that not all plastics with this symbol are automatically recyclable. The recyclability of an item depends on the capabilities of the local recycling facilities.
For example, some types of plastic, such as polystyrene (PS) or Styrofoam, are not accepted by many curbside recycling programs. However, it can be recycled into new products such as egg cartons and takeout containers. In this case, you may need to take these items to a specialist recycling point or drop-off location. Similarly, plastic bags and wrapping, often marked with the number 4, are not typically collected through curbside recycling but can be recycled at specific locations, such as selected supermarkets or stores.
Additionally, some materials may be accepted for recycling in one area but not in another due to differences in local regulations and policies. For instance, compostable plastics, identified by a "seedling" logo, can be recycled with garden waste through some local authorities. However, these plastics should not be placed in your home plastics recycling collection as they are designed to break down and cannot be recycled with other plastics.
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Some plastics are compostable and can be recycled with garden waste
Plastic recycling symbols are a helpful way to identify the type of plastic resin used to make an item and how it can be recycled. These symbols are usually surrounded by chasing arrows and contain a number between 1 and 7. Numbers 1 (PET) and 2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled forms of plastic. However, some plastics are compostable and cannot be recycled with other plastics.
Compostable plastics are designed to biodegrade into soil-conditioning material, or compost. They are typically made from renewable raw materials such as corn starch. They should not be placed in with your plastic recycling as they require very specific conditions to break down. Instead, they are sent to industrial or commercial composting facilities where they are exposed to the right mixture of heat, microbes, and time.
Not all areas have access to these facilities, and even some industrial composters do not stay hot for long enough to fully degrade the plastic. If your local area does not have a composting program that accepts compostable plastics, you will need to throw them in the trash. Compostable plastics can be identified by the seedling logo or the Biodegradable Products Institute's certification label. They may also fall under the number 7 recycling symbol with 'PLA' written underneath.
It is important to check the packaging of compostable plastics to see whether they are suitable for home or industrial composting. Home compostable plastics can go on your compost heap, while industrially compostable plastics can be recycled with your garden waste through your local authority.
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Frequently asked questions
The three arrows that form a triangle is the general recycling symbol. The number inside the symbol identifies the type of plastic resin used to make the item. This number is called the Resin Identification Code.
The numbers in the resin identification code range from 1 to 7 and define the type of resin used. Here are the types of resin and their corresponding numbers:
- 1 - PET, used for drinks bottles and some food packaging: Widely recycled.
- 2 - HDPE, used for cleaning product bottles, milk cartons, etc: Widely recycled.
- 3 - PVC, used for car parts, window fittings, etc: Not easily recyclable.
- 4 - LDPE, used for plastic bags and wrapping, etc: Recycle at specialist points.
- 5 - PP, used for some tubs and trays etc: Widely recycled.
- 6 - PS, used for takeaway boxes, disposable cutlery, etc: Not easily recyclable.
- 7 - Other, used for crisp packets, rice packets, etc: Recycle at specialist points.
The recyclability of the numbers depends on the abilities of the facilities in your community. Most service providers have a list of acceptable items, so check your local recycler's list before recycling plastic items.
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