What do the numbers mean in recycling triangles on plastic?
Within each chasing arrows triangle, there is a number which ranges from one to seven. The purpose of the number is to identify the type of plastic used for the product, and not all plastics are recyclable or even reusable. There are numerous plastic-based products that cannot break down and cannot be recycled.
What are the numbers for recycling?
A few things:
- Types 1 and 2 plastics may be tossed into standard recycling bins.
- Other plastic types may not be permitted in your bin, depending on your municipality’s guidelines.
- Hard-to-recycle plastics – including Styrofoam, shrink wrap and manufacturing scrap – require specialized handling.
Which recycling numbers are recyclable?
How To Tell If You Can Recycle Something, In One Chart
- Every area has different recycling procedures. Know what yours are. ...
- Pay attention to all of those complicated symbols. All plastic containers are labeled with a resin identification code (RIC) that tells you which grade of plastic you’re dealing with, ...
- Only separate your recyclables if your local program requires it. ...
What do the recycling numbers mean?
recycling numbers are a uniform way of classifying the different types of plastic and it aids recyclers in the sorting process. Note that sometimes other numbers are found on the bottom of plastic containers, but only numbers inside the recycling symbol are valid for recycling purposes. The recycling code consists of the numbers 1 through 7.
What do the numbers inside the recycle triangle mean?
At the bottom of most plastic containers you can find a small number inside the three arrow triangle recycling symbol. This number is a reference to what type of plastic the container is made of. Each plastic is composed of a different molecule or set of molecules.
Which plastic numbers are recyclable?
Which Plastics Are Recyclable By Number?#1: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) ... #2: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) ... #3: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) ... #4: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) ... #5: PP (Polypropylene) ... #6: PS (Polystyrene) ... #7: Polycarbonate, BPA, and Other Plastics.
What are #1 through #7 plastics?
To summarize, there are 7 types of plastic exist in our current modern days:1 – Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE or Polyester) ... 2 – High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) ... 3 – Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ... 4 – Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) ... 5 – Polypropylene (PP) ... 6 – Polystyrene (PS)
Is 7 in a triangle recyclable?
7: Other. Any type of plastic that doesn't fit into one of the first six categories falls under this heading. Products stamped with a 7 are often made out of multiple plastic types or out of other types of plastic that can't easily be recycled. #7 products CAN SOMETIMES be recycled.
Is a triangle with a 5 recyclable?
A 5 inside the triangle indicates the plastic is polypropylene or PP. It is commonly found in medicine bottles, straws, bottle caps, ketchup bottles and syrup bottles, and some yogurt containers. This plastic is often chosen for bottles and containers that must accept hot liquids as it has a high melting point.
Can number 5 plastic be recycled?
5 – PP (Polypropylene) – Recyclable plastic (check Local Authority) PP can be recycled. However, you will need to check with your Local Authority to ensure it is recycled in your area.
Can you recycle No 7 plastic?
7 resin code is more of a miscellaneous category. Items in this category are all other products that don't fit into the main six types. For example, plastics in this category can be made up of any combination of 1-6 or another, less commonly used plastic. Other plastic products can sometimes be recycled.
Does #7 plastic get recycled?
Biodegradable Plastic Is Not Recyclable Vegetable-based plastics such as PLA are often labeled #7, but they are not recyclable.
Is Number 4 plastic safe?
To summarize, plastics in categories #2, #4 and #5 are generally considered safe. Be weary of putting them in the microwave, even if they are labeled “microwave-safe”. Plastics #1, #3, #6 and #7 should be used with varying to extreme caution, especially around food or drink.
Is number 5 plastic microwave safe?
If they container has a #5 on it, it is made from polypropylene, PP, so it is generally considered microwave safe.
What does 5 mean in recycling?
polypropyleneThe number 5 with the recycling symbol indicates polypropylene, often just shortened to PP. The resin identification code for polypropylene, commonly known as number 5 plastic. This plastic type is particularly hard and heat resistant.
What numbers are recyclable in CA?
Plastics #1 and #2 are the most common types of plastic containers and the most easily recyclable. They are also the most likely to have a California Redemption Value ( CRV) associated with them.
What is the recycling symbol on plastic?
The recycling symbol on the back of plastic packaging is something we have all seen, the triangle shape made out of three arrows chasing each other with a number called the resin ID code (RIC).
What happens if you put a cup in a recycling container?
If the entire cup (all parts) goes into the recycling container, it has contaminated the rest in that batch of waste. Each community in every city and town may have different recycle programs which they operate may change from time to time.
Why is plastic not recyclable?
Just because a plastic item has the recycle symbol does not mean it is, or it even can be, recycled due to the inefficiency and resources it takes re-purpose. Even plastics that are easily recyclable, like RIC 1, 2 and 5, roughly only 30% are indeed recycled due to the cost and effort it would take to recycle them.
What is RIC 7?
RIC 7 is a catch-all to include plastics that do not fit into RIC 1 to 6, like nylon, fiberglass, acrylic or polycarbonate. This classification system was devised to be used to our advantage, to increase recycling and to reduce health hazards and it is used globally for identification purposes.
How much of PET plastic is recycled?
Only about 25% of PET plastics are recycled each year and that's up from about 20% last year. This type of plastic can be repurposed into new water bottles, making furniture or polar fleece and recently companies are beginning to incorporate recycled plastic into their products like sneakers!
Can a cardboard box be recycled?
Contamination occurs when a recycled item was not rinsed clean or was tossed in the recycle bin dirty. A greasy pizza cardboard box cannot be recycled. Contamination! If only the bottom is greasy, the box can be ripped in half and the top half can be recycled and the bottom with the greasy bottom goes into the trash.
What does the triangle on the bottom of a plastic bottle mean?
We all know that the triangle symbol ( ♻) on the bottom of plastic bottles means to recycle. But what do the numbers inside the triangle mean? The recycling numbers range from 1 to 7 and stand for different types of plastic. “It’s not uncommon to see a recycling symbol on a plastic container and think it’s OK to toss it into ...
What can you recycle peanut butter jars for?
It’s accepted by most curbside recycling programs and can be recycled to make items like egg cartons, containers, carpet, and more.
What does RIC mean on plastic?
Also known as the resin identification code, or RIC, each number imprinted on a plastic product indicates the type of plastic resin that product is made with. The code does not mean the item is made from recycled plastic or that the plastic is recyclable in your area.
Can PVC be recycled?
PVC can rarely be recycled, but it is accepted by some plastic lumber makers. “As technology improves, recycling centers are beginning to accept plastics that they weren’t able to process in the past. But we still have to help them out,” says Ryan.
Do you have to check the recycling number before disposing of plastic?
Although this guide shows you a few examples of each type of plastic, it is important to check the recycling number before you dispose of it. This is especially important as some products, such as bottles, may use different plastics in their lids.
Can plastic be recycled?
Unfortunately, it’s not always clear what can be recycled. That’s where this guide to plastic recycling numbers and recycle sign meanings comes in. Just because you spot the recycling symbol on an item doesn’t mean it is widely recycled in your local area. Always check before disposing of it.
What does the 1 in the triangle mean on a plastic bottle?
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) A 1 inside the triangle indicates the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate, which is shortened to PET or PETE. This symbol is normally found on bottles for soft drinks and water; salad dressing, peanut butter, and vegetable oil containers; and mouthwash bottles.
What plastics have a 7 inside the triangle?
Miscellaneous Plastics. Getty Images. Any plastic that does not fall under one of those six types has a 7 inside the triangle. These plastics include nylon and polycarbonate and are found in certain food containers, signs and displays, computers and electronic devices, DVDs, sunglasses, and bulletproof materials.
What is the RIC on plastic?
The symbols—then collectively called the Resin Identification Code (RIC)—were developed in 1988 by the organization now known as ...
What does a 2 in a triangle mean?
A 2 inside the triangle indicates the plastic is high-density polyethylene, or HDPE. You can find HDPE in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, butter and yogurt tubs, motor oil bottles, shopping and trash bags, bags inside cereal boxes, and household cleaner and detergent bottles.
What is a 6 inside a triangle?
Polystyrene (PS) A 6 inside the triangle indicates the plastic is polystyrene (PS), which is also erroneously referred to as Styrofoam, the name of a Dow-trademarked brand of polystyrene insulation. You can find PS in disposable cups and plates, carry-out containers, egg cartons, and meat trays.
Is the RIC system still in place?
In the meantime, the RIC system is still in place and helpful for both consumers and those who want to run a plastics recycling operation, which generally deals with packaging used for consumer products. Each number represents a type of plastic, and different types of plastics are generally used in the same types of packaging.
Can you recycle PS?
It is generally considered to be difficult to recycle and has been banned in some municipalities in the U.S. It is possible to recycle PS into packaging and containers, as well as foam packing, light switch plates, and insulation.
What is the bottom of a pill bottle made of?
By: Melanie Radzicki McManus | Feb 11, 2019. The bottom of this pill bottle shows that it is made of No. 5 plastic, which means it is made of polypropylene and usually can be recycled. Marilyn Root/Getty Images.
How long does it take for plastic to decompose?
On the plus side, many plastics are recyclable, which is helpful because plastics can take up to 1,000 years to decompose in a landfill. To help you figure out whether or not you've got a recyclable item, most plastics contain a recycling symbol, often placed at the bottom of the item. The symbol is a triangle formed from arrows.
What is the recycling symbol on plastic?
Every plastic container or bottle has a recycling symbol. The symbol is a number, ranging from 1 to 7, within a triangle .
What is the number 7 plastic?
Plastic #7 – Other, Miscellaneous. All of the plastic resins that don’t fit into the other categories are placed in the number 7 category. It’s a mix bag of plastics that includes polycarbonate, which contains the toxic bisphenol-A (BPA).
What is plastic 3?
Plastic #3 – V or PVC (Vinyl) Plastic #3 is used to make food wrap, plumbing pipes, and detergent bottles, and is seldom accepted by curbside recycling programs. These plastics used to, and still may, contain phthalates, which are linked to numerous health issues ranging from developmental problems to miscarriages.
Is plastic #6 bad for the environment?
Plastic #6 – PS (Polystyrene) Polystyrene is Styrofoam, which is notorious for being difficult to recycle, and thus, bad for the environment. This kind of plastic also poses a health risk, leaching potentially toxic chemicals, especially when heated. Most recycling programs won’t accept it.
Is number 1 plastic safe?
While Number 1 is considered safe, it is also best to avoid this plastic. Look for symbols 2, 4, and 5, as these plastics are considered to be safest. These are the plastics to look for in terms of human and animal consumption. In the end, plastics will still be used, but you can certainly limit your use of the product.
Is plastic 2 recyclable?
Plastic #2 is typically opaque and picked up by most curbside recycling programs. This plastic is one of the 3 plastics considered to be safe, and has a lower risk of leaching.
What is the purpose of the little number in the chasing arrows triangle?
The purpose of the number is to identify the type of plastic used for the product, and not all plastics are recyclable or even reusable. There are numerous plastic-based products ...
How much HDPE plastic is recycled?
However, since only about 30-35% of HDPE plastic used in America gets recycled each year, it’s wise to use as little as possible. To cut down, consider replacing your disposable produce bags with reusable alternatives.
What does a three in a water bottle mean?
A three indicates that the water bottle has been made from polyvinyl chloride, a five means that it’s been made of polypropylene, two materials that are not accepted by most public recycling centers. Here are the seven standard classifications for plastics, and the recycling and reuse information for each type.
Is polypropylene recyclable?
Polypropylene is recyclable through some curbside recycling programs, but only about 3% of PP products are currently being recycled in the US. Recycled PP is used to make landscaping border stripping, battery cases, brooms, bins and trays. However, #5 plastic is today becoming more accepted by recyclers.
Can plastic be recycled?
There are numerous plastic-based products that cannot break down and cannot be recycled. Understanding the seven plastic codes will make it easier to choose plastics and to know which plastics to recycle. For example, water bottles that display a three or a five cannot be recycled in most jurisdictions in the US.
Is PET plastic recyclable?
PET plastic is recyclable and about 25% of PET bottles in the US today are recycled. The plastic is crushed and then shredded into small flakes which are then reprocessed to make new PET bottles, or spun into polyester fiber.