Full Answer
What is plastic identification code?
What’s The Purpose? A plastic resin code, or ‘Resin Identification Code’, shows the consumer which type of plastic resin was used to make the chosen product, whether that be a plastic bottle, container or jug.
What are the different plastic recycling codes?
Plastics with Codes 3,6 and 7 cannot be recycled under standard recycling procedures and may ...
What are the codes for plastic containers?
- "1" signifies that the product is made out of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (beverage bottles, cups, other packaging, etc.)
- "2" signifies high-density polyethylene (HDPE) (bottles, cups, milk jugs, etc.)
- "3" signifies polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (pipes, siding, flooring, etc.)
How to tell if plastic is BPA-free?
How to Tell If Plastic Is BPA Free
- Check the recycling number on the bottom of the container. This number, usually located in a small triangle, identifies the type of plastic the container is made of.
- Determine if the triangle contains No. 7. ...
- Look for the numbers "1," "2" or "5" on the bottom of products. ...
- Assess if the plastic is soft and pliable. ...
What is the plastic type code?
Table of resin codesRecycling numberAbbreviationPolymer name1PETE or PETPolyethylene terephthalate2HDPE or PE-HDHigh-density polyethylene3PVC or VPolyvinyl chloride4LDPE or PE-LDLow-density polyethylene, Linear low-density polyethylene3 more rows
What are 7 types of plastics?
The Basics On 7 Common Types of Plastic1) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)2) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)3) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl)4) Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)5) Polypropylene (PP)6) Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam)7) Other.
What plastic numbers are safe?
To make a long story short: plastic recycling numbers 2, 4 and 5 are the safest. Whereas plastic numbers 1, 3, 6 and 7 must be avoided. But it does not indicate that you can fearlessly use safer plastic. All plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged.
How do I find my plastic code?
Plastics by the Numbers#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 – Other (BPA, Polycarbonate and LEXAN)
What is BPA free?
A product that is BPA free is one which does not use the organic compound Bisphenol A in its construction. In the past many plastic products such as baby bottles, plastic plates and cutlery, storage containers and drink bottles have been made using BPA.
What is PP and PE plastic?
Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) are used in much more than just poly bags. From stretch film to tape, plastic sheeting to strapping, plastic is everywhere. Better yet, both materials are recyclable, which makes them a great choice for those with sustainability in mind.
Is number 5 plastic food 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.
Can number 5 plastic be reused?
If you find as #2, #4, or #5 plastic, those are fairly safe to reuse. These contain low levels of polyethylene thermoplastic, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene.
Is No 4 plastic safe?
Select safe plastics for food storage. Only use plastic containers with the recycling #1, #2, #4 and #5 for food storage. Consider switching to glass storage containers since plastic containers can leach chemicals into the environment and your food as they age and become used.
What are plastic 1 and 2?
The terms “plastic #1” and “plastic #2” refer to a plastic container's resin identification code. Put simply, this code refers to what type of polymer comprises a container (and not all plastics are created equal).
Which plastic is not recyclable?
Examples of non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper and polycarbonate. Well known non-recyclable plastics include cling film and blister packaging.
Is plastic 5 microwave safe?
Microwave safe is usually a microwave with some wavy lines on it. If they container has a #5 on it, it is made from polypropylene, PP, so it is generally considered microwave safe.
Why is plastic contaminated?
The reason behind the drastic difference is contamination. Plastic is easily contaminated when placed in the wrong bin or when non-recyclable materials (like plastic straws, bags, and takeout containers) are mixed in the right bin. Consequently, the entire recyclable batch loses value and gets discarded. On the upside, the power to improve the rate ...
What is HDPE plastic?
We bet you must have an HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) product at your home right now. Because of its stiffness and good chemical resistance, HDPE plastic is widely used in packaging household products with a shorter shelf life (like milk jugs). It does not leach into food and is weather-resistant too.
How to deal with plastic waste?
Replace single-use plastic with reusable bags; use glass or steel containers for microwaving; carry reusable containers for food. Recycling should be the last resort when it comes to dealing with plastic.
What is a microwavable plastic container made of?
The majority of microwavable plastic containers are made from Polypropylene (PP). Although that does not mean every PP container is microwavable. There are other factors to be considered like wall thickness and strength of the container in question.
What is PVC used for?
The term “PVC” might ring a bell with you (Hint: PVC pipes). Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC is often used for rigid applications like pipes, window frames, and siding. It is grease, oil, and chemical resistant. Note that PVC is potentially harmful and should never be used for cooking or food storage.
How much plastic is recycled in the USA?
Being responsible consumers, we consciously throw away plastic in the recycling bins after usage, yet somehow only 8.4% of plastic is actually being recycled in the USA. The remaining proportion is landfilled, incinerated, or ends up floating in the ocean.
What is the toxin in a PS container?
Containers made with PS leach a toxin called styrene when coming in contact with warm food or drink, alcohol, oils, and acidic food items. Styrene is a human carcinogen that can have respiratory effects in the short term and cancer in the long term exposure. Do not microwave food in PS containers.
What is plastic number 1?
Plastic number 1 refers to polyethylene terephthalate which is one of the most generally used thermoplastic polymer resin. We know it as PETE or PET plastic. What is PET plastic in our daily life? Well, plastic 1 is most frequently used in water and beverages bottles, food jars and containers, salad dressing and oil bottles, clothes fiber, mouthwash bottles. Plastic #1 is usually clear in color and it is not intended for multiple uses.
What does 6 plastic mean?
Number 6 plastic stands for polystyrene (PS) or styrofoam. This is one of the plastic recycling codes that must be avoided or, at least, reused as it is hard to recycle 6 plastic. 6 plastic is cheap to produce, lightweight and it can be easily formed. We meet it in the form of rigid polystyrene and formed styrofoam.
What is HDPE 2 recycled?
Recycle logo plastic #2 means that it can be easily and efficiently recycled up to 10 times. Clear containers from HDPE 2 plastic are recycled back into the same new containers. Colored HDPE 2 is turned into many other items like pipes, lumber, toys, lawn, pens, floor tiles.
What is the difference between HDPE and plastic number 2?
HDPE products withstand heating and freezing so they can be used in various weather conditions. Plastic number 2 can be reused without any harm.
What does the recycle symbol mean?
The recycle symbol provides important data about the used resin and recyclability of the item. Keep in mind that plastic recycle code on the object does not surely mean that the item can be reprocessed. It just shows the information about the recycling possibility.
Where is the recycling sign on a refrigerator?
Have a closer look and you will notice a recycling symbol at the bottom, top or side of each plastic object. This recycle sign looks like a triangle of chasing pointers with a number from 1 to 7 inside it.
Is LDPE 4 plastic safe?
Plastic 4 or LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is a thermoplastic and one of the oldest grades of polyethylene. LDPE 4 is believed to be rather safe for using, still, it is not environmentally friendly as only a small percent of LDPE 4 plastic is recycled. Some plants accept plastic number 4 but there are really few.
When did plastic recycling come out?
Plastic recycling codes come from the The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) that introduced its resin identification coding system in 1988 after lobbying by recyclers. The recycling codes are explained below.
What is HDPE plastic?
Description - HDPE is a readily recyclable, versatile plastic commonly used for packaging. It is usually white or coloured and poses a low risk of leaching. Recycling Method - Collected through most curbside recycling programs. Some programs only allow containers with necks.
What is LDPE recycling?
Description - LDPE is a soft, flexible plastic. Recycling Method - LDPE is not often recycled through curbside programs. Many stores have programs that allow for plastic shopping bags to be returned to the store for recycling.
What is polypropylene used for?
Description - Polypropylene is a hard, flexible plastic that has a high melting point and is suited for high temperature applications like holding hot liquids. Recycling Method - Collected through some curbside recycling programs.
What is PVC used for?
It can be clear, white or coloured. PVC is a tough polymer and weathers well so is commonly used for siding, pipes and other building materials.
Is plastic a problem?
Various forms of plastic are ubiquitous in our modern lives. Unfortunately discarded plastic is also a major environmental problem with non-biodegradable plastics choking waterways, polluting streets and taking up precious space in landfills. Most plastics can be sucessfully recycled. Plastic recycling is made easier by special codes put into the plastic item at the point of manufacture.
What is the BPA in number 7 plastic?
Number 7 plastics are wont to make baby bottles, sippy cups, device bottles and car parts. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic food containers often marked on rock bottom with the letters “PC” by the recycling label #7.
What does a 3 in plastic mean?
a 3 indicates that the bottle has been made up of PVC , a five means it’s been made from polypropylene, two materials that aren’t accepted by most public recycling centers.
How much HDPE plastic is recycled?
However, since only about 30-35% of HDPE plastic utilized in America gets recycled annually , it’s knowing use as little as possible. to chop down, consider replacing your disposable produce bags with reusable alternatives. #3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
What is compostable plastic made of?
A new generation of compostable plastics, made up of bio-based polymers like corn starch, is being developed to exchange polycarbonates. These also are included in category #7, which may be confusing to the buyer . These compostable plastics have the initials “PLA” on rock bottom near the recycling symbol.
What is LDPE in clothing?
LDPE is usually found in shrink wraps, cleaner garment bags, squeezable bottles, and therefore the sort of plastic bags wont to package bread. The plastic grocery bags utilized in most stores today are made using LDPE plastic. Some clothing and furniture also uses this sort of plastic.
How to cut down on LDPE?
To cut down on the quantity of LDPE that you simply consume, try replacing your plastic grocery bags with fabric alternatives and taking a cloth bag to your local bakery subsequent time you purchase a loaf of bread. you’ll also replace plastic sandwich bags with platinum silicone alternatives, which are heat safe.
Why is PVC considered a poison?
PVC is dubbed the “poison plastic” because it contains numerous toxins which it can leach throughout its entire life cycle. most products using PVC require virgin material for his or her construction; but 1% of PVC material is recycled. Products made using PVC plastic aren’t recyclable.
What is the NFPA code for plastics?
NFPA 400 (the Hazardous Materials Code), NFPA 652 (the Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust) and NFPA 654 (the Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions) all have the potential to impact plastics materials suppliers and processors.
What is plastics industry?
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is active in monitoring and developing codes and standards for the plastics industry. We regularly review the publications of codes and standards organizations to identify activities of interest to the plastics industry and we are an ANSI-accredited developer of plastics machinery standards. We alert members to codes and standards-based issues to ensure that our members have a voice and are properly engaged in the process.
What is the scope of ANSI?
PLASTICS’ scope on file with ANSI is to develop standards and technical reports covering the manufacture, integration, care and use of plastics machinery or materials throughout the supply chain.
What does VDMA stand for in plastics?
The VDMA, which, in German, stands for the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association, is just one example of an international market actor that has the ability to impact plastics ...
Is PLASTICS a member of the NFPA?
PLASTICS maintains a working relationship with NFPA and will continue to work with the group and other standards-setting bodies like ASTM International, the B11 Standards Committee and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to ensure, once more, that the plastics industry has a seat at the table. Standards, Guidelines and Technical Reports.
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 is HDPE plastic?
HDPE plastic is the stiff plastic used to make milk jugs, detergent and oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags. HDPE is the most commonly recycled plastic and is considered one of the safest forms of plastic. It is a relatively simple and cost-effective process to recycle HDPE plastic for secondary use.
What is HDPE used for?
For this reason, HDPE is used to make picnic tables, plastic lumber, waste bins, park benches, bed liners for trucks and other products which require durability and weather-resistance . It is also a popular material for recycled plastic raised garden beds. Products made of HDPE are reusable and recyclable.
What is LDPE in clothing?
LDPE is often found in shrink wraps, dry cleaner garment bags, squeezable bottles, and the type of plastic bags used to package bread. The plastic grocery bags used in most stores today are made using LDPE plastic. Some clothing and furniture also uses this type of plastic.
How to reduce LDPE?
To cut down on the amount of LDPE that you consume, try replacing your plastic grocery bags with fabric alternatives and taking a cloth bag to your local bakery the next time you buy a loaf of bread. You can also replace plastic sandwich bags with platinum silicone alternatives, which are heat safe.
What is the best plastic for cereal boxes?
Polypropylene plastic is tough and lightweight, and has excellent heat-resistance qualities. It serves as a barrier against moisture, grease and chemicals. When you try to open the thin plastic liner in a cereal box, it is polypropylene. This keeps your cereal dry and fresh.
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.
What does the number 1 mean in plastic?
The number broadly refers to the type of plastic used in the product, by chronological order of when that plastic became recyclable: "1" signifies that the product is made out of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (beverage bottles, cups, other packaging, etc.) "2" signifies high-density polyethylene (HDPE) (bottles, cups, milk jugs, etc.)
What is RIC on plastic?
The ASTM International Resin Identification Coding System, often abbreviated RIC, is a set of symbols appearing on plastic products that identify the plastic resin out of which the product is made . It was developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States, ...
What is a RIC in recycling?
When many plastics recycling programs were first being implemented in communities across the United States, only plastics with RICs "1" and "2" (polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene, respective ly) were accepted to be recycled. The list of acceptable plastic items has grown since then, and in some areas municipal recycling programs can collect and successfully recycle most plastic products regardless of their RIC. This has led some communities to instruct residents to refer to the form of packaging (i.e. "bottles", "tubs", "lids", etc.) when determining what to include in a curbside recycling bin, rather than instructing them to rely on the RIC. To further alleviate consumer confusion, the American Chemistry Council launched the "Recycling Terms & Tools" program to promote standardized language that can be used to educate consumers about how to recycle plastic products.
What is the RIC code?
The US Society of the Plastics Industry introduced the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system in 1988, when the organization was called Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI). The SPI stated that one purpose of the original SPI code was to "Provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling of post-consumer plastics.".
What is PLA made of?
Other plastics, such as acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate, and polylactic acid (a bioplastic also known as PLA), and multilayer combinations of different plastics. Bottles, plastic lumber applications, headlight lenses, and safety shields/glasses .
Is it possible to recycle plastic?
However, even when it is technically possible to recycle a particular plastic, it is often economically unfeasible to recycle it, and this can mislead consumers into thinking that more plastic is recycled than really is. In the U.S. in 2018, only 8.5% of plastic waste was recycled.
Is a plastic code recyclable?
Since its introduction, the RIC has often been used as a signifier of recyclability, but the presence of a code on a plastic product does not necessarily indicate that it is recyclable any more than its absence means the plastic object is necessarily un recyclable.
What is a recycling code?
Recycling codes are used to identify the material from which an item is made, to facilitate easier recycling or other reprocessing. The presence on an item of a recycling code, a chasing arrows logo, or a resin code, is not an automatic indicator that a material is recyclable; it is an explanation of what the item is made of.
How many recycling codes are there in China?
A number of countries have a more granular system of recycling codes. For example, China's polymer identification system has seven different classifications of plastic, five different symbols for post-consumer paths, and 140 identification codes. The lack of a code system in some countries has encouraged those who fabricate their own plastic ...