plastic container recycle codes

These plastics are recycled into new plastic containers, tote bags, fleece clothing, carpet, furniture, paneling, pipes, lumber, benches, fencing, dog houses, and picnic tables. Some centers can recycle codes #1 (soft), #4, and #5 Give your local facility a call to see if they accept plastic codes #1 (soft), #4, and #5.

Full Answer

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.)

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Which plastic codes are recyclable?

Which are Safe & Which to Avoid

• Plastics with Codes 3,6 and 7 cannot be recycled under standard recycling procedures and may pose harm to health and the environment. These should be Avoided.
• Plastics with Code 1 is considered safe to recycle, but it can be recycled only once. It is always advisable to avoid this type.
• Plastics with Codes 2,4 and 5 are considered safest to recycle.

Which plastics are recyclable by number?

Recycling plastics – what the numbers mean + cheat sheet

1. PETE – Polyethylene Terephthalate. The easiest of plastics to recycle. ...
2. HDPE – High density Polyethylene. Also readily recyclable – Mostly used for packaging detergents, bleach, milk containers, hair care products and motor oil.
3. PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride. This stuff is everywhere – pipes, toys, furniture, packaging – you name it. ...

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.

How do you determine if a plastic container is recyclable?

Recyclable plastic usually comes with a little recycling symbol printed on the bottom and depending on the product, there might be a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 stamped in the center of the symbol. It's easy to miss, but this tiny digit is actually pretty important, because it's an ID.

What numbers are safe for plastic containers?

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.

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 number 5 plastic recyclable?

Hard plastics (numbers 1 and 2) are consistently recyclable. In general, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), commonly used in plastic drink bottles, and PP (polypropylene) – used for bottle caps, margarine tubs, and meal trays – are recyclable in Singapore. If in doubt, 1 is for PET and 5 is for PP.

Is number 7 plastic safe?

#7 plastics are not for reuse, unless they have the PLA compostable coding. When possible it is best to avoid #7 plastics, especially for children's food. Plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2 and #4 on the bottom are safer choices and do not contain BPA.

Is number 5 plastic toxic?

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.

Should I throw away my old Tupperware?

There's no standard rule of thumb about when it's time to throw out your plastic containers. How long your containers last depends on how well you care for them, and the quality of plastic they're made of. You'll know it's time to toss your containers if they become warped or cracked.

What does number 5 plastic mean?

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 are #6 plastics?

The #6 identifies the resin of the plastic which makes polystyrene, but the arrows around the number do not mean that it is recyclable. This type of plastic is either hard of soft (foam, also known as Styrofoam). Both should go in the landfill.

What are #3 plastics?

SPI Code 3 Plastic labeled with an SPI code of 3 is made with polyvinyl chloride. This kind of plastic should not come in contact with food items as it is a dangerous, toxic chemical. PVC is in many everyday objects, but it's mostly for industrial use in the plumbing and construction sectors.

What does 7 PC mean on plastic?

PolycarbonatePolycarbonate (PC) Polycarbonate is a clear, rigid plastic, and it's marked with #7 PC. It's not recyclable, and it contains BPA (Bisphenol A). It's the baddie of the #7s. It's nowhere near as common as it used to be in baby products, but there's still a lot of it about.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 the most widely accepted recycling code?

Recycling codes #1 (hard) and #2 are the most widely accepted. Recycling centers have the equipment to process these plastics, and there are plenty of manufacturers willing to buy them.

What happens if you throw non recyclable plastic in the blue bin?

The problem is that if we throw non-recyclable plastics into the blue bin, they can contaminate the entire recycling stream. Manufacturers who buy recycled plastic will pay less for contaminated plastics, or they won’t buy them at all. Just like any other business, recycling facilities operate on sales revenue.

Why should we recycle plastic?

It would be great if plastics just had a simple code for “ yes, recycle this ” or “ no, trash it “. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Here’s why: 1 It is easier to recycle certain types of plastic and not easy to recycle others. 2 Recycling is a business and there is simply more of a demand for certain types of recycled plastics than for others. As such, recycling facilities have a stronger incentive to recycle the plastics they can sell.

Can plastic be recycled?

If the plastic does not have a code, there is little way of knowing whether it can be recycled for sure. In this case, it is usually safest to throw the plastic in the trash to avoid contaminating the recycling stream.

Does a recycling facility accept styrofoam?

Sometimes a recycling facility will not accept a certain plastic (like Styrofoam) as part of their curbside recycling program but will accept that same plastic if you drop it off. You’ll need to call to find out.

Is it easier to recycle plastic?

It is easier to recycle certain types of plastic and not easy to recycle others . Recycling is a business and there is simply more of a demand for certain types of recycled plastics than for others. As such, recycling facilities have a stronger incentive to recycle the plastics they can sell. So overall, plastics that are easy to recycle ...

What color are HDPE containers?

HDPE containers are commonly found in a variety of colors: white, red, blue, green, gray, etc. Our photo (left) illustrates a use of HDPE polyethylene plastic bottles used to contain battery acid at a gas stop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Also see PLASTIC & FIBERGLASS TANKS, HDPE.

What is the most widely used material for plastic bottles?

Types of Plastics Used for Bottles, Containers & Tanks. HDPE - High Density Polyethylene - the most widely used material for plastic bottles, HDPE is supplied in FDA-approved food-grade products. It does not withstand temperatures over 160 degF. Don't assume that HDPE containers are all clear or white.

What is a water storage tank made of?

Answer: As Ms. Stuart pointed out, some water storage tanks are made of plastic polyethylene terephthalate aka PET. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE or polyester) is commonly used for carbonated beverage and water bottles intended for one time use - not a plastic one would expect use for a water storage tank.

What is a PS storage container?

PS - Polystyrene plastic storage containers, used with dry products, not for water storage. PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride plastic bottles or storage tanks, used for bottled oils and soaps, like HDPE it does not withstand high temperatures over 160 degF.

What is PIR in plastic?

PIR. Post-industrial regrind, as above, but using plastic waste products recovered from industrial processes, often used to produce container caps and also some jars. PLA. Polylactic acid plastic products are plastic products made using corn starch rather than petroleum products as their chemical base.

How long does it take for plastic to become biodegradable?

products. Generally products made using plastics made of polymer chains that break down to become brittle in certain environments, such as under exposure to UV in sunlight, or under exposure to oxygen, typically within a 5-year time frame .

Is #7 plastic BPA?

FYI: while BPA-containing plastic containers are expected to carry the #7 recycling label, according to the New York Times (7 Sept. 2010), not all plastics labeled with recycling symbol #7 are in fact BPA-containing. [7]

What is PP plastic?

PP, or polypropylene plastic, , is appropriately marked by the number five symbol including the acronym PP. Thanks to its durability, strength, and low weight, this plastic is utilized in furniture, luggage, toys, and the lining and external borders of cars. This is one of the safer types of plastic making it ideal for ketchup bottles and medicine bottles. It is also increasingly being accepted in curbside recycling programs.

What does LDPE stand for in plastic?

Symbol 4 with the acronym LDPE indicates that the plastic is made from LDPE plastic, which stands for low-density polyethylene. This plastic comes in the form of shopping bags, highly-resistant sacks, and crushed bottles.

What is the symbol for polystyrene?

Styrene plastic, also known as polystyrene, is marked with symbol 6 that includes the acronym PS. This plastic is commonly used in toys, hard packing, refrigerator trays, cosmetic bags, costume jewelry, CD cases, and vending cups. Although not accepted in many curbside recycling programs, it can be recycled to make egg cartons, take-out containers, and rulers.

Can you reheat a symbol 7 plastic?

Since they are both thermoplastics, they can be reheated without a loss in quality. For symbol 7 plastics, be sure to confirm with your local recycling program. There are many use cases for acrylic- –you may be able to find it in use for food storage—many food containers are made of acrylic for their strength and transparency.

Can PVC foam board be recycled?

Thanks to its lightweight and rigid properties, PVC plastic can be easily stamped, sawed, punched, nailed, riveted, or bonded using PVC adhesive. PVC is rarely recycled and not usually part of a curbside recycling program.

What are the rules for recycling plastic?

So what does all of that mean for you? A few things: 1 Types 1 and 2 plastics may be tossed into standard recycling bins. 2 Other plastic types may not be permitted in your bin, depending on your municipality’s guidelines. 3 Hard-to-recycle plastics – including Styrofoam, shrink wrap and manufacturing scrap – require specialized handling.

What is the code for plastic?

A product made of plastic is often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. The presence of a resin code doesn’t necessarily mean that the product can be recycled.

What is plastic wrapping made of?

A lot of plastic wrappings are made of LDPE plastic. It’s also used to make grocery bags and the bags that hold newspapers, sliced bread loaves and fresh produce, among other things.

What is the most complicated material to recycle?

At Miller Recycling, plastic is one of the materials we receive and process. It’s also the most complicated material to recycle, in part because consumers don’t know what types can be disposed of and in which ways. A product made of plastic is often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made ...

Can you dispose of soda bottles in Massachusetts?

Recycling these containers isn’t just an option: it’s the law.

Can #7 plastic be recycled?

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.

Can PVC tubing be recycled?

Plastic tubing, kids’ toys, plastic trays and furniture are often made out of PVC. PVC products CANNOT be recycled.