List of resin identification codes (RIC) and codes defined by the European Commission
| Symbol | Code | Description | Examples |
| #PA | Polyamide ( Nylon ) | Toothbrush bristles, socks, stockings, e ... | |
| #8 Lead | Lead–acid battery | Car batteries | |
| #9 Alkaline | Alkaline battery | TV Remote batteries, flashlight batterie ... |
Full Answer
What is a recycling code?
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. Codes have been developed for batteries, biomatter/organic material, glass, metals, paper, and plastics.
What is code 7 recycling?
Code 7 is a residual category that nobody can use. This plastic is simply burned. Though it serves no real purpose in terms of waste separation, the recycling code can be used by consumers to make a distinction between plastics that would be safer to use than other plastics.
Where can I recycle plastic codes?
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. They are becoming more commonly accepted as technology improves and as the market for these plastics grows. Where you’ll find them:
What do the plastic recycling codes 1-7 mean?
Plastic recycling codes 1-7 A few things to keep in mind about these resin identification codes: Developed by plastics industry to faciliate recycling… It is a general catch-all for all plastics other than those identified by numbers 1-7, The little number inside the triangle tells the real story.
What codes are used for recycling?
Each number represents a different type of plastic and how/where it can be disposed.Plastic Number 1 - PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)Plastic Number 2 - HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)Plastic Number 3 - PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)Plastic Number 4 - LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)More items...•
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 the 7 categories of recycling?
Let's break them down: Plastic Recycling Symbol #1: PET or PETE. ... Plastic Recycling Symbol #2: HDPE. ... Plastic Recycling Symbol #3: PVC or V. ... Plastic Recycling Symbol #4: LDPE. ... Plastic Recycling Symbols #5: PP. ... Plastic Recycling Symbol #6: PS. ... Plastic Recycling Symbol #7: Miscellaneous.
What does 21 mean in recycling?
Mixed PaperPaper Recycling Codes Cardboard (PAP-20) Mixed Paper (PAP-21)
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.
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)
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.
Can all 7 types of plastic be recycled?
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.
What is the 5 symbol for recycling?
polypropyleneThe number 5 with the recycling symbol indicates polypropylene, often just shortened to PP. This plastic type is particularly hard and heat resistant.
What does recycle 41 mean?
#41 ALU. Aluminium. Soft drink cans, deodorant cans, disposable food containers, aluminium foil, heat sinks. Biomatter/Organic material.
How do you recycle Code 84?
#84 C/PAP (or PapAl) Paper and cardboard / Plastic / Aluminium liquid storage containers, juice boxes, cardboard cans, Cigarette pack liners, gum wrappers, cartage shells for blanks, fireworks colouring material, Tetra Brik.
What does PE mean in recycling?
PolyethylenePolyethylene (PE) PE comes in two forms: high-density (HDPE) and low-density (LDPE). Polyethylene is very easy to recycle, provided it is not bonded with other plastics to form composite materials.
What is the symbol for recycling?
The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) introduced a code system in 1988 that helps with recycling plastic by numbers. Almost all plastic products bear the general recycling symbol: a triangle formed by three circling arrows. The number in the triangle indicates the type of plastic. There are six common types of plastic and one miscellaneous category with the number 7.
What is code 7?
Code 7 is a residual category that nobody can use. This plastic is simply burned. Though it serves no real purpose in terms of waste separation, the recycling code can be used by consumers to make a distinction between plastics that would be safer to use than other plastics.
How much plastic has been recycled?
Out of all the plastic produced worldwide since the 1950s, only 9% has been recycled. The regulations for displaying the plastic recycling symbols are inadequate. Often, the code stamps are very small, difficult to find, and difficult to read (especially when the plastic is transparent).
Is plastic recycling number a function?
The plastic recycling number system actually serves no purpose: the consumer cannot do much with it and the waste separators do not use it. The figure suggests that plastic is recycled per product group. This has not been the case (for a long time now) in practice.
Can plastic bags be recycled?
The same type of plastic can be used for plastic bags or bottles, for example, and there are different grades for each type. Not all types of plastic can be recycled equally well and only a very low percentage of plastic is recycled at all.
Can you recycle polystyrene?
The Swiss food company Nestlé recognized in 2019 that certain types of plastic, including expanded polystyrene, simply cannot be recycled.
Is plastic recycling banned?
Call to the World. Unfortunately, plastics that are difficult to recycle are hardly ever banned. In 2013, scientists of the journal ‘Nature’ called on the world to classify the most problematic plastics as dangerous and undesirable in their article Classify plastic waste as hazardous.
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.
Is PET plastic recyclable?
PET plastic is recyclable and about 25% of PET bottles within the US today are recycled. The plastic is crushed then shredded into small flakes which are then reprocessed to form new PET bottles, or spun into polyester .
Is polystyrene a carcinogen?
Polystyrene may leach styre ne, a possible human carcinogen, into food products (especially when heated during a microwave). Chemicals present in polystyrene are linked with human health and genital system dysfunction. Recycling isn’t widely available for polystyrene products.
Can you reuse #7 plastic?
Some can also say “Compostable.”. #7 plastics aren’t for reuse, unless they need the PLA compostable coding. When possible it’s best to avoid #7 plastics, especially for children’s food. Plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2 and #4 on rock bottom are safer choices and don’t contain BPA.
Can plastic be recycled?
This recycled fiber is employed to form textiles like fleece garments, carpets, stuffing for pillows and life jackets, and similar products. Products made from #1 (PET) plastic should be recycled but not reused.
Can you recycle polystyrene?
Recycling isn’t widely available for polystyrene products. Most curbside collection services won’t accept polystyrene, which is why this material accounts for about 35% folks landfill material. While the technology for recycling polystyrene is out there , the marketplace for recycling is little .
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.
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 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.
Is polystyrene recyclable?
Polystyrene is recycla ble, but the process is not economically viable. Most of the curbside recycling programs don’t accept PS mainly because it is 95% air. It is not cost-effective, and the energy used in recycling is more than the energy saved. Moreover, the material easily contaminates with food or drinks.
Can you segregate recyclables?
With the help of resin codes, you can easily segregate recyclable materials. Moreover, you can figure out what type of plastic your local recycling program or facility accepts (it varies from town to town) based on these codes.
Is PET plastic recyclable?
PET is completely recyclable. In fact, it is the most recycled plastic material in the USA. Additionally, almost every municipality accepts PET in curbside recycling programs. Keep in mind to rinse off the container before adding it to the bin.
Is PP recyclable?
PP is a recyclable material (not an easy one, though). Some recycling initiatives do accept PP products. You can enquire with your local recycling program and make sure to empty the container before putting it in the recycling bin.
How much plastic isn't recycled?
According to National Geographic, a shocking 91% of plastic isn’t recycled. One way to help lower that number is by increasing your knowledge around the different ways various plastic types get recycled. Plastics have seven different recycling codes. Usually the higher the number the more difficult it is to recycle.
What is the easiest plastic to recycle?
Usually the higher the number the more difficult it is to recycle. 1. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET/PETE) PET or PETE, is very common, easy to recycle, and is accepted by most municipal recycling programs.
Why is it important to pay attention to the small codes stamped on plastic, glass, and paper products?
To ensure as many items as possible stay out of the landfill, it is important to pay attention to the small codes stamped onto plastic, glass, and paper products, as they let you know how to recycle the item properly.
Can you recycle laminated paper?
Most paper products can be recycled. However, dirty or greasy paper, along with laminated paper, cannot be recycled. There are three types of paper recycling codes: Cardboard (PAP-20) Mixed Paper (PAP-21) Plain Paper (PAP-22) To keep this information top of mind, print out our handy one page Recycling Codes Guide!
Is PVC plastic recyclable?
PVC is more difficult to recycle than the first two plastics mentioned above. Want to know why? Unfortunately, PVC is known to contain ph thalates, a suspected car cinogen. This type of plastic can be found within children’s toys and a variety of bottles including detergent and shampoo.
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.
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.
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.
How many resin codes are there?
Resin codes are contained by three arrows in a triangle formation. There are seven res in codes, 1-7, to identify plastic products. Each number represents a different type of plastic and how/where it can be disposed.
What is resin code?
What is a Plastic Resin Code? Resin codes were developed in 1988, by The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), to help standardize the materials used in different plastic products. Plastic products that are labeled with a resin identification code can be more easily identified and recycled or disposed of accordingly.
What is leaching in food packaging?
Leaching is the transfer or leaking of chemicals from the plastic to the food or beverage it holds . Chemical exposure as a result of leaching has been linked to several health problems including cancer, asthma, obesity, and heart disease. The FDA currently regulates plastics used in food packaging to ensure its safety.
Can you recycle number 6 plastic?
Although polystyrene can be recycled, Number 6 plastics are not typically accepted by curbside recycling programs but may be accepted at some recycling drop-off centers. Polystyrene is difficult to recycle because it is lightweight but does not break down easily.
Can plastic be recycled?
Not all plastics can be recycled in the same way or be recycled at all. Plastics have their own identification codes or numbers to tell us what type of plastic they are and where to recycle them.
Is HDPE plastic recyclable?
Number 2, HDPE plastics are recyclable and may be accepted by some curbside recycling programs depending on the product. They should be rinsed and dried before collection. After being recycled, plastic number 2 is reprocessed into plastic fencing, picnic tables, and lawn chairs.