List of resin identification codes (RIC) and codes defined by the European Commission
| Symbol | Code | Description | Examples |
| #1 PET (E) | Polyethylene terephthalate | Polyester fibers, soft drink bottles, fo ... | |
| #2 PEHD or HDPE | High-density polyethylene | Plastic milk containers, plastic bags, b ... | |
| #3 PVC | Polyvinyl chloride | Window frames, bottles for chemicals, fl ... |
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 ...
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.
Are number 1 Plastics recyclable?
The number one plastic in the world is single-use plastic soda and water bottles. This type of plastic is called Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and is rightfully categorized at #1 plastic. Only about 25% of all #1 plastics are recycled in the US, which is embarrassing.
What is the symbol for recycling plastic?
What Do the Different Plastic Recycling Symbols Mean?
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polystyrene (PS)
- Other & Miscellaneous
Which plastic numbers can be recycled?
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.12-Nov-2021
Which plastic codes Cannot be recycled?
US recycled HDPE bottle end uses (Source: More Recycling, 2018).3-PVC. Unfortunately, plastic number 3, the so-called polyvinyl chloride is not recyclable in normal collections.4-LDPE. ... 5-PP. ... 6-PS (POLYSTYRENE) and 7-OTHER. ... FINAL CONSIDERATIONS.20-May-2021
What number of plastic is safe to reuse?
Reusing plastic bottles with codes #1 and #2 is probably fine to do on occasion, provided you take certain precautions. Unless you know for certain that the #7 bottle you have doesn't contain BPA, don't reuse it. You may also wish not to use it at all, even for one-time use.12-Nov-2019
What are the 7 types of plastic?
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.23-Feb-2021
What does recycle 5 mean?
polypropyleneA 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.20-Nov-2019
Which of the following Cannot recycle?
Plastic toys, cooker handles, carry bags, ballpoint pens, plastic chairs. The other remaining items are non-recyclable.28-Sept-2020
What are #1 through #7 plastics?
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)02-May-2020
Can #2 plastic be reused?
If you happen across a water bottle marked with a “2,” you can reuse it as long as it's washed well and not cracked or otherwise damaged. This type of plastic is a low risk for chemical leaching.27-Nov-2021
Is it OK to wash and reuse plastic cups?
"For the most part, plastic plates, cups and utensils can be reused. Particularly when hand washed, as the dishwasher's higher temperatures can reduce the product's lifespan," Davis said.29-Jan-2021
What are the grades of plastic?
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) ... 7 – Other.17-Jul-2018
What type of plastic is the most toxic?
Polyvinyl chloridePolyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is widely known as the most toxic plastic for health and the environment. In its production, it releases dioxins, phthalates, vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, lead, cadmium and other toxic chemicals.13-Dec-2016
What are #5 plastics?
#5 Plastic: Polypropylene Plastic number 5 or PP plastic (polypropylene) is the second-most widely produced plastic. Being light, heat resistant and sturdy, PP is applied to various packaging. Today plastic 5 is commonly used in: Yogurt containers.17-Jan-2020
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 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.
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.
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).
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 are the most problematic plastics?
These should be replaced immediately with safer and reusable alternatives. PVC (code 3), polystyrene (code 6), polyurethane and polycarbonate (both falling under code 7) are mentioned as the most problematic.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 the plastic number 1?
Plastic Number 1 - PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Polyethylene terephthalate can be abbreviated as PET or PETE. PET is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer foodservice products. PET plastics are meant for single use. Plastic number 1 has a low risk of leaching and is considered safe.
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.
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 the number 4 in plastic?
Plastic Number 4 - LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) Low-density polyethylene is abbreviated as LDPE. Low-density polyethylene is safe to be reused. It is very flexible, durable, and lightweight making it a common plastic to be used in food film and squeezable bottles.
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.
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.
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 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.
What is PS in plastic?
No. 6: Polystyrene (PS) Otherwise known as Styrofoam, PS is used to make everything from hot beverage cups, take-out food containers, and packaging peanuts. It is recycled in some areas and used to make similar products like plastic wood, insulation, and hard-plastic pens.
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 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 ...
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.
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 ...
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.
What is low density polyethylene?
Low density polyethylene is most found in squeezable bottles, shopping bags, clothing, carpet, frozen food, bread bags, and some food wraps. Curbside recycling programs haven’t been known to pick up this plastic, but more are starting to accept it. Plastic #4 rests among the recycling symbols considered to be safe.
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.
Can you still use plastic water bottles?
In the end, plastics will still be used, but you can certainly limit your use of the product. Instead of buying plastic water bottles or other plastic containers, choose glass or invest in a high quality water filtration system to obtain your water from. (This is best for your health anyway). Additional Sources:
Is plastic #1 safe to use?
Picked up by most curbside recycling programs, plastic #1 is usually clear and used to make soda and water bottles. Some consider it safe, but this plastic is known to allow bacteria to accumulate.