recycling codes for plastic

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 ...

May 29 2022

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.

What do numbers 1-7 on recyclable plastics mean?

The number 1 to 7 found on the bottom of plastics is not a recycling symbol but rather a plastic or resin identification code. It advises what type of plastic the item is made from but not if it is recyclable. Most hard plastics coded 1-7 can be recycled in your yellow lidded recycling bin.

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.

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 types of plastic can it recycled?

The 7 codes for plastics and the truth behind their “recycling” symbolsSoda bottles.Water bottles.Food packaging.Carpet.Liquids packaging (bottles)Oven-ready food trays.Polyester.Salad dressing bottles.More items...•

What are the 7 types of plastic codes and how are they used?

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.

What is the plastic identification recycling 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

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 #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.

Is #7 plastic BPA free?

Code 7 is the recycling code for plastics that contain BPA and must be avoided at all cost. Although codes 3 and 6 technically do not contain BPA, the chemicals that are used to manufacture these products also pose serious risks to our health.

Which plastics are BPA free?

BPA Free Plastics1 PETE (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).

Is 7 plastic safe in water bottles?

#7 – Other (BPA, Polycarbonate and LEXAN) Number 7 plastics are used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, water cooler bottles and car parts. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic food containers often marked on the bottom with the letters “PC” by the recycling label #7.

What does 7 in a triangle mean?

Miscellaneous Plastics 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 5 symbol for recycling?

Polypropylene5: PP (Polypropylene) PP is used to make the food containers used for products like yogurt, sour cream and margarine. It's also made into straws, rope, carpet and bottle caps. PP products CAN SOMETIMES be recycled.

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.

What are the 6 main types of plastic?

The Six Types of Plastic and What to Do With ThemPolyethylene Terephthalate (PET #1) ... High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE #2) ... Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC #3) ... Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE #4) ... Polypropylene (PP #5) ... Polystyrene (PS #6)

How many of the seven types of plastic that can be recycled are almost never recycled?

FiveFive of the seven types of plastic are almost never recycled.

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 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 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.

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 ...

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.

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 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 code for PVC recycling?

Plastic Recycle Code 3 V (PVC Recycling Code) Recycled PVC can be used in similar applications as virgin PVC, but the cost of recycling can be prohibitive to manufacturers, and as a result, PVC is not as often recycled as it could be. Due to this, PVC often ends up as waste. However, when PVC is recycled, it can be put to use in more pipes ...

What is recycled polystyrene?

Recycled polystyrene is found in a lot of food handling products, like plates, cups and silverware. It is also used in electrical applications such as light fixtures. Polystyrene insulation is often made of recycled polystyrene.

What is polystyrene used for?

Polystyrene is a popular plastic for creating foam , but can also be used in rigid applications. Its use in foam is due to its high melting point, which can prevent fires from spreading or releasing toxic fumes during accidents. In rigid applications, polystyrene is found in consumer products such as cups, as Styrofoam.

What is low density polyethylene?

Low-Density Polyethylene is a petroleum-based thermoplastic used in applications requiring tough but flexible surfaces. It is generally clear, and unresponsive at room temperature, but when heat is applied it can be heat sealed. It can be used for wires and hoses as well as bottling and other packages because it blocks moisture.

Is polypropylene a thermoplastic?

Polypropylene is a common thermoplastic polymer that features in many different applications such as ropes, textiles, rulers, speakers, lab equipment and even Tic Tac box tops. Polypropylene is strong and tough, and has good resistance to a variety of situations and materials, such as heat, chemicals, grease, oil and moisture.

Is HDPE a good detergent?

A polyethylene thermoplastic, HDPE also has chemical resistance that makes it a popular choice for detergent and other chemical containers. For manufacturers, HDPE is a fairly easy plastic to use because it is responsive to processing and forming, but obtains strong intermolecular force and tensile strength once made.

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.

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 SPI code for plastic?

Plastic marked with an SPI code of 1 is made with polyethylene terephthalate. These containers sometimes absorb odors and flavors from foods and drinks that are stored inside them. However, this is still a commonly used plastic for many household items and daily essentials.

Can you recycle PP plastic?

You’ll find SPI code of 5 on plastic items made with polypropylene. PP can be recycled, but is not as accepted as PETE or HDPE. This type of plastic is strong and can usually withstand higher temperatures. That’s why you’re able to reheat your leftovers in Tupperware without worrying about it melting!