recycling codes uk

If a waste is from one of the industry processes 01 to 12and 17 to 20, you can now use the 99 code that you were not able to use in Step 1. An example of a waste that is coded 99 is sharps drugs litter, such as syringes, found in the street which can be coded 20 01 99.

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 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.

How many recycling codes are there for ABS plastic?

In the United States there are fewer, because ABS is placed with "others" in group 7. 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.

How many types of plastic can be recycled in the UK?

Recycling in the UK can be confusing. Our guide to plastic explains what can and can’t be recycled, and how. There are seven main types of plastic that you use around your home. These are broken down into the following categories. The numbers, in three looped arrows, are called their 'plastic resin codes'.

What numbers can you recycle UK?

PET can be recycled into polyester fabric and filling for for fleeces, carpets and cushion fillings.2 – HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) – Recyclable plastic (check Local Authority) ... 3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – Non Recyclable Plastic. ... 4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – Recyclable plastic (check Local Authority)More items...•Feb 5, 2018

What plastic numbers can be recycled UK?

3 – Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – piping. 4 – Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) – food bags....What Plastics Can be Recycled?1 – Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) – water bottles and plastic trays.2 – High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) – milk cartoons and shampoo bottles.5 – Polypropylene (PP) – margarine tubs and ready-meal trays.Sep 30, 2020

What do the recycling numbers mean UK?

The three green arrows going in a triangle simply means that it's capable of being recycled. Sometimes, the symbol will come with a percentage in the middle, signifying how much of it has been made from recycled materials. PLASTICS. Three arrows in a triangle means that the item is capable of being recycled.Mar 18, 2022

What are the 7 recycling numbers?

Seven types of plastics are most commonly used for packaging....How to recycle the 7 types of plasticPolyethylene Terephthalate (PET) ... High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) ... Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ... Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) ... Polypropylene (PP)More items...•Jan 2, 2020

Is number 5 plastic recyclable?

Recycling: Number 5 plastics can be recycled though some curbside programs. Recycled Into: Signal lights, battery cables, brooms, brushes, auto battery cases, ice scrapers, landscape borders, bicycle racks, rakes, bins, pallets, trays, and more.

How do I know if plastic is recyclable?

It is represented with a 'chasing arrows' symbol surrounding a a number between 1 and 7 that defines the resin used.1 - PET, used for drinks bottles and some food packaging: Widely recycled.2 - HDPE, used for cleaning product bottles, milk cartons, etc: Widely recycled.More items...

What do the 3 arrows mean in recycling?

The symbol represents a Mobius loop consisting of three-chasing-arrows in the shape of a triangle having round vertices. Each arrow twists and turns itself, and all three arrows chase each other. The symbol is a consummate representation of recycling.

What do the 2 arrows mean on packaging?

recyclableAlmost half of those surveyed thought that the 'green dot' symbol – a circle of two intertwined arrows – meant that the product is recyclable, when it actually means that the manufacturer has paid into a scheme that supports recyclable packaging and systems.Jul 30, 2018

What do the numbers in recycle triangle mean?

At the bottom of most plastic containers you can find a small number inside the three arrow triangle recycling symbol. This number is a reference to what type of plastic the container is made of. Each plastic is composed of a different molecule or set of molecules.

How do you read plastic codes?

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)May 2, 2020

Which 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.Jan 17, 2020

What do the numbers on plastic mean?

The number is a resin identification code that tells you what kind of plastic that material is made of. Plastics that have #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics. Plastics #3 , #4, #5, #6 and #7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not universally collected in local recycling programs.

What to do when you see the mobius loop logo?

The triangle on its own means the product can be recycled. Typically, this means that the item can be disposed of with your general recycling. Some...

What are examples of waste with the mobius loop logo on?

As this is the most common logo displayed on recyclable products, you will likely come across it several times in a single day. This could include:...

What to do when you see the recycle and rinse symbol?

This symbol means that the item can be recycled, but it must be rinsed/cleaned before you throw it away. This is often used on food packaging and r...

What are examples of waste with the recycle and rinse symbol on?

There are various types of products that feature this symbol. This includes: Glass Jars (Food) Metal (Cans, tins) Plastic (Shampoo bottles, food...

What to do when you see the recycle, rinse with lid cap on symbol?

Products with this symbol can be recycled. However, you must ensure that they are rinsed and that their lid/cap is tightly secured. This is because...

What are examples of waste with the recycle, rinse with lid cap on symbol on?

A variation of this symbol will appear on any products with small caps/lids. This could include: Plastic Water Bottles Milk Cartons/Containers

What to do when you see the don’t recycle and remove sleeve symbol?

Unfortunately, not all packaging waste can be recycled. When you see this product, it may be that everything but the sleeve can be recycled – so en...

What are examples of waste with the don’t recycle and remove sleeve symbol on?

There are various products that feature this symbol. This includes: Packaging Waste Product labels

What to do when you see the flatten with cap on recycling symbol?

When this symbol is featured on a product, it means that before it is stored in the recycling bin you must flatten the item and ensure the cap is s...

Is polystyrene recyclable?

Polystyrene is commonly recycled. The recycling process, however, is a particularly difficult one in relation to the other plastic types. Examples of polystyrene products include disposable coffee cups, plastic cutlery and packing foam.

Can plastic be recycled?

Not all plastics are the same, however, and this means that not all of them can be disposed of and recycled in the same manner. On account of this, back in 1988 the Society ...

What are the numbers on plastic bottles called?

The numbers, in three looped arrows, are called their 'plastic resin codes' . These are often stamped on plastic packaging and can be used to quickly identify what type of plastic you're dealing with: most common plastics - Infogram. The most common - and the most valuable - of these are: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) - used in water bottles ...

What are the different types of plastics?

The most common - and the most valuable - of these are: 1 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) - used in water bottles and plastic trays 2 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) - used for milk cartons and shampoo bottles 3 Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) - plastic carrier bags and bin liners. 4 Polypropylene (PP) - margarine tubs and ready-meal trays

Is PET plastic recyclable?

As it’s airtight and rigid, yet flexible, PET is the most commonly used, and particularly useful for packaging food and drinks. While polystyrene (used for takeaway boxes, cups and food packaging) and PVC (used for food packaging and drainpipes and guttering), are technically recyclable, it's much more difficult to recycle these than ...

Is plastic recycling efficient in the UK?

When we spoke to plastic experts, they explained that while manufacturers need to do their bit to improve their plastic waste output, there is plenty that consumers can be doing to help make sure that the UK's recycling system is more efficient. Here are our tips for better recycling:

How to describe waste?

You must describe your waste in the paperwork you give your waste contractor. This must include: 1 the waste classification code, also referred to as LoW (List of Waste) or EWC (European Waste Catalogue) code - classification codes for common types of waste are in the relevant parts of this guidance 2 whether it’s hazardous or POPs waste 3 the type of premises or business where the waste was produced 4 the name of the substance or substances 5 the process that produced the waste 6 a chemical and physical analysis of the waste and its components 7 any special problems, requirements or knowledge related to the waste

Can you find a code for your waste?

If you cannot find a code for your waste. Check the technical guidance on waste, it includes more information about waste classification and assessing waste. You must not use landfill waste acceptance criteria (WAC) results for waste classification purposes.

Can you check if your waste is hazardous?

In most cases you can check the waste code or codes associated with your waste to see if they are hazardous and POPs waste. You must make sure your waste contractor can dispose of this waste properly. Some waste items have more than one classification, depending on the possible mix of substances in them. In these cases you must work out exactly ...

Do you have to classify your waste before recycling?

You must identify and classify your waste before you send it for recycling or disposal. This makes sure you or anyone handling your waste deals with it properly. There are special rules for dealing with hazardous waste or disposing of waste with a high level of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), (known as ‘POPs waste’).

Is it illegal to mix hazardous waste?

Mixing waste. It’s illegal to mix hazardous or POPs waste with either non-hazardous or another hazardous waste. Check how to mix and store hazardous waste. You will usually need more than one code if you store more than one type of non-hazardous waste in your container.

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 to include in your assessment

In your assessment you must create a table for each recovery or disposal scenario you want to compare. You should create tables for at least 3 scenarios.

Nature of waste and hazard rating

Under the ‘nature of waste’ heading in the table, you need to show if the waste is hazardous or not. You can find out if your waste is hazardous by following the Environment Agency’s WM3 guidance on waste classification.

Choose waste recovery or disposal methods

Under the ‘recovery or disposal method you’ll use’ heading in the table, you need to show the recovery or disposal method for each waste stream.

Calculate the total impact of each scenario

You need to calculate the total impact score of each scenario using the information in your tables.

Choose a waste disposal scenario

You should choose to use the waste recovery or disposal scenario that has the lowest total impact on the environment.

Check if you need to complete other risk assessments

Check if you need to complete other risk assessments . Once you’ve done all the required risk assessments, submit them with your permit application. You can also use the risk assessment tool to submit your air emissions risk assessment.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can HDPE be recycled?

HDPE can be easily recycled (at least ten times). Recycled HDPE is used to make new containers for non-food items, plastic lumber for outdoor decking, pipes, buckets, ropes, toys, recycling bins, and more.