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. The recycling numbers are a uniform way of classifying the different types of plastic and it aids recyclers in the sorting process. Note that sometimes other numbers are found on the bottom of plastic containers, but only numbers inside the recycling symbol are valid for recycling purposes. The recycling code consists of the numbers 1 through 7. Sometimes below the numbers you also find the abbreviations for the plastic type (PETE, HDPE, etc.). The most widely accepted plastics
Plastic
Plastic is a material consisting of any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organics that are malleable and can be molded into solid objects of diverse shapes. Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain other substances. They are usually synth…
What are the different recycling numbers?
recycling purposes. The recycling code consists of the numbers 1 through 7. Sometimes below the numbers you also find the abbreviations for the plastic type (PETE, HDPE, etc.). The most widely accepted plastics for recycling are number 1 and 2. Below is a list of the numbers, full names of the plastics they refer to, and some examples of
Why are there different recycling numbers?
The recycling numbers are a uniform way of classifying the different types of plastic and it aids recyclers in the sorting process. Note that sometimes other numbers are found on the bottom of...
What do those recycling numbers mean?
But Allen soon learned that he was “wishcycling”— carefully sorting items with the recycling ... number framed within the triangular arrows symbol — the resin identification code that ranges from 1 to 7 depending on the type of plastic. Only those ...
What are numbers for recycling?
Recycling symbols can be also in a different color along with recycling numbers. The scale of the recycling numbers is between 1-7. These numbers show the idea of whether the product is recyclable, reusable or not.. This also lets buyers or users the concept of buying recycled products.
What are the numbers that 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.
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 a 7 mean in recycling?
Other7: Other. 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.
Can number 5 plastic be reused?
If you find as #2, #4, or #5 plastic, those are fairly safe to reuse. These contain low levels of polyethylene thermoplastic, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene.
What number plastics Cannot be recycled?
Finally, plastics number 6 and 7 are never recycled.
Is Number 4 plastic safe?
Yes, 4 is among safe plastics numbers. Taking into account the low 4 plastic recycling facilities, you should reuse LDPE 4 plastic at least a few times before moving it to a garbage bin.
What number of plastic is safe to reuse?
However, numbers 2 (high density polyethylene), 4 (low density polyethylene), and 5 (polypropylene) should be safe.
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.
What are the 7 types of plastics?
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.
Is BPA free number 7 plastic safe?
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.
What is a Group 7 plastic?
Plastic Number 7 is a complex group. It includes all plastic types except for numbers 1 to 6 including PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, and PVC. Plastic number 7 has a wide range of plastics with many different characteristics. It includes recyclable, non-recyclable, mixed plastics, and biodegradable plastics.
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.
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 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 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 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 ...
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.
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.
Can you recycle styrofoam?
It’s not viable for some plastics recycling companies to take hard- to-process plastic products like Styrofoam. Bags made of type 4 plastic, like produce and grocery bags, also shouldn’t be put into recycling bins because they can get tangled in the equipment at recycling facilities.
Something is recyclable only if there is a buyer for it
Many people don’t understand that recycling is a for-profit business. Yes, your community pays to have trash and recycling hauled away, but then the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF, or the place where they sort out those recyclables) is a business and needs to be able to sell those materials to a manufacturer who wants them.
Size and shape matters
Most recycling programs will take #1 and #2 plastic, but not ALL #1 and #2 plastic. Why? Because of the way recyclables are sorted at the MRF. Flat plastics, pill bottles and other small plastics will usually fall through the cracks of the screening process and cause headaches for the workers and extra expense spent cleaning that stuff out.
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 #1 used for?
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. It’s found mostly in soda bottles, water bottles, beer bottles, salad dressing containers, mouthwash bottles, and peanut butter containers.
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.
Is number 1 plastic safe?
While Number 1 is considered safe, it is also best to avoid this plastic. Look for symbols 2, 4, and 5, as these plastics are considered to be safest. These are the plastics to look for in terms of human and animal consumption. In the end, plastics will still be used, but you can certainly limit your use of the product.
Is plastic 2 recyclable?
Plastic #2 is typically opaque and picked up by most curbside recycling programs. This plastic is one of the 3 plastics considered to be safe, and has a lower risk of leaching.
How much plastic has never been recycled?
And although many plastics can be recycled, National Geographic reports that 91 percent of plastic has never been recycled. The universal recycling symbol features three arrows that form a triangle, but it’s the plastic’s number that makes a difference as to whether or not the item can head to your recycle bin.
What is PS in recycling?
PS (polystyrene) is also known as styrofoam. Since this material is roughly 98 percent air, most recycling programs don’t accept it in foam form, but items like egg cartons, disposable plates, and carry-out containers may be allowed in your bins—again, check with your local waste management office!
Can you recycle #5 plastic?
With a high melting point, PP (polypropylene) is often the plastic of choice for containers that need to hold warm liquids. Some curbside recycling programs allow you to recycle #5—just be sure to clean and rinse containers before tossing.
Is it better to have one item end up in a landfill than a whole bin?
This philosophy can easily extend to your home as well. Do the best you can to educate yourself about what’s recyclable and what’s not, and toss the rest. Nicole Gulotta Nicole Gulotta is a writer, author, and tea enthusiast.
Can you recycle plastic hangers?
Unfortunately, plastic hangers aren’t always accepted by local recycling companies, so check with your city before putting them in your curbside pickup. To keep them out of landfills, you may be able to donate hangers to thrift stores, churches, or give them away through local swaps.
Quick Guide to Recycling Plastics
America is drowning in trash. Americans put 27 million tons of plastic in landfills in 2018 alone. That's roughly 75% of the plastic Americans produced that year.
The Universal Recycling Symbol
The universal recycling symbol contains three twisting arrows. These arrows point to each other, forming a triangle with rounded corners.
The Meanings of Your Recycling Symbols
Recycling symbols are simple yet profound. The universal recycling symbol is the same almost everywhere. The numbers designate different kinds of plastics.
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 ...