recycling symbols 1 7

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.

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What do those recycling symbols mean, anyway?

What Does the Recycling Symbol Mean, Anyway?

1. Recyclable (Sometimes, Some Places) Meaning #1: An item with this symbol on it is recyclable somewhere. This doesn’t mean an item is recyclable in San José!
2. Made From Recycled Materials. The recycling symbol over a dark circle means that the item was made from recycled materials. ...
3. Plastic Resin Code, or Type of Plastic. ...
4. The How2Recycle Label. ...

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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.

How to read plastic recycling symbols?

Other symbols

• The Green Dot. The Green Dot does not necessarily mean that the packaging is recyclable, will be recycled or has been recycled.
• Mobius Loop. ...
• Plastic resin codes. ...
• Glass. ...
• Recyclable aluminium. ...
• Recyclable steel. ...
• Tidyman. ...
• Waste electricals. ...
• Compostable. ...
• Home composting. ...

More items...

What does the 5 in the recycling symbol mean?

What does the 5 in the recycling symbol mean?

1. PETE – Polyethylene Terephthalate. The easiest of plastics to recycle.
2. HDPE – High density Polyethylene.
3. PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride.
4. LDPE Low-density Polyethylene.
5. PP – Polypropylene.
6. PS – Polystyrene.
7. Other.

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 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.

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.

Which plastics Cannot be recycled?

Examples of non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper and polycarbonate. Well known non-recyclable plastics include cling film and blister packaging.

Does #7 plastic get recycled?

Biodegradable Plastic Is Not Recyclable Vegetable-based plastics such as PLA are often labeled #7, but they are not recyclable.

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.

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.

Is plastic Code 1 Safe?

Remember, number 2, 4 and 5 are safer plastics. Number 1 is also safe, but should not be reused. Numbers 6 and 7 should not be used if you can avoid it. When a plastic says that it is microwavable, remember that it just means it won't melt in your microwave.

Can #1 plastic be reused?

Health advocates advise against reusing bottles made from plastic #1 (polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET or PETE), including most disposable water, soda, and juice bottles. Such bottles may be safe for one-time use but reuse should be avoided.

What does a triangle with a 6 in it mean?

polystyreneA 6 inside the triangle indicates the plastic is polystyrene (PS), which is also erroneously referred to as Styrofoam, the name of a Dow-trademarked brand of polystyrene insulation. You can find PS in disposable cups and plates, carry-out containers, egg cartons, and meat trays.

What are three examples of items that Cannot be recycled?

Non-recyclable itemsGarbage.Food waste.Food-tainted items (such as: used paper plates or boxes, paper towels, or paper napkins)Ceramics and kitchenware.Windows and mirrors.Plastic wrap.Packing peanuts and bubble wrap.Wax boxes.More items...

Can cartons be recycled?

Cartons are recyclable. Made from mostly paper, cartons are in high demand to be made into new products. Manufacturers of cartons have joined forces in the Carton Council to increase access to carton recycling across the United States.

What is the symbol on plastic?

Well. Plastic comes in many different varieties. Different combinations of resins and polymers create plastics with different properties and different types of plastic present their own independent opportunities and threats. Officially, the symbol embedded on most plastics is called a “resin identification code” and it’s numbers, 1 to 7, help us to identify the type of plastic it is made from. It does not indicate the recyclability of a product.

Can plastic be recycled?

The answer to this question is a little trickier and here’s the reason why: whether a type of plastic can be recycled is not indicative of whether that type of plastic actually is recycled. In short, what plastics can and can’t be recycled in your local curbside recycling program is determined solely by your local municipality. It is important to check with your local municipality about which materials are recyclable and which are not, and check-in frequently as rules are subject to change over time.

Is LDPE plastic recyclable?

It is considered less toxic than other plastics, and relatively safe for use; however, it is not commonly recycled.

What does the 1 in the triangle mean on a plastic bottle?

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) A 1 inside the triangle indicates the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate, which is shortened to PET or PETE. This symbol is normally found on bottles for soft drinks and water; salad dressing, peanut butter, and vegetable oil containers; and mouthwash bottles.

What is the RIC on plastic?

The symbols—then collectively called the Resin Identification Code (RIC)—were developed in 1988 by the organization now known as ...

What plastics have a 7 inside the triangle?

Miscellaneous Plastics. Getty Images. 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 does a 2 in a triangle mean?

A 2 inside the triangle indicates the plastic is high-density polyethylene, or HDPE. You can find HDPE in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, butter and yogurt tubs, motor oil bottles, shopping and trash bags, bags inside cereal boxes, and household cleaner and detergent bottles.

What is the name of the plastic that is referred to as Styrofoam?

Polystyrene ( PS) Getty Images. A 6 inside the triangle indicates the plastic is polystyrene (PS), which is also erroneously referred to as Styrofoam, the name of a Dow-trademarked brand of polystyrene insulation. You can find PS in disposable cups and plates, carry-out containers, egg cartons, and meat trays.

Is there a recycling symbol for plastic?

ASTM is working on further modifications to the system, which has been criticized for not making it clear whether a certain type of plastic is actually recyclable; the presence of a recycling symbol is not in and of itself an indicator that a particular plastic will be accepted at your local recycling center or by your recyclables and waste collector.

Can LDPE be recycled?

LDPE is rarely recycled. When it is, it can be made into floor tile, lumber, paneling, shipping envelopes, compost bins, trash cans, and bubble wrap.

Plastic Recycling Symbols

We're told that over 90% of plastic is not recycled, which is a shocking statistic. It's no wonder plastic waste is such as huge global problem. So by disposing of our own plastic properly, at least we know we'll be doing our bit to avoid making it any worse.

What do the Numbers on Recycling Symbols mean?

The numbers tell you what type of plastic a product is made from. From this you can tell whether it can be recycled, and how to properly dispose of it.

What Numbers Cannot be Recycled?

It is technically possible to recycle all numbers, but only if the facility exists to do so. Sadly there are some such as #3 PVC, #5 Polypropylene and #6 Polystyrene are rarely recycled.

What is the recycling symbol on plastic?

Recyclable plastic usually comes with a little recycling symbol printed on the bottom and depending on the product, there might be a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 stamped in the center of the symbol. It’s easy to miss, but this tiny digit is actually pretty important, because it’s an ID.

Why do recycling plants use the number 1-7?

Recyclable plastics are labeled with numbers 1-7 to tell workers what kind of plastic it is, and how it should be processed. But it also helps recycling collectors determine what items they can accept — and which ones go in the trash.

Why are resin codes important?

These numbers are valuable consumer information, because they spell out the likelihood of your recycling ending up in a landfill. So brush up on your resin codes below, and adjust your recycling habits accordingly:

What does the symbol 7 mean?

Symbol 7 including the word “OTHER” stands for “other plastics,” which include, but are not limited to, acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic, polylactic fibers, nylon, and fiberglass. Not every plastic can be recycled. However, both acrylic and polycarbonate can be recycled and can be repurposed for future projects.

What is the symbol for PS?

Styrene plastic, also known as polystyrene, is marked with symbol 6 that includes the acronym PS. This plastic is commonly used in toys, hard packing, refrigerator trays, cosmetic bags, costume jewelry, CD cases, and vending cups. Although not accepted in many curbside recycling programs, it can be recycled to make egg cartons, take-out containers, ...

What does the PETE symbol mean?

Symbol 1 with the acronym PETE PETG plastic. Also known as PETE, this symbol represents polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly used for soft drink bottles, mineral water containers, and fruit juice containers, and cooking oil containers. The plastic is easily recyclable so it’s often part of curbside recycling programs. It can be reused to make containers, carpet, and furniture.

What is PP plastic?

PP, or polypropylene plastic, , is appropriately marked by the number five symbol including the acronym PP. Thanks to its durability, strength, and low weight, this plastic is utilized in furniture, luggage, toys, and the lining and external borders of cars. This is one of the safer types of plastic making it ideal for ketchup bottles and medicine bottles. It is also increasingly being accepted in curbside recycling programs.

What does the chasing arrows symbol mean?

The “chasing arrows” symbol we see on plastic containers and products does not necessarily mean the product is recyclable. The little number inside the triangle is there to help us identify the type of plastic used for the product. By understanding the number classifications, we can then determine the appropriate disposal route for our plastic products.

Can you reheat a symbol 7 plastic?

Since they are both thermoplastics, they can be reheated without a loss in quality. For symbol 7 plastics, be sure to confirm with your local recycling program. There are many use cases for acrylic- –you may be able to find it in use for food storage—many food containers are made of acrylic for their strength and transparency.

Can HDPE sheets be recycled?

HDPE sheets can also be easily recycled into pipes, oil bottles, pens, and detergent bottles. It is commonly accepted by curb side recycling.

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 resin code on a 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. It’s the number inside the triangle that counts, because each number corresponds to a different type of plastic.

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 ...

Is plastic recycling confusing?

We know that plastics recycling can be confusing. We can provide guidance and solutions to all your plastics needs. As always, contact us with questions.

Is plastic like trees?

Plastic is like trees: it’s everywhere, and you know it when you see it, but you probably can’t explain the difference between types. And why would you be able to? Life is complicated enough without having to commit to memory the ways that HDPE differs from LDPE; unless, of course, you work in the plastics recycling industry.

Does Miller recycle plastic?

Trust your plastics recycling questions to Miller Recycling. Our team can help your business establish an efficient and cost-effective system for recycling plastics, and we pay competitively for large quantities of plastics including hard-to-recycle varieties.

What is the number seven plastic?

A wide variety of plastic resins that don't fit into the previous categories are lumped into this one. Polycarbonate is number seven plastic, and it's the hard plastic that has worried parents after studies have shown it as a hormone disruptor. PLA (polylactic acid), which is made from plants and is carbon neutral, also falls into this category.

What is PP in recycling?

PP (polypropylene) has a high melting point, so it's often chosen for containers that will hold hot liquid. It's gradually becoming more accepted by recyclers.

How to recycle foam?

Since foam products tend to break apart into smaller pieces , you should place them in a bag, squeeze out the air, and tie it up before putting it in the trash to prevent pellets from dispersing.

How much plastic is recycled?

Many plastics can be readily recycled, but according to National Geographic, a whopping 91% of plastic has never even been recycled. With all the different rules and symbols, it can be confusing for consumers to figure out exactly what each plastic recycling symbol means and how to recycle it. While the universal plastic resin symbol (three chasing arrows forming a triangle) remains the same, the numbers one through seven inside make a significant difference. FYI: Just because a product has the chasing arrows symbol, doesn't mean it's recyclable — it's just an indicator of the type of plastic.

What is PET in a bottle?

PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages , because it's inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to recycle. It poses low risk of leaching breakdown products. Its recycling rates remain relatively low (around 20%), even though the material is in high demand by manufacturers.

Can you recycle PET bottles?

How to recycle it: PET or PETE can be picked up through most curbside recycling programs as long as it's been emptied and rinsed of any food. When it comes to caps, our environmental pros say it’s probably better to dispose of them in the trash (since they're usually made of a different type of plastic), unless your town explicitly says you can throw them in the recycle bin. There's no need to remove bottle labels because the recycling process separates them.

Can you recycle in your town?

Every town and city has different recycling programs, so you'll often have to check your location's rules to find out exactly what you can recycle. Plus, "there are times when your recycling program may change what it collects," says Mike Brown of Brown and Wilmanns Environmental, one of our environmental consultants. Even if there isn't a way for your town to recycle a certain material, he says there's still a chance they might collect it anyways and either store it or dispose of it.