The most commonly recycled plastics are:
- 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
- PET. The most widely recycled plastic in the world is PET. ...
- HDPE. HDPE is accepted at most recycling centers in the world, as it is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. ...
- PVC. ...
- LDPE. ...
- PP. ...
- PS (POLYSTYRENE) and 7-OTHER.
What are the easiest types of plastic to recycle?
are collected for recycling [2]
- Identifying plastic for recycling. There is no mandatory need to mark plastic in a way that signifies what polymer it is. ...
- Closed loop and open loop recycling. As more plastic is recovered and recycled, it provides increasing amounts of raw material for the recycling sector, which can be used for ...
- Eco-Design and recyclability. ...
- Post Consumer Recycling. ...
What is the most recyclable type of plastic?
The Different Types of Plastics We Use
- PET or Polyethylene Terephthalate. Drinks bottles and perishable food packaging contain this form of plastic. ...
- HDPE or High-Density Polyethylene. This is another form of plastic that we can class as being safe. ...
- PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride. ...
- LDPE or Low-Density Polyethylene. ...
- PP or Polypropylene. ...
- PS or Polystyrene. ...
- Other Plastics. ...
What is the cheapest and most durable type of plastic?
Top 3 Most Impact Resistant Plastics
- ABS Plastic. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a widely used thermoplastic polymer found in everything from the popular Lego ® toys to automotive parts.
- Polycarbonate Plastic. Polycarbonate plastic is a thermoplastic polymer that can be made to be completely translucent (like glass).
- pDCPD Plastic. ...
Which plastics are easily recyclable?
You can recycle this plastic if your Local Authority mentions:
- Packing tape
- Plastic Straws
- Take away tubs
- Ketchup bottles
- Plastic picnic ware
- Plastic b ags or film that can’t be stretched- these are not recyclable
Which plastic can not be recycled?
Thermosetting plastics, like Bakelite or polyurethane, are different because they harden as you heat them. Once they have set, you can't melt them. This makes thermosetting plastics almost impossible to recycle.
What are the 7 main types of plastic?
7 Different Types of PlasticBelow is 7 of the most popular and commonly used plastics: ... Acrylic or Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) ... Polycarbonate (PC) ... Polyethylene (PE) ... Polypropylene (PP) ... Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) ... Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ... Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)
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
What are 5 different 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 is the safest plastic to use for yogurt?
Polypropylene (PP) is one of the safest plastics and is often used for things like yogurt containers. Unfortunately, only three percent of these products get recycled in the United States. Check to see if it’s accepted in your curbside recycling program. Or, find out if the company you buy from has a recycling program of its own.
What is LDPE 4?
Type #4: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is safe and used in a range of items, from shopping bags to freezer goods. In the past, it was tricky to curbside recycle, but it’s becoming more accepted by recycling centers.
How long does it take for plastic to degrade?
Unfortunately, with how inescapable plastic is, it’s also one of the biggest sources of waste: 91 percent of plastic doesn’t get recycled, meaning it heads straight to a landfill where it can take up to 100 years to degrade.
What is type 7 plastic?
Type #7: Miscellaneous/Other. The final type of plastic, miscellaneous, is the most complicated. It basically includes all the plastics that didn’t make the cut for top six. This includes nylon, polycarbonates, and products like phone cases.
Is vinyl a plastic?
Vinyl (V) is one of three plastics that are extremely difficult to recycle in curbside recycling programs. It has also been deemed unsafe since it’s been linked to the release of phthalates. Plastic wrap is the most common source of vinyl, but it can also be found in other places like windows.
Is it safe to use a plastic water bottle?
The body of many soda and water bottles are made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE). It’s safe (as long as it remains unmelted) and is widely used by the bottle and container industries. It’s also recyclable and easy to reuse and repurpose. So even if you’re given a seemingly single-use plastic like a water bottle, it’s up to you to keep it alive.
Is HDPE a recyclable material?
Photo: Max Pepper, CNN. High-density polyethy lene (HDPE) is found in everything from milk jugs to shampoo bottles and is considered safe and is recyclable. Plus, it doubles as a recycling container when you’re done with it.
What is HDPE plastic?
HDPE is a stiff and strong plastic making it an ideal choice for packaging. It is also impact and moisture resistant making it a versatile choice for many outdoor commercial materials.
What is PVC pipe?
Also known as vinyl, PVC is a soft and flexible plastic common for construction and healthcare, but can also be found for personal applications in the home.
How many plastic codes are there on a label?
There are seven plastic codes printed on plastic product labels, however, not all of them can be recycled. The key is understanding which ones can be recycled and reducing your use of the ones that cannot.
How many times can you recycle PET bottles?
These fibers shorten over time so they can only be recycled 7-9 times before it becomes no longer recyclable.
Why is PVC considered a poison?
PVC is known as a “poison plastic” because it contains numerous toxins that can leach throughout its lifespan. PVC can be a major source of phthalates or “plastic softeners” which can harm children’s health and development by interfering with natural hormone functioning.
What is the RIC number on plastic?
Every plastic has a “chasing arrow” recycling symbol with a resin identification code (RIC) number on the inside. Just because the plastic has this recycling symbol does not mean it is recyclable. The number on the inside of the symbol and the abbreviation are the important factors.
What is PET used for?
This one of the most common forms of plastic that is clear, strong, and lightweight. PET is actually polyester, (a synthetic resin also used in synthetic textile fibers) but its primary use is for packaging food and beverages, especially soda and water bottles. Mostly all single-serving and 2-liter bottles of soda and water sold in the United States are made from PET.
What is LDPE used for?
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): LDPE has the simplest structure of all the plastics, making it easy to produce. That’s why it’s mostly used for many types of bags. A very clean and safe plastic, LDPE is also found in household items like plastic wrap, frozen food containers and squeezable bottles. More recycling programs are beginning ...
What is HDPE made of?
Many children’s toys, park benches, planting pots, and pipes are also made from HDPE. Recycled HDPE is made into pens, plastic lumber, plastic fencing, picnic tables and bottles. V or PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): First discovered in 1838, it’s one of the oldest plastics. Also known as Vinyl, PVC is a common plastic that starts out rigid, ...
Why is it important to recycle plastic?
By recycling the plastics you use every day, you can reduce your impact on the environment and help businesses cut costs. However, not all types of plastics are created equal. The number within the recycling symbol on plastic containers, known as an SPI Code, provides a wealth of information about the safety and biodegradability ...
Is HDPE plastic safe?
HDPE is the most commonly recycled plastic and is usually deemed safe for food contact by the FDA. Because of its internal structure, HDPE is much stronger than PET, and can be reused safely. It can also be used for items that will be stored or used outdoors, because it does well in both high and freezing temperatures.
What is PP plastic?
PP (Polypropylene): Discovered at a petroleum company in 1951, PP is hard, sturdy and can withstand high temperatures. It’s also considered a safe plastic, and as a result, it’s found in tupperware, car parts, thermal vests, yogurt containers, and even disposable diapers.
When was PET plastic first used?
Now let’s dive in deeper to learn more about each of the seven plastic types: PETE or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): First used in 1940, PET plastics are commonly found in beverage bottles, perishable food containers and mouthwash.
Can antimony be recycled?
Over time, this can cause Antimony to leach out of the plastic and into the liquid. Luckily, these plastics are easily recyclable, and most recycling plants accept them , so properly disposing them is easy. PET plastics are recycled into carpet, furniture, and fiber for winter garments.
Why is PVC recycled?
TRUTH ABOUT RECYCLING: Less than 1% of PVC is recycled each year… probably because it’s toxic. AVOID PVC. Harmful chemicals such as lead, vinyl chloride, and Diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) are byproducts in the creation and disposal of PVC. These chemicals are linked with birth defects, cancer, and hormone disorders.
What happens if you bring plastic back to the recycling bin?
If someone picks it up, it might go into the garbage can. Even if you bring the plastic back to a recycling bin, less than 30% of that plastic will be recycled. Now is the time to double down. China has stopped accepting our plastic trash, and more cities are scrambling to find ways to help recycling centers keep up.
How many times can HDPE be recycled?
TRUTH ABOUT RECYCLING: Did you know that HDPE can be recycled up to 10 times? This is what the plastic manufacturers say. However, look at the facts: this experiment was done in a lab, under strictly controlled conditions.
How much of plastic is recycled?
Most often we see plastics referred to by their recycling code, even though less than 9% of all plastics produced are recycled. This is a convenient tool to use because it separates most plastic by polymerization type.
What is PET used for?
It’s structure makes it shatter resistant. PET is used to make things like single-use beverage bottles, carpet, plastic films, and food packaging.
What is PP in shipping?
DOWNCYCLED INTO: shipping envelopes, paneling, tiles, plastic lumber, trash can liners and trash cans. NAME: Polypropylene (PP) is another thermoplastic. Because it is so adaptable, it is the most commonly used plastic. It has a very high melting point, so it is often used in packaging that contains a hot liquid.
Why can't sorting machines tell apart PET plastic?
This is a problem because plastic can become contaminated and whole batches are deemed unusable if contamination occurs. Hopefully you have a better understanding of all the different types of plastic now.
We believe in Compassionate Humanity
Plastics are sorted by polymer type, whether by consumers or by recycling plants to ensure all contaminants have been removed. Once they’re sorted and cleaned, plastics can then be either shredded or melted into form pellets before finally being moulded into new products.
About the Author
Olivia is a journalist and editor based in Hong Kong with previous experience covering politics, art and culture. She is passionate about environmental and animal conservation, and all things related to oceans.
What is the use of plastic in recycling?
As more plastic is recovered and recycled, it provides an increasing amount of raw materials for the recycling sector, which can be used for either “closed loop” or “open loop” recycling.
Is plastic recycling a minefield?
Plastic recycling is indeed a minefield for most of us. Local authorities have tried to make it easier by using terms such as plastic bottles, margarine tubs and yoghurt pots. However, identifying plastics by type could be tricky if we do not know the specifics.