Recycling numbers 1-7 chart
| NUMBER | USED IN | STATUS | RECYCLING FOR |
| ♳ PET | Soft drinks, water, and soda bottles; fo ... | Hard to clean; absorbs bacteria | Carpet, clothes, furniture, toys |
| ♴ HDPE | Pipe system; shampoo bottles; chemical c ... | Safe for food storage; no chemicals tran ... | Fences, detergent bottles, pens, floors |
| ♵ PVC | Clear food packaging; oil bottles; mouth ... | Not recommended for a long-term food sto ... | Cables, paneling, hoses, road cones |
| ♶ LDPE | Shopping bags; clothing; carpets; | Doesn’t transmit chemicals into food | Envelopes, lumber, trash-can liners |
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.
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 plastics are recyclable by number?
Recycling plastics – what the numbers mean + cheat sheet
- PETE – Polyethylene Terephthalate. The easiest of plastics to recycle. ...
- HDPE – High density Polyethylene. Also readily recyclable – Mostly used for packaging detergents, bleach, milk containers, hair care products and motor oil.
- PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride. This stuff is everywhere – pipes, toys, furniture, packaging – you name it. ...
What plastics are recyclable #5?
with New York, Austin, Texas, and San Diego topping the list. Here, the top cities for beauty plastic recycling, ranked by consumer adoption. New York – 65.5 percent Austin – 65.3 percent
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.
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 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.
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.
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 ...