You have probably wondered many a time what these mysterious symbols on the bottom (or some other place) of a plastic containers mean. Is it simply for recycling purposes or does it also signify something related to one’s health? Which plastic is recyclable and which is not so readily accepted at your curbside recycling program? And can you recycle every type of plastic to begin with?
Here is the break-down of the most common recycling symbols found on plastics:
# 1 PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)—mostly utilized in single use bottles and containers because it’s easy to recycle and inexpensive to produce. It’s found in water and soft drink bottles, mouthwash bottles, oil and salad dressing containers, peanut butter containers and some food trays. This type of plastic is always recyclable and is recycled into polar fleece, furniture, fabric, tote bags, carpet paneling and sometimes into other plastic containers.
# 2 HDPE (high density polyethylene)—most adaptable and therefore used in a variety of products, such as mils jugs, juice bottles, bleach, detergent and other cleaner containers, shampoo bottles, yoghurt and butter tubs, motor oil containers, some trash and shopping bags and cereal box liners. This type of plastic is easily recyclable and is recycled into other plastic containers, e.g. laundry detergent and oil bottles, pens, floor tile, recycling containers, pipes, benches, fencing, picnic tables etc.
# 3 PVC (polyvinyl chlorine)—durable and withstands harsh conditions so it’s used in products such as piping, siding, clear food packaging, wire jacketing, medical equipment, windows, etc. It isn’t easy to recycle but when recycled it makes paneling, decks, speed bumps, mud flaps, roadway gutters, mats, flooring, cables, etc. PVC contains chlorine so its production releases dioxins, which are known human carcinogens.
#4 LDPE (low density polyethylene)—found in squeezable bottles, frozen food bags, dry cleaning and shopping bags, clothing, furniture and carpets. It isn’t commonly received at your curb recycling programs but more communities begin to accept it. It is normally recycled into trash can liners, paneling, shipping envelopes, compost bins, floor tiles etc.
# 5 PP (polypropylene)—has a high melting point so it is present in containers used for hot liquids. It’s found in some yoghurt containers, ketchup and syrup bottles, medicine bottles, caps and straws. It is becoming increasingly acceptable at your local recycling programs and is recycled into products such as signal lights, battery cables, brooms, brushes, auto battery cases, ice scrapers, landscape borders, bicycle racks, rakes, bins, pallets and trays.
# 6 PS (polystyrene)—made into rigid or foam items (Styrofoam) and known for leeching toxins into food or liquids. It is also difficult to recycle therefore not many places will accept it, although that is slowly changing. When recycled it is made into egg cartons, vents, rulers, foam packaging, insulation, light switch plates and carry-out containers.
# 7 Plastics—a number of various plastic resins that don’t fit in any of the previous categories are all put into # 7. Some of them include plastics containing the known hormone disruptor and human carcinogen BPA. This type of plastic is found in 3- and 5-gallon water bottles, sunglasses, beverage mugs, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs and displays, nylon and certain food containers. These plastics have not been recycled until recently and are made into custom-made products and plastic lumber.
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