Ever noticed those tiny numbers on plastic bottles and containers? Wondering what they mean and why they’re so hard to spot? Let’s unravel the mystery behind these symbols and learn which plastics are safe, which might pose concerns, and how best to recycle them using our Plastics Identification.
Surprisingly, those numbers inside the triangles on plastic items weren’t initially intended to guide recycling efforts. The Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) introduced this numbering system to classify the plastic resin used. No wonder these numbers are often inconspicuous!
Complicating matters further, each local recycling facility has its own guidelines on which plastics they accept. To find out which plastics your local center collects, contacting them directly is key.
In essence, plastics are categorized into seven types. Typically, plastics #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE) are widely accepted by recyclers. Plastics #3 to #6 are less frequently recycled, with some facilities opting not to process them. Plastic #7 presents the greatest challenge and is usually not recyclable through standard municipal recycling programs.
Recycle Number 1: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
- Used In: Microwavable food trays; salad dressing, soft drink, water, and juice bottles.
- Status: Difficult to clean; prone to absorbing bacteria and flavors; avoid reusing.
- Recycled To Make: Carpet, furniture, new containers, Polar fleece.
Recycle Number 2: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- Used In: Household cleaner and shampoo bottles, milk jugs, yogurt tubs.
- Status: Does not transmit known chemicals into food.
- Recycled To Make: Detergent bottles, fencing, floor tiles, pens.
Recycle Number 3: PVC (Vinyl)
- Used In: Cooking oil bottles, clear food packaging, mouthwash bottles.
- Status: Believed to contain phthalates that interfere with hormonal development; avoid.
- Recycled To Make: Cables, mudflaps, paneling, roadway gutters.
Recycle Number 4: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- Used In: Bread and shopping bags, carpet, clothing, furniture.
- Status: Does not transmit known chemicals into food.
- Recycled To Make: Envelopes, floor tiles, lumber, trash-can liners.
Recycle Number 5: PP (Polypropylene)
- Used In: Ketchup bottles, medicine and syrup bottles, drinking straws.
- Status: Does not transmit known chemicals into food.
- Recycled To Make: Battery cables, brooms, ice scrapers, rakes.
Number 6: PS (Polystyrene)
- Used In: Disposable cups and plates, egg cartons, take-out containers.
- Status: Believed to leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen, into food; avoid.
- Recycled To Make: Foam packaging, insulation, light switchplates, rulers.
Recycle Number 7: Other (Miscellaneous)
- Used In: 3- and 5-gallon water jugs, nylon, some food containers.
- Status: Contains bisphenol A, linked to heart disease and obesity; avoid.
- Recycled To Make: Custom-made products.