The Plastic Recycling Number helps consumers and recyclers sort plastics for efficient and safe recycling. It is found in a triangular shape on the plastic and identifies the type of plastic. Each number corresponds to a specific type of plastic, with some being more commonly recycled than others. Number 7 is a miscellaneous category that includes items like water bottles, CDs, and sunglasses.
The Plastic Recycling Number is used to help consumers and recyclers sort plastics in the most beneficial way, so that each plastic is treated correctly when it is ready for recycling. While the system was initially meant solely for recyclers, some local governments also require residents to pay attention to plastic numbers. The Plastic Recycling Number is critical to ensure efficient and safe operation for recyclables.
For those who aren’t sure where to find the plastic recycling number, it is generally found in an inconspicuous area of the plastic, such as the bottom, or perhaps a lower corner. It is usually distinguished by being within three arrows arranged in a triangular shape. The number within the area will tell the consumer, and especially the recycler, some more information about the type of plastic.
The number 1 plastics, known as PET or PETE, are made from polyethylene terephthalate. This is traditionally plastic found in soda bottles, as well as plastic used for things like salad dressings and peanut butter. It is one of the most common types of plastic.
Number 2 plastics are denoted by the letters HDPE, which stands for high density polyethylene. These plastic classifications are most commonly seen in the form of milk jugs. However, juice bottles, water bottles, and even trash bags can have this designation.
Number 3 plastics are known as PVC. They most commonly show up as shampoo bottles and detergent bottles due to plastic’s ability to resist chemicals. Of course, this is also the type of plastic used for PVC piping. It is rarely recycled and is often not picked up by municipal recycling programs.
Number 4 plastics are known as PE-LD or low density polyethylene. This plastic recycling number is often applied to food bags and squeezable bottles, for products like ketchup and mustard. Again, as with number 3 plastics, these are not commonly recycled.
Number 5 plastics, or PP, are made from polypropylene. It commonly comes in the form of ketchup bottles, plastic caps, straws, and medicine bottles. While it hasn’t traditionally been widely accepted by recyclers, this is slowly starting to change.
Number 6 plastics are indicated by the letters PS, which stands for polystyrene. This plastic recycling number is often found on food containers for takeout items, as well as meat trays for packaged meats at a grocery store. They are accepted by some curbside recycling programs.
Number 7 plastics are indicated by the letter O, or by the word OTHER. As the name suggests, this plastic recycling number is a miscellaneous number that applies to all other types of plastics. In general, these are not recycled, can be reused or last a long time. Common items in this category include 5-gallon water bottles for water coolers, CDs and DVDs, as well as nylons and even sunglasses.
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