Recyclable plastics usually have a small symbol, and these symbols come in different forms such as numbers, stamps printed on the bottom, sides, or others, depending on the product. Those are referred to as resin identification codes. These identification codes are labels with numbers 1-7 that were developed in the 1980s to identify plastic into types to assure consistency in plastic manufacture and recycled plastic reprocessing. Let’s adjust our recycling habits by reading the 7 Resin Identification Codes To Consider A Material Recyclable.
To help you determine which items can be recycled and which ones go in the trash, here are the 7 Resin Identification Codes To Consider A Material Recyclable:
1. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
Source: compactor-runi.com
PET, or Polyethylene Terephthalate, is the most common recycled plastic, and it has the plastic code 1. Although the term may be unfamiliar, you have most likely encountered this sort of plastic. They come as plastic bottles, clear plastic bottles, peanut jar microwavable food trays, and more.
PET can be recycled into polyester fabric or a filler for fleeces, carpets, and cushion fillings. It can even be reused as rPET plastic, going through the entire lifecycle once again to form rPET plastic bottles. Also, if you are at home you can recycle these kinds of plastics by making pots, pen holders, or reusing them as tumblers.
2. Density polyethylene, or HDPE
Source: Yes Straws
Plastic code 2! Density polyethylene or HDPE is another form of widely recycled plastic. It has a matt texture and is compatible with most acid and alkaline solutions. It is used to make milk bottles, laundry detergent bottles, butter tubs, engine oils jugs, and some grocery bags. HDPE is a little tougher than PET, but it's almost as common.
3. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Source: Toppr
Polyvinyl Chloride, often known as Plastic 3, is a form of plastic that is commonly found in cling film, hoses, and plastic pipes. This material is dangerous and one of the least recyclable plastics because they can produce highly toxic chemicals throughout their lifecycle, which can cause serious health problems such as children's development, immune and endocrine system, and, worst of all, cancer.
4. Low density polyethylene (LDPE)
Source: Birch Plastics
Halfway to our 7 Resin Identification Codes To Consider A Material Recyclable, Low-density polyethylene or LDPE, is recyclable; it is often found in things like hand cream tubs, carrier bags, bin liners, and packaging films.
5. Polypropylene or PP
Polypropylene can be also recycled. It has a satin finish and an excellent range of chemical compatibility. It has a high melting point that makes it great for containing hot liquids. They usually come as ketchup bottles, packing tape, plastic straws, microwavable meal trays, and butter tubs.
There are many ways you can reuse and recycle Polypropylene materials such as turning them into brooms, brushes, garden rakes, and plastic trays.
6. Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene is a non-recyclable material. It threatens to undermine human health as well as the environment. This kind of plastic is slow to degrade, foam can seep chemicals into the environment, affecting water supplies and landfills if improperly disposed of.
7. Other plastics
In regular collections, plastics with the resin identification code 7, which means "other plastics," are non-recyclable. These kinds of plastics are a generic component; they don't belong to the six categories because these are vague and not clearly defined.
Learned something?
Recycling is good for the environment. We hope that by presenting you with the 7 Resin Identification Codes, we have cleared up any confusion on what and what not to recycle. So, if you have a large number of plastics at home, you can now either reuse or recycle them.