Plastic Recycling | Decoding the Numbers
Have you ever looked at the bottom of that bottle of water or milk jug and noticed a number surrounded by the circle of arrows? This is the mark of the Resin Identification Coding System, a classification system developed in 1988 to separate plastics into different recycling categories based on their composition. Read on to learn not only what these numbers signify, but also what product the container you are tossing into the recycle bin could eventually become.
#1: Polyethylene Terephtalate (PET or PETE)
This familiar type of plastic is created most commonly for beverage containers such as soft drink bottles and water bottles, and is also commonly used to package cosmetics and some household cleaners. PET bottles are intended for single use, but because they are easily recyclable, discarded products containing PET can quickly be converted in to new products. PET is actually a form of polyester. During the recycling process, PET flakes can be spun into fibers and used to produce carpet yarns, fleece, and other geo-textiles.
#2: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a petroleum based thermoplastic. This type of plastic is more durable than PET is often used to produce items such as milk containers, laundry detergent jugs, and plastic tables and chairs. HDPE has no known health concerns unlike some other types of plastic and because of its durable nature it is a safe and common choice among producers. When recycled, HDPE can be transformed back into its original form as well as into synthetic lumber, fencing, and other composite building materials.
#3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Commonly known as PVC, polyvinyl chloride is a thermoplastic polymer that typically contains additional compounds to increase its flexibility and durability. PVC is commonly used in shower curtains, inflatable toys, and in some types of food storage bags and plastic wrap. When exposed to extreme heat, PVC can release potentially harmful toxins into the air making it an undesirable material for use in consumer goods. PVC is rarely recycled, however, it can be used to create recycled decking & lumber, mud flaps, and commercial flooring.
#4: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear-low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is the most commonly produced plastic in the world. LDPE is a petroleum based thermoplastic with a natural flexible nature. Due to its toughness, flexibility and relative transparency, LDPE is commonly used in packaging materials, as a liner for paper juice or beverage containers, and to make plastic grocery bags. LDPE can be recycled into many new products including trash can liners, wall paneling, landscape edging, and plastic storage bins.
#5: Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer. Known for its strength and its resistance to chemicals, heat, and moisture, polypropylene is commonly used for packing food items as well as in the manufacturing of socks and other performance clothing. Polypropylene has a high melting point, making it ideal for hot fill liquids and reusable kitchen food containers. Commonly polypropylene is used to create ketchup bottles, yogurt containers, margarine tubs, and other reusable food storage containers. Polypropylene products can be recycled into products such as oil funnels, landscape borders, yard rakes, and plastic storage bins.
#6: Polystyrene (PS) or Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Polystyrene is a very popular petroleum-based plastic type of plastic that is also the used to create Styrofoam. Around the house polystyrene can be found in CD and DVD cases, foam egg cartons, plastic silverware, and disposable cups & plates. Although polystyrene is rarely accepted for large scale recycling, it is accepted through some curbside programs where it can be converted into thermal insulation, new egg cartons, foam packing material, and carryout containers.
#7: Other/Everything Else
This catch-all category of plastics includes materials such as Polycarbonate, LEXAN, Bisphenol A (BPA), and plastics made from a combination of the materials listed above that do not fit into another category. Due to the complex nature of these materials and potential threat of chemical leaching, plastics identified with the #7 are often excluded from recycling programs. Plastic #7 is often found in large (3-4 gallon) commercial water bottles, plastic fuel containers, and sunglasses.
Plastics have helped to revolutionize the way in which we live, and without them the world today would be a much different place. Plastic has made our lives easier and more efficient in many ways, but the disposable nature of plastic and its inability to decompose has started to create an environmental concern. More than 32 million tons of plastic waste was accumulated in the US last year with only 9% of that waste being recovered for recycling.
Plastic recycling is an important step towards reducing the nation’s waste stream and lowering our carbon footprint, and it is becoming easier than ever with the growing popularity of curbside and single-stream recycling programs. If you would like more information on plastic recycling or commercial recycling opportunities in your area, please contact Millennium Waste at (309) 787-2303 to speak with one of our courteous and helpful representatives.
Last Modified: