Recyclable plastic usually comes with a little recycling symbol printed on the bottom and depending on the product, there might be a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 stamped in the center of the symbol.
The number is a resin identification code , used to help recycling plants sort materials. Recyclable plastics are labeled with numbers to tell workers what kind of plastic it is, and how it should be processed.
But it also helps recycling collectors determine what items they can accept — and which ones go in the trash. These numbers are valuable consumer information, because they spell out the likelihood of your recycling ending up in a landfill. Note that soda bottles and caps should be separated before recycling, as usually bottles are number 1 and caps are number 5, and different types of plastic do not recycle together.
The products shown are just examples, so when sorting recyclables always check the recycling number imprinted on the bottom of the plastic item. Since recyclers target post-consumer plastics, the recycling symbols are most commonly found on household packaging materials.
Identifies resin type of plastic content only. Must be as inconspicuous as possible so the consumer's purchasing decision is not influenced. Must not be modified in any way. No claims of recyclability or the word 'recyclable' near the code symbol. This stuff is everywhere — pipes, toys, furniture and packaging. These are the materials you can recycle at your local supermarket using the REDcycle bins.
This is a hard but still flexible plastic. Yarra accepts food containers labelled 5 only. This is used to make cups, foam food trays and packing materials. This shows the item could be a mixture of any and all of the above or a plastic that is not readily recyclable, such as polyurethane. These are also included in category 7, which can be confusing to the consumer.
Plastics with the recycling labels 1, 2 and 4 on the bottom are safer choices and do not contain BPA. PLA coded plastics should be thrown in the compost and not the recycle bin since PLA compostable plastics are not recyclable.
The plastics industry has conformed to regulations by applying the required codes to consumer products, but it is up to individuals to read and understand the codes. By understanding these simple classifications, we can best use plastics to our advantage while minimizing the health and disposal issues that may otherwise arise.
To avoid chemicals leaking into your foods from food packaging, try going homemade and storing your leftovers or your lunches in platinum silicone or stainless steel. Greg Seaman Originally from Long Island, NY, Greg Seaman founded Eartheasy in out of concern for the environment and a desire to help others live more sustainably.
Greg spends his free time gardening, working on his home and building a wooden sailboat with hand tools. Read Article Shop Products.
The little number inside the triangle tells the real story. Products made of 1 PET plastic should be recycled but not reused. Polystyrene should be avoided where possible.
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