In 1988, the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) introduced a symbol system that informs the public about the recyclability of plastic. Since then, plastics manufacturers include a recycling symbol on their products – a triangle formed by three circling arrows with a number from one to seven in the center – to indicate the type of plastic and its level of recyclability. The symbols remove confusion by telling consumers what they can reuse and recycle safely. They also aim to improve recycling rates. Understanding the plastic recycling numbers is the best way to become a better recycler. In this guide to plastic recycling symbols, we will detail the types of plastics and their preferred recycling methods.
Recycling Symbols
Plastics are classified by the chemical process used in their synthesis and the chemical structure of the polymer’s side chains and backbone. Other criteria for categorizing plastics include material, heat resistance, moisture barrier, and clarity. These criteria inform manufacturers when indicating the recyclability symbol on their products. Below are the seven plastic recycling symbols.
[1] PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)
This is the recycling symbol for most common plastic because it is easy to recycle, lightweight, and cost-effective. It is commonly used in beer bottles, soft drink bottles, vegetable oil containers, and peanut butter containers. Curbside recycling programs are recommended so long as the bottles are rinsed and emptied during recycling.
[2] HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
HDPE is a versatile plastic with multiple uses. It has a low risk of leaching and can be recycled easily into different types of byproducts. Curbside recycling programs are recommended for HDPE bottles, although some allow only bottles with necks.
[3] PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and V (vinyl)
PVC and V plastics are commonly used for things like siding and piping. Some of the benefits of this plastic include toughness, weathering well, and being inexpensive. PVC and V plastics release toxins when burnt. Products with this symbol are rarely recycled but can be bought by plastic lumber manufacturers. Ask your local waste management for disposal directions whenever you want to dispose of PVC and V products.
[4] LDPE (low-density polyethylene)
LDPE is a flexible plastic with many uses, including frozen food containers, squeezable bottles, and shopping bags. American recycling programs have not accepted this plastic for many years, but some programs have started to accept it. LDPE is most often disposed of in the garbage, however, when it is able to be recycled it is turned into trash bin liners, paneling, shipping envelopes, and more.
[5] PP (polypropylene)
This plastic has a high melting point, and it is commonly used in containers or bottles that hold hot liquid. It is found in straws, caps, syrup and medicine bottles, and yogurt containers. Products with PP are becoming increasingly accepted by curbside recyclers as long as they are free of food residue.
[6] PS (polystyrene)
PS is converted into foam or rigid products such as aspirin bottles, carry-out containers, compact disc cases, egg cartons, and disposable plates. It comprises styrene monomer and styrene oxide – two ingredients that are not human and environmentally friendly. Very few curbside recycling programs accept products with the PS symbol. Foam products can break down into small pieces, so you should squeeze them up before throwing them into the trash.
[7] Miscellaneous
Most plastics that don’t fit into the categories highlighted above bear a miscellaneous recycle symbol. For instance, Polycarbonate and PLA (polylactic acid) fall under this category. The plastic is found in iPods, DVDs, bullet-proof materials, three- and five-gallon water bottles, and certain food containers. These plastics are traditionally not recycled..
Recyclable Packaging from E2Global
E2Global is passionate about sustainability and the environment. We have several years of experience in using post-consumer recycled resin. We manufacture PET and HDPE products, recyclable packaging products commonly used in single-use bottles and household products.
If you are looking for more information about some of our recyclable products, please contact our sales team today.
