A Guide To Recycling Codes On Plastic Containers
Not all plastics are the same. That’s why there’s a number code on the bottom for recycling.
Below is a breakdown on the plastic recycling codes, including what types of products are usually produced with that plastic in its first life, how to recycle it, and what it can be recycled into for its second life.
Number 1 Plastics – PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
1st Life: Soda, water and beer bottles; mouthwash bottles; peanut butter containers; salad dressing and vegetable oil containers; etc.
Recycling: Picked up through most curbside recycling programs.
2nd Life: Polar fleece fiber, tote bags, furniture, carpet, paneling, and occasionally made into new plastic containers
Number 2 Plastics – HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
1st Life: Milk jugs, juice bottles; bleach, detergent and household cleaner bottles; shampoo bottles; some trash and shopping bags; motor oil bottles; cereal box liners; etc.
Recycling: Picked up through most curbside recycling programs.
2nd Life: Detergent bottles, recycling containers, floor tile, drainage pipe, benches, picnic tables, fencing
Number 3 Plastics – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
1st Life: Window cleaner and detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, clear food packaging, wire jacketing, medical equipment, siding, windows, piping; etc.
Recycling: Rarely recycled because collecting it for recycling is cost-prohibitive. There are not enough items made from the material to warrant factories to recycle it into new products; however some plastic lumber makers will now accept it.
2nd Life: Decks, paneling, mud flaps, roadway gutters, flooring, cables, speed bumps, mats
Number 4 Plastics – LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
1st Life: Squeezable bottles; bread, dry cleaning and shopping bags; tote bags; carpet; etc.
Recycling: Rarely picked up through curbside programs, however some stores will accept plastic shopping bags for recycling.
2nd Life: Trash can liners and cans, compost bins, shipping envelopes, paneling, lumber, floor tile
Number 5 Plastics – PP (Polypropylene)
1st Life: Syrup bottles, ketchup bottles, caps, straws, medicine bottles, diapers; etc.
Recycling: Picked up through most curbside recycling programs.
2nd Life: Battery cables, brooms, brushes, auto battery cases, ice scrapers, landscape borders, bicycle racks, rakes, bins
Number 6 Plastics – PS (Polystyrene)
1st Life: Disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers, aspirin bottles, compact disc cases; etc.
Recycling: Picked up through some curbside recycling programs.
2nd Life: Insulation, light switch plates, egg cartons, vents, rulers, foam packing, carry-out containers
Number 7 Plastics – Other
1st Life: 3 and 5 gallon water bottles, ‘bullet-proof’ materials, sunglasses, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs and displays, nylon; etc.
Recycling: Not traditionally recycled, however some curbside programs now take them.
2nd Life: Plastic lumber, custom-made products
[...] A Guide To Recycling Codes On Plastic Containers: With weekend shopping and errands ahead, we thought we’d pass along this handy and easy-to-understand guide to reading plastic bottle codes put together by The Go Green Blog. What we particularly like about this presentation is that it lists how the different varieties of bottles are usually recycled. While you’re at it, learn to read those cryptic codes you see on fruit sold at the grocery story. (The Go Green Blog) [...]
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I find the valuable information is provided by you.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
We recycle plastic for all our products that we sell. This guide is great for the consumer. To many people do not understand recycling codes.
well i think diffrent i think that we use it to keep are enviroment good
[...] lot of your favorite household products are recyclable. Products such as aluminum foil are often overlooked, but can be thrown in the recycling bin along [...]
[...] lot of your favorite household products are recyclable. Products such as aluminum foil are often overlooked, but can be thrown in the recycling bin along [...]
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