Every Plastic Recycling Symbols Meaning
Most people believe that the tiny triangle sign at the bottom of plastic bottles means 'recycle,' but they don't realize that just because it has a triangle on the bottom doesn't mean it can always be recycled. The numbers represent the plastic grade and can also provide information about the item's safety and use. Recycling is one tiny step we can take to keep these products out of landfills, rivers, and the sea.
Use this blog to find the meaning of the various triangles and determine whether or not your products are recyclable.
#1 – Polyethylene Terephthalate
The most popular plastic for single-use bottled beverages is PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), which is cheap, lightweight, and easy to recycle. It has a minimal danger of breakdown products leaching. Despite the fact that the material is in high demand by manufacturers, its recycling rates is still limited (about 20%).
Plastic water and soda bottles, as well as certain food packaging, are made of this easy-to-recycle material. PETE is frequently recycled into polar fleece or fibers. It's not advised for reuse; therefore, it quickly finds its way into the recycling stream.
#2 – High Density Polyethylene
HDPE (high density polyethylene) is a versatile plastic with a wide range of applications, particularly in packaging. It has a minimal danger of leaching and can be recycled into a variety of products.
Shampoo bottles, shopping bags, milk jugs, butter and yoghurt tubs, detergent and household cleaner bottles are all made of this type of plastic, which is generally colored or opaque. HDPE (high density polyethylene) is one of the safest plastic since it can easily be recycled into plastic lumber, detergent bottles, floor tiles, oil bottles or drainage pipes.
#3 – Polyvinyl Chloride
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is frequently used for pipes and siding because it is strong and weathers well. PVC is very inexpensive, therefore it may be used in a wide range of products and packaging. Because chlorine is a component of PVC, it can induce the emission of highly toxic dioxins during production. PVC should never be burned because it releases pollutants.
This plastic, which may be found in shampoo bottles, some toys, medical plastics and window trim, is usually not used in household goods that can be ingested since it contains phthalates. Paneling, floors, wires, and decks are all made from recycled PVC.
#4 – Low Density Polyethylene
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a versatile material with a wide range of uses. Squeezable bottles, such as shampoo or condiment bottles, are manufactured from LDPE. Although LDPE is rarely recycled through curbside programmes, it may be accepted in some communities. More bags, garbage liners, and floor tiles can be recycled from LDPE.
#5 – Polypropylene
Polypropylene (PP) has a high melting point. It is frequently used for containers that will store hot liquid. It is increasingly gaining acceptance among recyclers. PP is a strong and versatile material. Syrup and medicine bottles, cereal box liners, straw, bottle caps, certain ropes, and condiment bottles are all examples of this. Brushes, brooms, battery cases, battery cables, ice scrapers, and bins can all be recycled from PP.
#6 – Polystyrene
PS (polystyrene) can be manufactured into rigid or foam goods (also known as Styrofoam). Styrene monomer (a kind of molecule) is a potential human carcinogen that can leach into foods, whereas styrene oxide is categorized as a probable carcinogen. For spreading widely throughout the landscape and being infamously difficult to recycle, the substance was high on environmentalists' hit lists. Most places/facilities don't accept it in foam forms because it's 97-98 percent air. Dunkin' cups, egg cartons, peanuts packaging, and meat trays are all made of Styrofoam.