Recycling Symbol Numbers
What does that number in the recycle symbol mean?
When you look at a plastic product and see the recycling symbol, you will notice that there is also a little number inside the recycle logo to identify what kind of plastic it is made from.
The number can help you determine how the plastic will be recycled and if it is curbside recyclable.
1. PET(E)--Polyethylene Terephthalate- Easily recycled and picked up by most curbside recycling programs
- Commonly used for: soft drink and water bottles, salad dressing and vegetable oil bottles, peanut butter jars, etc.
- Properties: Inexpensive, lightweight, tough, clear, strong, gas & water barrier
- Accepted by most curbside recycling programs
- A very versatile plastic that can be recycled into many goods
- Commonly used for: milk jugs, juice bottles, household cleaner bottles, shampoo bottles, some trash and shopping bags, cereal box liners, etc.
- Properties: stiff, strong, resists moisture, gas permeable
- Mainly recycled industrially, but is accepted by some plastic lumber makers
- Commonly used for: window cleaner and detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, clear food packaging and cling film, siding, windows, piping, etc.
- Properties: very tough, strong, versatile, clear, blends easily
- Not often curbside recyclable, but some programs will accept it
- Commonly used for: squeezable bottles; bread, food, dry cleaning, and shopping bags; tote bags, clothing, carpet, furniture, etc.
- Properties: flexible, seals easily, moisture barrier, easily processed
- Accepted by some curbside programs
- Commonly used for: yogurt containers, microwaveable containers, margarine tubs, syrup bottles, ketchup bottles, caps, straws, medicine bottles, etc.
- Properties: high melting point, strong, tough, versatile, moisture barrier
- Also called "Styrofoam"
- Accepted by some curbside programs, but it is difficult to recycle, so many do not accept it
- Commonly used for: disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, restaurant to-go containers, aspirin bottles, packing peanuts, etc.
- Properties: Can be made into rigid or foam products
- Typically not recycled, but some curbside programs now accept them
- Some kinds, PLA (polyactic/polyactide), are made from plants and are compostable/biodegradable
- Commonly used for: Found in 3 and 5-gallon water jugs, sunglasses, DVDs, computer cases, signs and displays, food containers, nylon, 'bullet-proof' materials, etc.
- Polycarbonate is a hard plastic that can leach potential hormone disruptors
For more information on the material attributes of plastic.
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