What Are the 7 Types of Plastic?
You’ve seen the triangle with the number inside on plastics but what exactly do they mean? Read on in this guide to plastic recycling numbers. As always, remember to check the rules of your local recycling facility since the capacity for recycling will vary from region to region.
#1 PET - Polyethylene Terephthalate
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a general purpose linear semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer which is known for a combination of properties. The indicator number for recycling this product is 1. It is considered safe because the plastics chemicals do not leak into the packaged item.
PET is found in packaging, the textile industry and it is also used to manufacture many different types of bottles. For example, water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash bottles, and salad dressing bottles.
How To Recycle PET
PET is 100% recyclable. Once you are finished using your PET bottle or product; it should be washed if needed, and sorted into its respective recycling container and placed out for your waste management team to pick up. This process is key, because approximately 11 billion bottles each year are going to incinerators or landfills instead of being recycled.
Once recycled, PET bottles are separated from other plastics as not to contaminate them. Then the PET bottles are compressed into bales to reduce emissions while transported. Next the PET bottles are processed and turned into flakes that are washed and decontaminated and turned into pellets for reforming.
#2 HDPE - High Density Polyethylene
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. HDPE has an increased amount of strength, has high impact resistance, and high melting point. It’s indicator for recycling is 2.
HDPE is used in many different applications such as shampoo bottles, bleach bottles, cutting boards, plastic bags, and piping. HDPE plastic is also found in snowboards, 3-D printing filament and food and beverage containers. HDPE can be opaque or translucent in appearance.
HDPE Recycling
HDPE is recyclable as well. First it is collected like PET plastic, and then HDPE plastic is separated and cleaned to decontaminate the plastic. It is then shredded and melted down to further refine the polymer and turned into pellets to be re-manufactured. Although plastic bags are an HDPE plastic you shouldn’t place plastic bags in your recycling bin. They should be recycled at grocery stores.
HDPE and PET plastic make up a majority of plastic bottles in North America and these plastics do not decompose. Therefore, it is important that we always recycle this plastic to keep it out of landfills and water sources.
According to a report from the Association of Plastic Recyclers and American Chemistry Council, the total pounds of plastic bottles collected decreased by 71 million pounds in 2016 compared with 2015. This is a problem because according to scientific tests, HDPE plastic can be recycled up to 10 times.
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#3 PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic polymer. PVC is a white brittle solid material with versatile properties such as being light weight, durable, low cost, and easily processed. The indicator number on this plastic is 3.
PVC is used in construction material such as flooring, windows, door frames, shutters, cable, and water and waste pipes. It can also be used in medical devices such as blood bags, medical containers, fluid bags, tubing, personal protective equipment, and more. Other things PVC can be used for is the manufacturing of toys, electronic equipment, office supplies, and adhesive tapes.
Can I put PVC in my recycling bin?
Always check with your local recycling rules since these very from region to region. There are 3 methods for PVC recycling:
- Mechanical recycling – is when PVC waste is treated through shredding and grinding and
is then reprocessed and reused. - Chemical recycling – is where PVC polymers are broken into PVC monomers,
- Feedstock recycling – is where PVC is thermally treated.
#4 LDPE - Low density polyethylene
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a type of thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. LDPE differs from HDPE in its strength and weight. LDPE is tough but flexible, and transparent. LDPE also has resistance to acids and bases.
LDPE plastic recycling indicator number is 4.
One common household use for LDPE plastic is plastic wrap that is found in kitchens that can preserve your leftover foods. Other uses for LDPE plastic include garbage bags, laminates, six pack rings for soda, tubing, and more.
LDPE plastics is very easily minimized by using reusable bags and Tupperware containers for food. You can also compost vegetable clippings or leftovers to reduce garbage bag use.
However, if you cannot reduce LDPE plastic waste it is also recyclable, just make sure the plastic is cleaned of food and liquid.
Recycled LDPE plastic can be made into floor tiles, garbage bin liners, furniture, compost bins and trash cans, and landscape timber and outdoor lumber.
#5 PP - Polypropylene
Polypropylene (PP) is a tough, flexible, rigid, and crystalline thermoplastic made from propene (or propylene) monomer. It is extremely resistant to heat and chemicals. This is a popular plastics because it is low cost and easily manufactured. The recycling indicator number for this plastic is 5.
Rigid PP examples include margarine containers, syrup bottles, straws, microwavable plastic food containers and more. Flexible PP examples include chip packets, cereal box liners, plastic diapers, rope, stationary, and fabric used for clothing bags
Is Polypropylene Recyclable?
Only 1% of PP is recycled; which means most PP goes to landfills. PP decomposes slowly at a rate of 20-30 years per item. Companies have undertaken life cycle studies that look at the sustainability of PP, with a consensus that it has potential as a sustainable product.
To recycle PP you must first separate it from other plastics. The next step is melting the plastic. And the final step is cooling and forming into pellets to produce new products.
#6 PS - Polystyrene
Polystyrene (PS) is a polymer made from the styrene. At room temperature, PS is a solid thermoplastic but can be melted for molding, then resolidifies. PS can be used in many forms including solid and foam forms. The foam form might be familiar to you as it is usually called Styrofoam. The recycling indicator number for this is 6.
Is Number 6 Plastic Recyclable?
One of the ways PS is used is in food products. It is resistant to acids and bases, therefore it can be used to keep foods fresh. PS foam is also used as an insulator because it can help keep in heat and cold. PS is used in the medical field such as test tubes, petri dishes, and tissue culture trays. PS can also be used in packaging for shipping and egg cartons.
PS products are mostly used for food and therefore it has become contaminated and cannot be accepted when it is being recycled. Therefore approximately 80% of Styrofoam waste in Canada ends up in landfills or waterways.
Polystyrene is recyclable although it isn’t always accepted through recycling programs. Therefore, it is important to look in your community waste management programs for ways to recycle PS.
Plastic Number 7 - Other plastics
This category of plastics is represented by the recycling number 7. It is our “other” option. It is for when items do not fit in any other categories of plastics. These products can include eye glasses, baby and sports bottles, electronics, lighting fixtures,
and clear plastic cutlery.
We hope you enjoyed learning about plastic recycling numbers and what they mean!
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