How2Day: Seven Types of Recyclable Plastics

Plastic is a valuable resource, and recycling is critical to reduce waste and conserve energy. plastic spoons image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
There are over 50 different types of plastics and hundreds of varieties within each group. Fortunately, many forms of plastic are recyclable; the question is simply how and where to recycle each variety. In an effort to maximize recycling and make sorting of plastic types easier for consumers, The American Society of Plastics Industry created a code by which to sort plastic containers. The code is shown as a number on the bottom of a container, ranging from numbers one to seven, and includes six specific plastic types and one category for "other" plastics that do not fall into any other categories.

Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, is the form of plastic commonly used to make carbonated beverage and soda bottles, as well as microwaveable trays for frozen meals. PET plastics are denoted by the number 1 and are widely accepted for recycling by city collection programs.

High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is the plastic used to make milk bottles and containers for some cleaning products. It is denoted by the number 2 and is also widely accepted for recycling.

Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is another plastic frequently used to make frozen food trays, plastic wrap and bottles (like those used to package shampoo). It is denoted by the number 3 and can be more difficult to recycle as it is rarely accepted by local recycling programs. Bottle re-use is a good option if recycling services are not readily available.

Low-density polyethylene, or LDPE, is used to make plastic grocery and garbage bags. Again, reuse is an ideal option for these items in lieu of recycling. However, LDPE, denoted by the number 4, is recyclable, and many grocery stores offer bag recycling programs for customers. Ask about bag recycling collection at your local grocery store.

Polypropylene, or PP, is marked by the number 5 and is often used for butter and margarine tubs, frozen meal trays, yogurt and cottage cheese tubs and many other product packages. PP plastics are difficult to avoid and difficult to recycle. (Many collectors will accept but not recycle PP plastics). Preserve, a company that makes personal care products including toothbrushes and razors out of recycled PP plastics, recently initiated collection of these items at Whole Foods stores. Re-use your 5 plastics for food storage or drop them off at the nearest Whole Foods and support eco-friendly hygiene.

Polystyrene, or PS, is used to make foam-style containers for meat, fish, eggs, snack packaging and packing materials for toys and electronic products. These plastics are marked with a number 6 and are not generally accepted by recycling programs. Reduce your need for (and potential waste of) these items by purchasing fresh, paper-wrapped meat, poultry and seafood, eggs in cardboard containers, and used or reclaimed toys and electronics when appropriate.

Plastics that do not fall into the above-listed categories are marked with the number 7 and can be found in a variety of plastic products. Recycling options for such items will vary; consult your local recycling center for guidance and, as always, reuse your plastic products whenever possible to conserve resources and prevent waste.

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