REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

In the United States, it seems as though everything is made of some type of plastic, glass, cardboard, aluminum, and more. These items are in our cars, packaging, clothing, home goods, food utensils, and more, so it is pertinent to know the universal symbols in the United States. Hence, you are able to recognize and understand what to recycle. It can be confusing when you realize there are different rules and symbols for each recyclable item; hopefully, this guide will
help you know the signs!

While there is typically one universal plastic resin symbol(three arrows that form into the shape of a triangle), the numbers one through seven inside of the triangle signify different things.

The Symbols, What They’re Found In, and How to Recycle Them:

1. PET/PETE:

Polyethylene terephthalate is the most common plastic for single-use items because of its lightweight and inexpensive quality.

Found in: Soft drinks, water, ketchup, and beer bottles; mouthwash bottles; peanut butter containers; salad dressing; and vegetable oil containers.

Recycling it: Make sure you empty the leftover product from the item, and then you can throw them in your recycling bin!

2. HDPE:

High-density polyethylene is a versatile plastic that has many uses, especially when it involves packaging.

Found in: milk jugs, juice bottles, bleach, detergent, household cleaner bottles, shampoo bottles, some trash and shopping bags, motor oil bottles, butter and yogurt tubs, and cereal box liners.

Recycling it: most curbside recycling programs offer to take these items; just make sure you check with your location.

PVC/V:

Polyvinyl Chloride and vinyl is a rigid material that tends to weather well, so it is used for things like piping and siding. Although chlorine is a part of PVC, it can result in the release of dangerous dioxins during the manufacturing process.

Found in: Blister packaging, wire jacketing, siding, windows, and piping.

Recycling it: PVC/V can rarely be recycled, but is accepted by certain plastic lumber makers, so you should refer to your local waste management to see if there is an area to drop it off.

3. LDPE:

Low-density polyethylene is a flexible plastic that has many uses.

Found in: Squeezable bottles; bread; frozen food, dry cleaning; shopping bags; tote bags; furniture.

Recycling It: Some communities may accept it, so still, place it in your recycling bin, or you can look for alternative uses like returning them to stores or using them as grocery bags.

4. PP:

Polypropylene has a high melting point, so it is often picked for containers that can hold hot liquids.

Found in: yogurt containers, syrup, caps, straws, and medicine bottles.

Recycling it: Make sure there is no food left over in the container, throw any loose caps into a recyclable bag, and place them in your bin.

5. PS:

Polystyrene can be made in many products like foam, but it is primarily famous for
Styrofoam. The molecules within this product can leach into food and be a possible human carcinogen.

Found in: Disposable plates, cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers, aspirin bottles, and compact disc cases.

Recycling it: Not many curbside recycling programs tend to accept PS, so you should place the items in a bag, squeeze out the air, and place them into your trash.

6. Miscellaneous:

Many plastic resins still do not fit within the previously listed categories.
For instance, Polycarbonate is considered a number seven plastic due to its clear and hard construct. PLA, also known as polylactic acid, is produced by plants and is carbon neutral, it also falls into this category.

Found in: Three and five-gallon water bottles, bullet-proof materials, sunglasses, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs, displays, specific food containers, and nylon.

Recycling it: Due to these materials not being traditionally recycled, it would be wise to consult your location’s website for specific instructions.



Words by: Erica Benton

Sources:

“Exactly what every plastic recycling symbol really means.” Good House Keeping,

Deer, Ryan. “How to read plastic recycling symbols.” RoadRunnerWM,
https://www.roadrunnerwm.com/blog/how-to-read-plastic-recycling-symbols.

Photos: Pinterest