Plastic is the most common material for packaging and containers, which often leaves us wondering which plastics can be recycled. Yes, there are types of recyclable plastic, but not all types can be recycled. Reasons for this range from the material’s properties to facility limitations.
Determining what types of plastic can be recycled begins with deciphering your plastic type using Resin Identification Codes (RICs). Although we will explore general recyclability by plastic type, it is also important to research your local recycling plant and state policies. Save this article for an easy-to-follow guide to recyclable plastics and never again think twice about the question, “is plastic recyclable?”
Resin Identification Codes
At the bottom of most plastic containers you will find a number from one to seven surrounded by a triangle. This symbol is referred to as a Resin Identification Code (RIC) and serves to identify which resin (synthetic polymer) was used to manufacture the plastic.
There are six common plastic resins and one miscellaneous group. Different resins, and therefore different plastics, have unique properties that determine their common applications. Manufacturers treat each resin according to its flexibility, strength, temperature resistance, and chemical compatibility.
The requirements for printing RICs on plastic containers vary by state. Aside from helping identify things such as food safety, RICs help recycling plants sort and categorize recyclable plastics according to their type.
What Types of Plastic Can Be Recycled?
Although the chasing arrow in certain RIC designs may look like a recycling symbol, the question “Is plastic recyclable?” does not have a simple answer. Generally, recyclable plastics are those that can easily be recycled curbside and are accepted by most facilities. Other types may require a specialized facility or may not be recyclable at all.
Number 1 - Polyethylene Terephthalate
Curbside pick-up? Typically, yes.
PET is a thermoplastic commonly recognized by its clear and non-streaky finish. It is recognized as 100% recyclable for its ability to maintain quality through cycles of reuse, without needing to be downcycled. This plastic is a great option for package food and beverage containers, typically soda and water bottles, but also products that require hot fill.
Common Uses of PET
Water bottles, plastic soda bottles, salad dressing containers, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter containers, microwavable food trays.
Recycled Into...
- Fashion items
- Rugs
- Fiber
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Paneling
Number 2 - High-Density Polyethylene
Curbside pick-up? Typically, yes.
Plastic #2– HDPE– is the most used resin characterized by its frosted translucent finish and flexible properties. HDPE is known for its strength, versatility and reliable chemical resistance. Industries such as food, pharmaceutical, household chemicals, and automotive utilize this plastic for their products. Because HDPE is so compatible with a wide variety of industries, it is the most commonly used resin in PCR products.
Common Uses of HDPE
Milk jugs, yogurt tubs, shampoo bottles, detergent, motor oil, household cleaners, film packaging.
Recycled Into...
- Toys
- Pens
- Detergent bottles
- Floor tiles
- Flowerpots
- Fencing
- Picnic tables
Number 3 - Polyvinyl or Vinyl
Curbside pick-up? Typically, no.
Plastic #3 can be distinguished by its clear yet streaky finish. This plastic is a good choice to store products that require long term storage.
PVC is not commonly accepted by curbside recycling programs due to additives and potential contaminants, but some special plastic recycling facilities do accept PVC. This plastic type has to be turned into a powder to avoid releasing toxins upon melting. Flexible PVC tends to have more additives than rigid PVC. It is best to ask your local waste management how to properly dispose of PVC.
Common Uses of PVC
Cooking oil bottles, clear food packaging, shampoo bottles, medical equipment, piping, windows, shower curtains, garden hoses.
Recycled Into...
- Decks
- Paneling
- Roadway gutters
- Flooring
- Cables
- Speed bumps
Number 4 - Low-Density Polyethylene
Curbside pick-up? Typically, yes.
LDPE, like HDPE, has a natural, frosted and translucent finish. Plastic #4 is flexible and can be identified by its squeezable and malleable feel often used in personal care, pharmaceutical and food industries.
While LDPE containers can typically be recycled curbside, one popular LDPE product poses more difficulty– plastic bags. Plastic trash and grocery bags are often not accepted by recycling facilities due to risk of jamming the machinery. To recycle LDPE bags, locate a specialized drop-off site.
Common Uses of LDPE
Shampoo, lotion, honey, eye drop or other bottles that require squeezing, plastic grocery bags, shrink wraps, dry cleaner garment bags.
Recycled Into...
- Trash can liners and cans
- Compost bins
- Lumber
- Landscaping tiles
- Floor tiles
- Shipping envelopes
Number 5 – Polypropylene
Curbside pick-up? Typically, yes.
Plastic type #5 is known for its hot fill capabilities because of its high melting point. Products that utilize PP’s properties are spices, sauces, syrups and beverages that require a hot fill process.
Since July 2022, PP has been deemed Widely Recyclable by How2Recycle. PP was previously more difficult to recycle than other resins due to challenges related to its chemical structure. Despite its high temperature resistance, when PP reaches its melting point during recycling, it risks a loss of integrity such as strength and flexibility.
Common Uses of PP
Hot fill food and beverage bottles, margarine or yogurt containers, cereal and potato chip bags, detergent, motor oil, household cleaners, film packaging.
Recycled Into...
- Brooms
- Bins
- Ice scrapers
- Plastic lumbers
- Bicycle racks
- Industrial applications
Number 6 – Polystyrene
Curbside pick-up? Typically, no.
This plastic is characterized by its clear appearance and rigid properties. PS is suitable for applications that require fine detailed molds such as laboratory bottles. This plastic is also used for mass produced items such as disposable cutlery.
Polystyrene is typically not accepted by recycling plants as it often contains additives. Although the process can be expensive and inefficient, there are specialized facilities with PS recycling programs.
Common Uses of PS
Styrofoam drinking cups, take-out containers, packing peanuts, disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, compact disc cases.
Recycled Into...
- Plastic wood
- Insulation
- Pens
Number 7 – Miscellaneous
Curbside pick-up? Typically, no.
Any resin that is not categorized in the previous six classifications is represented by type #7. This type is commonly characterized by its clarity and toughness. Like PS, type #7 is typically not accepted by recycling plants because of the chemicals and multiple plastics used to manufacture this type.
Common Uses of Type 7 Plastic
5-gallon water bottles, bulletproof materials, sunglasses, phone and laptop cases, headlight lenses, safety shields, CDs.
Recycled Into...
- Plastic lumber
- Custom-made items
What Prevents Plastics from Being Curbside Appropriate?
Difficulty Sorting
Recycling facilities sort through our recycled goods so that each item can be transformed for reuse using techniques that preserve its quality and strength. Types of recyclable plastic need to be separated and sorted because they all have different chemical and physical properties, thus reacting differently to heat.
While some plants use workers to check each plastic item’s RIC, newer plants have infrared sensors that determine the plastic type by light. Non-recyclable items are tossed in the trash. Items that have undergone blow molding or injection molding may be sorted differently based on their chemicals and process so that they safely react to heat.
Improper recycling is costly as it requires more sorting and can ruin equipment. If you know your facility does not have the equipment to recycle a certain plastic type, throwing that item in the trash or finding an alternative facility will save your local recycling plant time and resources.
Plastic Properties
Item properties such as size, flexibility and chemical composition can affect its recyclability. Some plastic types are made with chemicals that don’t allow them to be safely broken down into pellets, releasing hazardous substances when melted. Breaking these resins down requires many resources that recycling plants are restricted in.
Plastic pill bottles are often deemed too small for curbside recycling, so recycling empty pill bottles may involve an external facility. The same goes for plastic utensils and straws, which can fall through sorting equipment. Meanwhile, the thin and flexible nature of plastic bags is also an issue as it can cause equipment to jam, resulting in costly damage.
Limited Resources
Industries are getting imaginative in creating hybrid products that combine plastics. As an example, coffee cups which appear to be made of paper might have a thin layer of plastic lining the inside of the cup, allowing the container to withstand high temperatures. A special machine is required to separate the two so they can be sorted by their plastic type accordingly. Equipment such as this is typically not easily accessible to many recycling facilities.
What Prevents Plastics from Being Curbside Appropriate?
Aside from exploring what plastics can be recycled, we should also investigate the plastic types which are not recyclable. Recycling certain plastic items is costly, both in terms of equipment and environmental-impact. The processes may generate too many carbon emissions, mitigating one of the goals of recycling which is to decrease emissions caused by production of new plastic.
Items made with mixed materials can be difficult to recycle if the parts cannot be easily separated by type. Additionally, products heavily contaminated with food residue, chemicals or biohazards should not be recycled. Food containers should be thoroughly rinsed prior to recycling.
Black Plastic
Curiously, one shade of plastic poses an obstacle to automated recycling processes– black plastic. The infrared technology that scans each item for its plastic type does not see carbon black, skipping black plastic items. If your recycling facility employs manual sorting, your black plastic item might be recycled as long as they are made from recyclable plastics! Check with your local facility before putting black items in your curbside recycling.
Thermoset Plastics
Thermoset plastics include epoxy, silicone, and phenolic. They are generally not recyclable since the cross-link chemical bonds that form during solidification are complex and irreversible, requiring an intensive chemical treatment.
Generally Non-Recyclable Plastic Items
The following items are not widely accepted by recycling facilities due to equipment limitations or chemical compositions. Specialized programs for certain items, such as plastic hangers, can be located.
- Bubble Wrap
- Bags
- Coffee Cups
- Chip Bags
- Snack Wrappers
- Prepared Food Pouches
- Hangers
- Toys
How can we help?
Whether you’re exploring plastic packaging options or have questions such as “Is plastic recyclable?”, we’re happy to help! Give us a call at 630.629.6600 or email us at Sales@TheCaryCompany.com.
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