Recycling codes: What they mean

By Michelle D. Alderson

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (http://www.epa.gov), in 2006, the U.S. produced more than 251 million tons of garbage -- approximately 4.6 pounds of waste per person per day. Of that, recycling diverted 82 million tons of material away from disposal. In short, Americans are putting plastics into their recycling bins. Many of us recycle without knowing if something is actually recyclable.

Have you ever wondered what those numbers mean on plastic bottles? Below we explain what the seven different codes found on plastics mean and what they are recycled into. Check to see which plastics are accepted in your city; every city has different curbside recycling programs.

1. Polyethylene Terephtalate (PET, PETE): PET is a clear plastic found in soft drinks, water, juice, sports drinks, and condiments bottles; food jars for such products as peanut butter and jelly; and in frozen food packaging. PET is recycled into fiber for carpets, clothing, and tote bags. It can also be re-used for food and beverage bottles. PET is the most common-used plastic due to its inexpensive and easy-to-recycle features, and is widely accepted by most curbside recycling programs.

2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is resistant to most solvents and is used for food products with a shorter shelf life such as bottled milk. Because it's more chemical-resistant than PET, it's also used for household cleaners including laundry detergent, shampoo, and plastic grocery bags. HDPE is recycled into bottling for non-food items, such as motor oil and antifreeze, plastic lumber, flowerpots, and recycling bins. It's accepted by most curbside recycling programs.

3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, Vinyl): You won't find this recycling symbol on household items. PVC is chemical-resistant so it's used to make packaging products, shrink-wrap, window frames, fencing, and decking. PVC is recycled into pipes, fencing, decking, floor tiles, traffic cones, garden hoses, and packaging products. It's not commonly accepted by curbside recycling programs.

4. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE): A tougher and more flexible plastic, LDPE is used for dry cleaning bags, newspapers, breads, frozen food, shrink-wrap, container lids for hot and cold beverages, and toys. It's most common use is for plastic shopping bags. LDPE is recycled into envelopes, garbage can liners, trashcans, paneling, and floor tile. LPDE is not commonly accepted by curbside recycling programs, but plastic bags are now readily accepted at supermarkets.

5. Polypropylene (PP): PP is also strong and chemical-resistant, which is good for hot-fill liquids. It's used for takeout food, yogurts, margarine, and bottle caps. PP is recycled into automobile parts, such as turn signal lights; brooms; bicycle racks; and trays. Some recycling curbside recycling programs accept PP.

6. Polystyrene (PS): PS is more versatile than the other plastics and is used in many food items such as cutlery, plates, cups, and containers. It's also used for those pesky packing peanuts, as well as foam packaging for electronics and furniture. PS is recycled into mouldings, thermometers, and license plate frames. Some recycling curbside recycling programs accept PS.

7. Other: An item with this marking means that it is made with a different resin other than the six listed above. These items can include oven-baking bags, some juice and ketchup bottles, and packaging materials. It's recycled into bottles and plastic lumber and is not commonly accepted by curbside recycling programs.

For more info: http://www.americanchemistrycouncil.com