Going Green

Recycling: Decoding the Numbers

Recycling and environmental awareness is on the rise, and now it’s more important than ever to understand what is recyclable and what isn’t and to be aware of any health implications.

The Resin ID Code: Various plastics that we use every day are assigned a number, or resin ID code. This code is typically stamped into the plastic or printed on the bottom of containers and surrounded by the universal recycling symbol – a triangle of arrows.

Use our easy-to-follow recycling chart to learn what each code means, typical products made from each type of plastic, whether it is easily recyclable and whether it poses environmental or health risks.

Print out this brochure and keep it for handy reference.

Recycle it! Click here to send to this a friend!

PET or PETE - Polyethylene Terephthalate

Found In: Soft drink, water and beer bottles; many common food packages including peanut butter containers, salad dressing, and vegetable oil containers. Recyclable? Readily recyclable through most curbside recycling programs. Recycled Into: bottles, polyester fibers fiber, tote bags, furniture, carpet, paneling Environmental & Health: low risk of leaching breakdown products

HDPE - High density Polyethylene

Found In: Milk jugs, juice bottles; bleach, detergent and household cleaner bottles; hair care products, motor oil containers, shampoo bottles; some trash and shopping bags; motor oil bottles; butter and yogurt tubs; cereal box liners Recyclable?: Readily recyclable through most curbside recycling programs (some containers with necks are not allowed) Recycled Into: Laundry detergent bottles, oil bottles, pens, recycling containers, floor tile, drainage pipe, lumber, fencing Environmental & Health: low risk of leaching breakdown products

V (Vinyl) or PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride

Found In: Window cleaner, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles, clear food packaging, toys, furniture, siding, windows, piping Recyclable? Rarely recycled, as the material itself is difficult to recycle. Recycled Into: Decks, paneling, mud flaps, flooring, cables, speed bumps, mats Environmental & Health: Contains chlorine, thus the manufacturing process can release highly toxic dioxins into the environment. Avoid #3 plastics for food and drink products, as toxins such as phthalates may be released into food. Risk is greatest if containers are worn, heated (including the microwave), or run through the dishwasher. o If cooking with PVC, avoid allowing plastic to touch the food. Avoid burning PVC, as it will release toxins into the environment.

LDPE Low-density Polyethylene

Found In: dry cleaning and shopping bags, sandwich bags, squeezable bottles; bread and frozen food packaging, furniture, carpet Recyclable? Not often accepted through curbside programs, though more communities are accepting it (check with your local government). Recycled Into: Trash can liners and cans, compost bins, shipping envelopes, paneling, lumber, landscaping ties, floor tile Environmental & Health: generally considered safe.

PP - Polypropylene

Found In: hot food/liquid containers, syrup bottles, ketchup bottles, caps, straws, medicine bottles Recycling: Can be recycled through some curbside programs. Recycled Into: fibers, bottles, battery cables, brooms, brushes, ice scrapers, bicycle racks, rakes, bins Environmental & Health: generally considered safe.

PS - Polystyrene

Found In: Made into soft or rigid foams and hard plastics; disposable cups, plates and food trays, packing peanuts, egg cartons, carry-out containers Recyclable? Can be recycled through some curbside programs. Recycled Into: Insulation, egg cartons, rulers, foam packing, carry-out containers. Environmental & Health: Generally considered to be environmentally unfriendly, evidence suggests that this type of plastic can release toxic by-products into foods, especially when heated.

Other/Miscellaneous

Number 7 plastics encompass a wide variety of plastic resins that don’t fit into the previous categories.

Found In: 3- and 5-gallon water bottles, baby bottles, sunglasses, electronic casing, signs and displays, certain food containers, nylon Recyclable? Traditionally not recyclable, but some curbside programs now accept them. Recycled Into: Plastic lumber, custom-made products Environmental & Health: Studies have shown that the polycarbonate varieties can leach bisphenol A, a potential hormone disruptor, into liquids.

Recycling Resources

Local Info: Your local recycler or your city, town or county government can provide information regarding recycling options in your area. State Requirements & Facts Online: The National Recycling Coalition (nrc-recycle.org) provides access to valuable recycling information on a state-by-state basis.

Can’t Recycle It? Freecycle it!

If you have items that can’t be recycled, consider “freecycling”…the newest way to reduce waste and save resources. Freecycle.org is a nonprofit organization that operates under the premise that one man’s trash is another’s treasure. With 4,000 local Freecycle Network groups, you can post and find a home for your unwanted items. Items must be offered at no charge, with no strings attached. It’s a great way to keep items out of the landfills…and do something nice for others!