#Recycle symbol how to#

How to Recycle: Traditionally, Low Density Polyethylene has not been commonly recycled by curbside plastic recycling programs in the USA, although fortunately this is beginning to change.Ĭheck with your local authority to see if LDPE is accepted (or if not, when it will be). #4 Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)įound in: frozen food bags, shopping bags, squeezable bottles such as sauce and ketchup bottles, clingfilm, flexible containers and lids. Turned Into: Guttering, panelling, garage and workshop floor tiles, mates, cables, mud flaps, speed bumps. So always do whatever possible to recycle it. However, it contains chlorine, meaning it releases toxins if burned. In reality PVC is rarely recycled, although it is possible to turn PVC into plastic lumber, and some programs and lumber makers will accept it. How to Recycle: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is cheap to produce, tough and hard wearing. #3 Vinyl (V or PVC)įound in: pipes, cables, furniture, clothes and toys. Turned Into: Plastic lumber, drainage pipes, more plastic bottles, recycling containers, shampoo bottles. However, these are collected by most large stores and supermarkets, so check for your nearest location. How to Recycle: Most curbside recycling programs will accept High Density Polyethylene, but not plastic wrappers or grocery bags. #2 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)įound in: water pipes, juice and milk bottles, milk jugs, plastic grocery and shopping bags, household cleaner bottles, laundry detergent bottles, and some toiletries and shampoo bottles. Turned Into: Fibers, polar fleece, recycled plastic bottles and food containers. Also it's usually best to remove bottle tops and caps, as these are usually made of #5 Polypropelene (see below).

You don't need to remove the labels as this is done during the recycling process, but make sure you rinse and remove any leftover food before you put them out. It is generally not recommended for re-use, meaning it gets back in the recycling stream quickly after production. How to Recycle: Polyethylene Terephthalate is commonly recycled, and almost all curbside programs can accept it. #1 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET)įound in: plastic bottles (soft drinks, water, sauces and salad dressings), food packaging, vegetable oil containers, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter containers and jam jars. So let's run down what each recycling symbol means, where you are likely to see it and what to do with these items. So by disposing of our own plastic properly, at least we know we'll be doing our bit to avoid making it any worse. It's no wonder plastic waste is such as huge global problem. We're told that over 90% of plastic is not recycled, which is a shocking statistic. You'll then know if you need to leave it for curbside recycling programs to pick up, or take it to your local recycling center.

They tell you what type of plastic the product is made from, and whether or not it can be recycled. These are the little numbers that appear on most plastic containers and products. That's why it's important to know what the plastic recycling symbols mean.

But when that isn't possible, or when we need to dispose of the millions of tonnes of plastic that's already out there, we need to recycle as much as we can. As a society, our main goal must be to use far less plastic.