What do the numbers on the bottom of plastics mean?

At the bottom of most plastic containers you can find a small number inside the three arrow triangle recycling symbol. This number is a reference to what type of plastic the container is made of. The most widely accepted plastics for recycling are number 1 and 2, also most of plastic containers are type 1 and 2.

What is the safest number on plastic?

To make a long story short: plastic recycling numbers 2, 4 and 5 are the safest. Whereas plastic numbers 1, 3, 6 and 7 must be avoided. But it does not indicate that you can fearlessly use safer plastic. All plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged.

What plastic numbers Cannot be recycled?

Most plastic that displays a one or a two number is recyclable (though you need to check with your area’s recycling provider). But plastic that displays a three or a five often isn’t recyclable.

What do the numbers on plastics really mean are they recyclable?

The number 1 to 7 found on the bottom of plastics is not a recycling symbol but rather a plastic or resin identification code. It advises what type of plastic the item is made from but not if it is recyclable. Most hard plastics coded 1-7 can be recycled in your yellow lidded recycling bin.

What does number 7 recycle mean?

7: Other. Any type of plastic that doesn’t fit into one of the first six categories falls under this heading. Products stamped with a 7 are often made out of multiple plastic types or out of other types of plastic that can’t easily be recycled. #7 products CAN SOMETIMES be recycled.

What does a 5 on the bottom of plastic mean?

polypropylene
A 5 inside the triangle indicates the plastic is polypropylene or PP. It is commonly found in medicine bottles, straws, bottle caps, ketchup bottles and syrup bottles, and some yogurt containers. This plastic is often chosen for bottles and containers that must accept hot liquids as it has a high melting point.

How can you tell if plastic is recyclable?

What Do The Numbers On Recyclable Plastics Mean? Recyclable plastic usually comes with a little recycling symbol printed on the bottom and depending on the product, there might be a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 stamped in the center of the symbol.

Can you recycle number 8 plastic?

Number 8 inside the universal recycling symbol stands for lead. Lead is used to make car batteries. Lead is one of the most effectively recycled materials in the world.

What do the recycling numbers on plastic mean?

The recycling numbers are a uniform way of classifying the different types of plastic and it aids recyclers in the sorting process. Note that sometimes other numbers are found on the bottom of plastic containers, but only numbers inside the recycling symbol are valid for recycling purposes. The recycling code consists of the numbers 1 through 7.

What do the numbers on the bottom of plastic bottles mean?

We all know that the triangle symbol (♻) on the bottom of plastic bottles means to recycle. But what do the numbers inside the triangle mean? The recycling numbers range from 1 to 7 and stand for different types of plastic.

How do I know if a plastic is recyclable?

Note that sometimes other numbers are found on the bottom of plastic containers, but only numbers inside the recycling symbol are valid for recycling purposes. The recycling code consists of the numbers 1 through 7. Sometimes below the numbers you also find the abbreviations for the plastic type (PETE, HDPE, etc.).

Where can I find the recycling code on a plastic container?

Note that sometimes other numbers are found on the bottom of plastic containers, but only numbers inside the recycling symbol are valid for recycling purposes. The recycling code consists of the numbers 1 through 7.