|
The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) implemented a
coding system in 1988 to help recyclers determine types of plastics when
sorting. On most plastic packaging, you’ll find a recycling logo with a number,
one to seven, stamped in the center. The numbers in the triangle indicate the
grade of plastic or the resin ID code.
· Code 1-
PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)
Found in: soft drink, water, and
beer bottles; peanut butter and salad dressing containers; vegetable oil
containers; and oven-safe food trays. This is the easiest of plastics to
recycle and it can be remade in to bottles and polyester fibers.
· Code 2-
HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
Found in: milk jugs, juice,
shampoo, detergent bottles; some trash and shopping bags; motor oil bottles;
butter and yogurt tubs; cereal box liners. This plastic is also easily
recyclable and in to bottles or bags.
· Code 3-
PVC or V (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl)
Found in: clear food packaging;
wire jacketing; medical equipment; siding; windows, piping. This plastic is
difficult to recycle and is an environmental and health threat.
· Code 4-
LDPE (low-density polyethylene)
Found in: squeezable bottles;
bread, dry cleaning, and shopping bags; tote bags; clothing. Used for different
types of wrapping and bags, this type can be recycled in to more of the same.
· Code 5-
PP (polypropylene)
Found in: some yogurt containers;
syrup bottles; ketchup bottles; caps; straws; medicine bottles. This plastic
can be recycled in to fibers.
· Code 6-
PS (polystyrene)
Found in disposable plates and
cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carryout containers; CD cases. Polystyrene or
Styrofoam is difficult to recycle because it is bulky, yet very lightweight.
· Code 7-
Other
Found in: bulletproof materials, sunglasses, DVDs,
iPod, computer cases; signs and displays. These materials are not readily recyclable.
Neighborhood News July 2011
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed