Recently I heard about someone locally who did not know how to determine what plastics are recyclable and I thought, “Hmm, is she the only one, or is this something we need to talk about?” And then I realized, a few weeks ago I shared a photo of an “all other plastics” bin at Casella and there was a lot of No. 2 plastic in that bin and now I think I know why: There are many who may not know that your plastics are all numbered.
So let’s start here — every plastic container or bottle has a recycling symbol. The symbol is a number, ranging from 1 to 7, within a triangle. While you may think nothing of these symbols, they can actually offer a great deal of information, not only on recycling, but also regarding the toxic chemicals used in the plastic, how likely the plastic is to leach, how biodegradable the plastic is, and ultimately its safety.
Plastic No. 1: PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). No. 1 plastic is usually clear and used to make soda and water bottles. Some consider it safe but this plastic is known to allow bacteria to accumulate. It is recycled into tote bags, furniture, carpet, paneling, fiber and polar fleece.
Plastic No. 2: HDPE (high density polyethylene). This is typically opaque and is considered to be safe. It is found mostly in milk jugs, juice bottles, cereal box liners, yogurt tubs, etc. This plastic is recycled into pens, picnic tables, lumber, fencing and detergent bottles, to name a few.
Plastic No. 3: V or PVC (vinyl). This plastic is used to make food wrap, and is seldom accepted by curbside recycling programs. It is also found in shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles, medical equipment and windows. This plastic is recycled into paneling, flooring, speed bumps (yep) and roadway gutters.
Plastic No. 4: LDPE (low density polyethylene). This is found in most squeezable bottles, shopping bags, bread bags and some food wraps. You will not be throwing bread bags in the “all other” plastic recycle bin, you will take your bread bags, along with your shopping bags, to the recycle containers at Wal-Mart or Hannaford. This plastic is recycled into compost bins, trash can liners, floor tiles and shipping envelopes.
Plastic No. 5: PP (polypropylene). This is one of the safer plastics to look for and is typically found in yogurt containers, ketchup bottles and medicine bottles. No. 5 is recycled into brooms, bins, pallets, ice scrapers and signal lights.
Plastic No. 6: PS (polystyrene). This is Styrofoam, notorious for being difficult to recycle and bad for the environment. Styrofoam poses a health risk, leaching potentially toxic chemicals, especially when heated. This material is actually found in egg cartons, meat trays, disposable plates and cups. It is recycled into egg cartons, vents, foam packing and insulation.
Plastic No. 7: Other/miscellaneous. All of the resins that don’t fit into other categories are placed in this category. It’s a mixed bag of plastics that includes polycarbonate, which contains the toxic bisphenol-A (BPA). These plastics should be avoided. Plastic No. 7 is found in sunglasses, iPod cases, computer cases, and 5 gallon water bottles. It is recycled into plastic lumber.
So, bottom line, you eat your yogurt, you look for the number inside the triangle on the bottom of the cup, and you determine if it goes in the No. 2 plastic container or the “all other” so that when you drop your recyclables off they are sure to go in the correct bin.
The quiz will begin now.
Just kidding. I’d actually be interested in knowing if any of you have any questions about recycling, if you would like to see any programs. For instance, perhaps the committee could provide videos to share with your classroom or civic group. Would you let us know how we can help you become more aware of the need to recycle and more willing to do it?
