Plastic Recycling Demystified

We’ve all seen those little numbers surrounded by clever looking arrows on the bottoms of our plastics … but what do they all mean? Technically speaking, these numbers are resin identification codes introduced in 1988 by the plastics industry to help recycling programs define the types of plastic materials they receive. Previously, the system was based on what type of packaging was used, such as bottles, jars, etc. “We didn’t make these rules to be mean,” said Ann Murphy, education coordinator at Spokane Solid Waste. According to the Washington Citizens for Recycling Foundation, there are about 50 types of plastics, seven which are most commonly used in our day-to-day lives. In learning what these seven codes mean, we can learn what plastics to recycle and where to take them in Spokane County. We can understand why Spokane’s curbside recycling collection only takes the clear milk jug and not the colored lid or why it will take clear or more translucent plastic and not the opaque, colored kind. Murphy said the county also needs to keep their collection of recyclable plastic as “pure” as possible, lessening the chance of a contaminated product for sale. Currently, that business model only includes three resin codes: PETE – Code 1, HDPE – Code 2, and LDPE – Code 4. Here’s a quick run-down of the different recycled plastics Spokane County accepts, along with the four other resin codes. PETE – Code 1 (Polyethylene Terephthalate) This typically clear type of plastic makes up a quarter of all recycled bottles and jars. It is used for the large family of soda, water and liquor bottles, as well as honey jars, cold medicine bottles, and salad dressing containers. A tip in identifying this code is that the bottles have necks smaller than their bases. This plastic is recycled into carpet, fiberfill for sleeping bags and ski jackets, fabric for clothes, and insulation. PETE – Code 1 can be recycled curbside and at a recycling center. HDPE – Code 2 (High Density Polyethylene) This is the “big daddy” of all our plastic consumables, making up about 50 percent of all recycled plastic bottles and jars. They come in two types of containers. The first are the opaque, colored plastics, such as shampoo and conditioner bottles, many of our other plastic cosmetic containers, and laundry detergent bottles. These are not curbside recyclable, but they can be taken to a recycling center. The other type of HDPE – Code 2 plastic is the see-through, uncolored container and includes milk jugs, clear rubbing alcohol bottles, etc. The tip in identifying this plastic, according to Ann Murphy, is “anything that walks and talks like a milk jug.” These are curbside recyclable and can be dropped off at recycling centers. This plastic is very versatile in its recycled uses, being used to make toys, park benches, play structures, decking, flowerpots, trashcans, and, fittingly, recycling bins. PVC – Code 3 (Vinyl/Polyvinyl Chloride) You know that “new car smell” we love so much or the strong scent of a new shower curtain? Well, that smell is the off gassing of PVC plastic. Other products made in this material include garden hoses, imported mineral water bottles, tile, and drainage pipes. This hardy, chemically resistant plastic is not recyclable in our area, but where it is recycled, it gets reused for pipes, mud flaps, and building products. LDPE – Code 4 (Low Density Polyethylene) Commonly known as the ubiquitous plastic bag, this plastic usually comes in the form of the grocery bag, the dry cleaning bag, the bread bag, and shrink-wrap, as well as some rigid items, such as the milk lid. While this form of plastic is not being recycled from the curb, most grocery chains carry a bin in the front of their stores where customers can drop off bags for recycling. It is one of the few types of plastic that is recycled in a “closed loop system,” which means it goes in a plastic bag, and it gets recycled into a new plastic bag. Keep in mind, when bringing your bags to a recycling bin make sure they are dry and clean to keep the plastic pure from contamination. For a list of retailers that recycle this code of plastic, please call the Recycling Hotline at 509.625.6800. PP – Code 5 (Polypropylene) Code 5 can usually be seen on the bottom of many of our plastic dishes and storage containers, as well as kid drink cups in restaurants, ketchup bottles, dairy tubs, cereal box liners, and combs. This type of plastic is very hardy and is why it is used for a great many items. While this plastic is not recycled in our area, a common recycling tip is to reuse what you can in your own home. In other words, transfer that butter tub into a storage container or reuse that plastic drink cup from the restaurant into a cup at home. PS – Code 6 (Polystyrene) One of the keys in identifying this form of plastic is found in its chemical name, Polystyrene, resulting in Styrofoam, as well as other types of plastics. So, take out clamshells and foam cups, egg cartons, and packing peanuts make up the Styrofoam form of Code 6 plastic. While some yogurt cups and tubs, cookie and muffin trays, most plastic food utensils, and vitamin bottles make up the other form of this plastic. This plastic is currently not recycled in our area, but where it is, PS is made into insulation board, reusable cafeteria trays, and building materials. OTHER – Code 7 This code of plastic encompasses all other plastic resins not identified by the previous six codes. They are sometimes referred to as mixed plastics, as they are made up of more than one resin type. Water cooler bottles, microwavable serving dishes, most snack bags, and those squeezable condiment bags are typically Code 7 plastics. These are also not recycled in our area, so consumers are encouraged to reuse these as much as they can, if able, then throw them away. For more information on plastic recycling and drop-off center locations, visit www.solidwaste.org.