From EnviroWiki
One of the most limiting factors in the recycling of plastics is the fact that different types of plastics must be recycled separately. There are currently seven different types of plastics that can be recycled:
- Type 1 - Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE)
- Type 2 - High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Type 3 - Polyvinyl chloride(PVC)
- Type 4 - Low density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Type 5 - Polypropylene (PP)
- Type 6 - Polystyrene (PS)
- Type 7 - Other
It would be really useful if we could compile a comprehensive list showing which household items belong to which type of plastic - particularly because most packaging doesn't include this simple piece of information. So, if you know the plastic type of a brand or manufacturer of a particular plastic product, add it to the list.
Type 1 - PET
Description: Clear; tough; has good gas and moisture barrier properties and is resistance to heat.
General PET/PETE products
- Fizzy drinks bottles
- Oven-ready meal trays
Branded PET/PETE products
- Schweppes - "melvern" water (bottle)
Type 2 - HDPE
Description: Stiff; strong; tough; resistance to chemicals and moisture; permeability to gas, ease of processing, and ease of forming.
- Milk bottles
- Washing-up liquid bottles
Type 3 - PVC
Description:Versatile; clear; easily blended; strong; tough; grease, oil and chemical resistant; stable electrical properties.
- Cling film
- Shampoo bottles
- Squash bottles
Type 4 - LDPE
Description: Strong; tough; flexible; relatively transparent; with an ease of sealing; barrier to moisture; particularly popular for use in applications where heat sealing is necessary.
- Carrier bags
- Bin liners
Type 5 - PP
Description: Strong; tough; heat resistant; versitile; with a barrier to moisture; high melting point (making it good for hot-fill liquids).
- Margarine tubs
- Microwaveable meal trays
Type 6 - PS
Description: Versatile; with good insulation; clear; easily forming plastic that can be rigid or foamed. General purpose polystyrene is clear; hard; brittle; (relatively) low melting point.
- Yoghurt pots
- Foam meat or fish trays
- Hamburger boxes and (plastic) egg cartons,
- Vending cups
- Plastic cutlery
- Protective packaging for electronic goods and toys
Type 7 - OTHER
Description: Either made with a resin other than the six listed above, or made of more than one resin listed above, and used in a multi-layer combination.
Melamine
- (Some) plastic plates and cups
External sources:
http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/InformationSheets/Plastics.htm
http://www.ci.visalia.ca.us/solid_waste/recycling/recycling-labels.htm
