'Recycling' Symbols
The seven symbols that really aren't about recycling.
Although most plastics display a 'recycling' symbol along with a number, this actually indicates the type of plastic resin used rather than any guarantee of recycling.
In reality, your local waste services determines what is actually recycled - and generally it’s only a fraction of plastic waste.
In theory, all of it could actually be recycled, if delivered to the right place.
SYMBOLS 1, 2, 4 & 5 - BPA-FREE.
1. PET or PETE
- Used for: Drinks and water bottles, food bottles and jars, polyester clothing, ropes, etc.
- Recycled: 15% Recycled, 76% Landfill
- Potential: PET pellets for use in carpet yarns and textiles.
2. HDPE
- Used for: Plastic bottles, milk cartons, buckets, bleach bottles, cutting boards, park benches, etc.
- Recycled: 10% Recycled / 82% Landfill
- Potential: Pens, rope, toys, bike racks, furniture, recycling bins, cutting boards, etc.
4. LDPE
- Used for: Cling wrap, grocery / bread bags, dispensing bottles, tubing, computers, caps, etc.
- Recycled: 2% Recycled / 88% Landfill
- Potential: Bin liners, compost bins, floor tiles, paneling, composite lumber, furniture, etc.
5. PP
- Used for: Straws, hot beverage cups, jars, food packaging, prescription bottles, etc.
- Recycled: 3% Recycled / 88% Landfill
- Potential: Pallets, bottles, containers, car parts / interiors, etc.
SYMBOLS 3, 6 & 7 - DO CONTAIN BPAs.
3. PVC / V
- Used for: Toys, credit cards, construction, transport, packaging, electrical and healthcare, etc.
- Recycled: 0.25% Recycled
- Potential: Can be shredded, cleaned and remelted for reuse.
6. PS
- Used for: Disposable dinnerware, red solo cups, egg cartons, takeaway containers, meat/poultry trays, etc.
- Recycled: 1% Recycled / 91% Landfill
- Potential: Styrofoam, toys, furniture, roof tiles, refrigerators, construction.
7. Other
- Used for: Eyeglasses, baby and sports bottles, electronics, CD/DVDs, lighting fixtures, etc.
- Recycled: 0%
- Potential: N/A
