Understanding the types of packaging you use and how they can be recycled is a crucial step towards a more sustainable future. In this blog, we explore the types of packaging you use and how they can be recycled, providing you with essential information on effective recycling practices Recycling Numbers and Symbols on various type of packaging
To properly manage waste, it’s important to know the types of packaging you use and how they can be recycled. Recycling numbers, also known as Resin Identification Codes (RIC), are found on the bottom of plastic containers inside a triangle of three chasing arrows. These codes help identify the type of plastic and its recyclability. Let’s dive into the different types of packaging materials and their recycling codes.
Plastic Recycling Codes
1 – PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)- Common Uses: Beverage bottles, peanut butter jars, salad dressing containers.
- Recyclability: Easily recyclable curbside.
- Recycled Into: Fibers for carpets, fleece jackets, tote bags, food & beverage containers.
- Common Uses: Milk jugs, juice bottles, household cleaner containers.
- Recyclability: Easily recyclable curbside.
- Recycled Into: Recycling bins, pens, floor tiles, drainage pipes, plastic lumber.
- Common Uses: Toys, wraps, vinyl siding, plastic gloves.
- Recyclability: Difficult to recycle.
- Recycled Into: Pipe, decking, gutters, carpet backing.
- Common Uses: Container lids, squeezable bottles, plastic bags.
- Recyclability: Rigid form is recyclable curbside; flexible form (like plastic bags) must be taken to store drop-off locations.
- Recycled Into: Shipping envelopes, garbage can liners, floor tiles.
- Common Uses: Straws, yogurt containers, bottle caps, medicine bottles.
- Recyclability: Moderately difficult; not all curbside programs accept it.
- Recycled Into: Battery cases, ice scrapers, storage bins.
- Common Uses: Disposable food service items, egg cartons.
- Recyclability: Difficult to recycle.
- Recycled Into: Thermal insulation, egg cartons, protective packaging.
- Common Uses: Three- and five-gallon water bottles, sunglasses, bulletproof materials.
- Recyclability: Generally not recyclable.
- Recycled Into: Plastic lumber or other bottle applications.
Paper Recycling Codes
20-PAP- Common Uses: Corrugated cardboard.
- Recyclability: Easily recyclable.
- Recycled Into: New cardboard products.
- Common Uses: Paperboard, mixed paper.
- Recyclability: Easily recyclable.
- Recycled Into: Gift boxes, food packaging.
- Common Uses: Office paper, newspapers, catalogs.
- Recyclability: Easily recyclable.
- Recycled Into: New paper products.
Metal Recycling Codes
40 Fe: Steel- Common Uses: Steel food and aerosol cans.
- Recyclability: Easily recyclable.
- Recycled Into: New steel products.
- Common Uses: Beverage cans, aluminum foil.
- Recyclability: Easily recyclable.
- Recycled Into: New aluminum products.
Glass Recycling Codes
70 GL: Mixed Glass- Common Uses: Mixed glass containers.
- Recyclability: Check local guidelines.
- Recycled Into: New glass containers.
- Common Uses: Food jars, personal care products.
- Recyclability: Easily recyclable.
- Recycled Into: New clear glass products.
- Common Uses: Wine bottles, olive oil bottles.
- Recyclability: Easily recyclable.
- Recycled Into: New green glass products.
Common Recycling Challenges
- Complicated Symbols and Inconsistent Rules: Recycling rules vary by location, leading to confusion. Research your local guidelines to ensure proper recycling.
- Multi-Material Packaging: Packaging made from multiple materials must be separated before recycling. Innovations like mono-material packaging can help.
- Contamination Issues: Dirty items can contaminate the recycling stream. Ensure recyclables are clean and free of food residue.
- Consumer Confusion and Education: Understanding local recycling regulations is crucial. Look for on-pack recycling labels and follow local guidelines.
