Get to Know the Recycling Symbols [Infographic]
Do you know the meaning behind the symbols on the products you buy and use every day? Did you know that the symbols on plastic don't necessarily mean that you can recycle the plastic? The “recycling symbols” can give us guidance on what type of plastics we are dealing with, but we need to check with our local recycling systems to see if they can actually be added to our recycling bin. I strongly recommend getting familiar with the local rules around recycling.
Sure, we are all familiar with the triple arrow recycling sign but there is more to it than that. Often, you will see numbers within the symbol or additional little signs next to the recyclable one that gives you important insight into the items you are purchasing. It is important to know that depending on the area you live in, some plastics with certain symbols can not be recycled. Please check with your local waste management’s recycling regulations and keep them handy so that you can do your part.
Being informed is the best way to become more conscious of your purchasing habits as well as your disposal methods. I have created an easy-to-follow infographic to cover the basics. Keep this post bookmarked on your phone so you can reference it when you are out shopping. Remember it is important to not only think about whether or not something is recyclable, but what it is made of and the manufacturing process.
Please remember, regardless of whether a material is listed as recyclable, choosing plastic has serious implications on the health of our planet, wildlife, and even us. The super scary part is that research has yet to reveal the depths of their effects on humans. Though it is commonly know that there are chemicals in most plastic that is considered endocrine-disrupting (EDC).
Recent science has associated EDCs with various diseases and conditions, such as hormonal cancers (breast, prostate, testes), reproductive problems (genital malformations, infertility), metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity), asthma, and neurodevelopmental conditions (learning disorders, autism spectrum disorders) US National Library of Medicine
Let me know in the comments below this post if you would like to learn more about microplastic research and the information available on it’s detrimental effects. For now, let me get into the details of recycling symbols, what they mean, where you can find them, and whether or not you can recycle them.
Symbol #1: Plastic Recycling Symbol: PET or PETE
PETE is a clear, lightweight, and inexpensive plastic material. This is one of the most commonly found plastic that materials are made of because it is really good at maintaining a moisture barrier between product contents.
What is found on: It is used for single-use food and drink packaging like water bottles, condiment containers and jars, personal care items such as deodorant or makeup, and tape.
How easy it is to recycle: PET is easy to recycle and can be reused to make new products such as new water bottles or material to make clothing. I’m sure you’ve come across a product or clothing line that advertises “made from recycled plastic water bottles” or “made from PET recycled plastic”. Personally, I think it is a bit of a gimmick because despite the number of times it can be recycled, it will never truly leave the earth. The material will inevitably end up in a landfill and leach microplastics into our soil and water supply. Not to mention the emissions taken to remake those “new” plastic products! Even still, if you do need to purchase a product made from PET, make sure you clean it thoroughly, remove any paper labels, and place in the recycling bin to encourage reuse.
Symbol #2: Plastic Recycling Symbol: HDPE
High Density Polyethylene is a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. Much like PET, it is very commonly used and it is likely you have some of this material in your home as well as materials that need extra protection like chemicals due to its UV protectant qualities. The main difference is that it is a lot denser and can handle more weight, volume, or pressure. It is cheap and considered high quality, but is also highly flammable and terrible for the environment.
What is found on: HDPE can be found in a ton of items such as packaging for shampoo and conditioner bottles, cutting boards, cereal bag liners, toys, chemical containers, and piping.
How easy it is to recycle: HDPE is easy to recycle. When it is reused it can be made into piping, recycling bins, and rope. Though it is not biodegradable if it does end up in a landfill; the material takes over 400 years for HDPE to degrade. This plastic contains nonylphenol (an EDC) which has been found to be very dangerous to aquatic life. If you have items in your home made of this #2 plastic, I would recommend you to reuse them as much as possible. You can wash a container out and use it as a watering can, storage container, or take it to your local refill store to refill with household soaps or hair care products.
Symbol #3: Plastic Recycling Symbol: PVC or uPVC
PVC is made out of a polymer of vinyl chloride. It contains dangerous chemical additives including phthalates, lead, and cadmium. These toxic additives are capable of leaching out or evaporate into the air over time, posing unnecessary dangers to the environment and humans. uPVC or “V” is the abbreviation for vinyl. In it’s finished form it is not toxic to humans and very lightweight and flexible.
What is found on: PCV can be found in piping, medical devices and supplies (blood storage bags), insulation for wires and cables, footwear, and car interiors. Vinyl can be found in window frames, gutter systems, home siding, fences, decks, and flooring.
How easy it is to recycle: PVC and uPVC is very difficult to recycle, and as a result very little of it is actually collected and processed in recycling facilities. Most if not all municipalities do not accept this material in with recycling programs. This means it is straight to the landfill for these materials. I think its use is justified because it is really strong and lasts a long time. Siding on a home for example, can last up to 50 years. It may seem like a long time compared to single use plastics but in the grand scheme will exist on the planet forever and leach chemicals into our environment.
Symbol #4: Plastic Recycling Symbol: LDPE
Low density polyethylene is lightweight and flexible. It isn’t really heat resistant but is flexible and corrosion resistant.
What is found on: Most commonly, this material is used for plastic grocery bags, plastic wrap, packaging materials, bread bags, and film.
How easy it is to recycle: This material is considered one of the safer and cleaner plastics. Because it is so lightweight, it lowers the overall emissions in transportation of packaging goods versus a more heavy-duty counterpart. While it is lightweight, it is hard to recycle. This is why you see so many different stats out there showing the impact of plastic grocery bags in landfills. It is best to minimize your use by using reusable grocery and produce bags. When it is recycled it can be reused for shipping envelopes, garbage can liners, floor tile, compost bins, trash cans and furniture.
Symbols #5: Plastic Recycling Symbol: PP
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer considered as one of the safest plastics (has the lowest toxicity) and is by far the most commonly used.
What is found on: PP is used for bottle caps, car battery cases, medical vials, petri dishes, food trays, sanitary products, furniture, appliances, luggage, and toys.
How easy it is to recycle: This material is a lot more environmentally friendly than some of the other plastics. It can easily be recycled due to its flexibility into things such as clothing fibers, food containers, and dishware. It doesn't release as many toxins as plastics such as PVC and breaks down more quickly than other plastics; it takes just 20-30 years.
Symbol #6: Plastic Recycling Symbol: PS
Polystyrene is most commonly known as Styrofoam™ (which is actually a trademarked term). It is a very versatile material that is non-toxic to humans. It can be found in a foam like form, but also as a solid.
What is found on: In foam form, it can be found in styrofoam™ cups, and plates, coffee cups, and packing peanuts. As a solid, it can be used to make electronics, automotive parts, and gardening pots.
How easy it is to recycle: Polystyrene is not commonly recycled. Even though some municipalities do include it in their list of recyclables it is very unlikely that the materials will be reused. There are grants involved in retrieving the material that impact this inclusion. Don’t be fooled by the ‘recyclability’ of this material. After disposal, polystyrene is often crushed, shredded, or melted down and disposed of in landfills.
Symbol #7: Plastic Recycling Symbol: Miscellaneous
This symbol encompasses all the “other” plastics available in items for purchase. Examples of the materials included in this category are acrylic plastic, polycarbonate, nylon, and fiberglass.
What is found on: A random array of items such as 3 & 5 liter water jugs, sunglasses, and CDs & DVDs.
How easy it is to recycle: It is really dependent on the type of material it is. In my opinion, it is best to avoid purchasing or at the very least disposing of because it includes such a large range of random materials. Clearly, it is either not recycled widely enough or there is not a solid plan in place for these materials as they are lumped together. For the lack of information available it is safe to assume these items are being sent straight to a landfill.
Symbol #8: Glass Recycling
It is important to know not all glass is included in with this symbol. It is important to check your items for the little bottle on the bottom or side of the glass. Other symbols for glass are a #70 which can be found on clear glass, #71 which can be found on green glass, and #72 which is on brown bottles. Both #71 and #72 are commonly used for wine and beer and should be disposed of in their respective programs. Here in Canada, our beer store offers a take back recycling program for these materials.
How easy it is to recycle: While it is seemingly easy to recycle, household glass such as drinkware, windows, and decor cannot be placed in the recycling bin because it has different chemical properties. They have a different melting temperature and cannot be included in with recyclable glass. Broken drinking glasses go into the trash stream. Same as ceramics, lightbulbs, mirrors, and electronic screens. This might be worth remembering for future purchases. It is a lot safer to choose recyclable glassware or reuse containers such as mason jars as drinking glasses than creating more landfill waste.
Symbol #9: Aluminum Recycling
Aluminum is the most valuable material you can find in your recycling bin. Nearly 75% of all aluminum created is still in use. Thanks to its lightweight and malleable composition, it can easily be used again and again. Green products such as Everist Haircare and many toothpaste brands opt for aluminum over plastic due to this.
How easy it is to recycle: Aluminum is great as it can be recycled an infinite times so long as it is disposed of properly. It is really important to clean the aluminum thoroughly and scrunch it into a ball if possible before being disposed. There is a good chance that aluminum left with cooking oil residue or a lot of organic waste on it will not be recycled in its entirety.
Symbol #10: Waste Electricals
As we invent more and more electronics over time, our electrical waste is rapidly increasing. Waste from electrical and electronic equipment includes a large range of devices such as computers, fridges, tablets, computers, GPS, smartwatches, and mobile phones at the end of their life. This type of waste contains a variety of materials, many of which are hazardous. If they aren’t disposed of or managed properly, leaving them to exist in landfills can cause huge negative effects on the environment and our health.
How easy it is to recycle: Its difficult because there are many components to this waste. Ideally, when electronics are disposed of through a proper program, they can be carefully taken apart and reused. This cannot happen through a generalized waste program. Check with your municipality if they offer a specific electronics disposal program and follow their recommendations. There are many nonprofit programs that also offer recycling for these items. They have the resources and knowledge to safely dismantle and distribute leftover components properly.
Hey, Claudia here
I am a senior graphic designer, a dog mom, an advocate for a zero-waste lifestyle, climate change, and sustainability. My articles are based on personal experience and well researched to give you the best source of information for all things zero-waste.