Know your plastic recycling symbols

Most people assume that the three-arrow triangle on plastic packaging means that it is easily recyclable. However, these numbered symbols actually indicate the type of plastic used to produce the packaging, and not all of them are equally recyclable.

Let’s get a bit more familiar with what these plastic recycling symbols (numbered from 1–7) mean

1. PET: Recyclable

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is commonly used in water and cool drink bottles, and some food packaging. Intended for single use, it should not be reused. Recycled PET is made into new bottles or spun into polyester fiber for clothing, carpets, and stuffing for pillows and duvets.

2. HDPE: Reusable and recyclable

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is a semi-flexible to hard plastic used in milk bottles, ice-cream containers, detergent bottles, buckets, toys, and some plastic bags. HDPE is durable and resistant to sunlight and extreme temperatures, making it ideal for recycled products like outdoor furniture, plastic wood, bins, and fencing.

3. PVC: Not recyclable

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) comes in two types: unplasticised (PVC-U), which is strong and tough, and plasticised (PVC-P), which is soft and flexible. It is used for electrical conduit, cosmetic containers, plumbing pipes, blister packs, sheeting, window frames, garden hoses, and trellises. Due to its resistance to sunlight and weather, PVC is ideal for outdoor products.

4. LDPE: Reusable and recyclable

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is found in cling wraps, plastic bread bags, squeeze bottles, plastic shopping bags and irrigation tubing. Recycled LDPE plastic is used to make plastic ‘wood’ and refuse bin liners.

5. PP: reusable and recyclable

PP (Polypropylene) is a tough, lightweight, versatile plastic that has excellent heat resistance and acts as a barrier against moisture, grease, and chemicals – meaning that it keeps products fresh. Common uses include dairy containers, bottle tops, disposable diapers, straws, packing tape, and rope. Recycled PP is used for landscaping border strips, battery cases, brooms, bins, and trays.

6. PS: recyclable (if clean)

PS (Polystyrene) is an inexpensive, lightweight plastic used for disposable Styrofoam cups, take-out containers, meat trays, foam packaging, and insulation in home construction. In South Africa, recycled polystyrene is mixed with cement for use in the construction industry.

NB! If Polysterene food containers are not thoroughly rinsed soon after use to prevent the oils and sugars from seeping into the polysterene, it becomes non-recycable.

7. Other: not recyclable

This category includes all the ‘other’ plastics, such as those made from BPA (Bisphenol A), PC (Polycarbonate) and PLA (Polylactic Acid). New generation PLA plastics are made from plant materials like corn starch, sugar cane, and cassava – and may be labeled ‘compostable’.

NB! PLA requires 58–60°C and water in the compost heap to break down effectively.

Hopefully this quick guide has empowered you to recycle smarter by understanding the different types of plastics and their recycling guidelines.

And if you want to really get serious about recycling, our rebate programme offers clients rebates for the recycling collected from their site – so why not give us a call?