Getting to Know Plastics
A plastic recycling symbol ≠ A product is recyclable.
News flash! The triangle with the chasing arrows only indicate the plastic type used in that particular piece of packaging. It doesn’t automatically yield recyclability.
What do the plastic recycling symbols mean?
Various combinations of resins and polymers create plastics with different properties and each type presents its own opportunities and threats. Plastics come in many varieties. The symbol embedded on most plastics is called a resin identification code. Its numbers, 1 to 7, help us identify what kind of plastic it is made of. But (again) it does not indicate if it is recyclable.
“Thanks to the intelligent strategy that the plastic industry came up with in the early 1980’s of imprinting a recycling code on the most commonly consumed plastic items, a large majority of consumers think that the bulk of the plastics they consume are recyclable and actually do get recycled through their local curbside program. In reality, only a small percentage of the contents is recycled.”
History of resin identification codes: a ‘sus’ general public
Givin' it straight. The general public became 'sus - that plastics were harmful to public health and the environment - right around when Resin Identification Codes (RICs) were born. The plastic industry pushed for
The plastics industry responded by advocating for recycling, which sought legislation—then launched a $50-million-a-year ad campaign to paint plastics in a better light.
Part of the message was "recycling is the answer." Nonetheless, within the industry, it was clear that successful wide-scale plastic recycling may not be economically feasible.
Environmentalists and recycling enthusiasts pushed back. The issue (and still is) is that the average Joe sees the RICs and believes the packaging is recyclable, but many cannot. In response, the Federal Trade Commission created guidelines on how to use the 1-7 system properly. People still trust recycling, even if it's not warranted.
How do you know what plastic type is recyclable?
Tricky question, here’s what’s up: It is not necessarily true that plastics that can be recycled are actually recycled. What materials are accepted into your local curbside recycling program is up to your local municipality. Therefore, it is important to check with them to know what you can and cannot put in the bin and remember to confirm on a regular basis because these regulations may evolve over time.
Lucky for you, we work exclusively with First Star Recycling because they have the best equipment and connections to end-markets. We follow their required protocol of picking up paper & cardboard separately from plastics & metals. The result is less contamination and more of your material getting recycled.
Make mom proud!
Understanding the different plastic types help consumers make better, informed decisions related to their health and the environment. Additionally, this information can help you become more effective at recycling (which is totally our jam).
Then a summary pivot to how to quickly determine if it's recyclable or energy bag. Our guide says not to use numbers. But simplify with "hard rigid containers = normal recycling" vs "soft flexible = energybag."
PLASTIC #1 - Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, holds space for food and drink packaging purposes. Its robust build prevents oxygen from entering and spoiling the products in it. As a clear plastic, PET is the most widely recycled plastic in the world.
Examples:
Water bottles
Food bottles
Beverage bottles
How to Recycle: Commonly picked up through commercial recycling services and curbside recycling programs, like our Containers or single-stream program. Preferred empty and dried. Caps (normally made from different plastics) are better in landfill.
Commonly recycled into: Tote bags, straps, polar fleece, furniture and bottles, and food containers (after meeting purity standards and isn’t contaminated with hazardous materials).
Health + Safety Concerns: It approved as “safe,” and does not contain bisphenol-A (BPA) or phthalates (plasticizers). When it’s heated up, it can leach antimony, a toxic metalloid, into food and beverage. The longer the product is in the sun or heat, the more antimony is likely to have leached. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach ulcers.
How to avoid it: Here’s your excuse to buy an over-priced Stanley cup (or other reusable water bottle). Look for food packaged in aluminum or glass. Shop for refillable personal care products, like shampoo and detergent, at Exist Green. When you go out, BYOT (bring your own tubberware).
PLASTIC #2 - High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
As an easy plastic to recycle, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is an incredibly resistant resin used for hard rigid plastics. It's much thicker and more robust than PET. As a result, it can withstand temperatures up to 120*C without being affected. In addition, HDPE is adamant and resists breaking and shattering.
Examples of HDPE:
Milk jugs
Detergent bottles
Buckets
Park benches
How to Recycle: Commonly picked up through commercial recycling services and curbside recycling programs, like our Containers or single-stream program. Preferred empty and dried. Caps (normally made from different plastics) are better in landfill.
Commonly recycled into: Benches, dog houses, picnic tables, laundry detergent bottles, pens, recycling containers, and floor tiles (after meeting purity standards and isn’t contaminated with hazardous materials).
Heath + safety concerns: Commonly marked “safe,” like PET. But some studies suggest it may leach the endocrine disruptor nonylphenol (added to HDPE as a stabilizer), especially when exposed to sunlight or UV light, and other possible stabilizer chemicals with estrogen-mimicking activity.
How to avoid it: Buy drinks that come in glass. Always bring a refillable water bottle. Hard plastics, like buckets and toys, can easily be found on Buy Sell Trade sites for dirt cheap.
PLASTIC #3 - Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Resistant to chemicals and weathering, this “poison plastic” is hard and rigid plastic that is highly sought after by construction applications; moreover, it doesn't conduct electricity.
As a medical-field favorite, it provides a single-use application that reduces infections in healthcare due to its impermeability to germs.
On the flip side, PVC is the most dangerous plastic for humans. It tends to leach harmful toxins through its entire lifecycle.
Examples of PVC:
Plumbing pipes
Credit cards
Human and pet toys
Rain gutters
Teething rings
IV fluid bags
Oxygen masks
Medical tubing
How to Recycle: Rarely recycled. Do not place in curbside or commercial recycling for pick-up. We don’t want it either. The most recommended way to recycle PVC is to recycle the material directly at the production plant where it’s generated. Do not place material in the general recycling because it’ll cause problems at the recycling facility.
Commonly recycled into Mats, speed bumps, cables, roadway gutters, decks, and paneling (when possible)
Health + Safety Concerns: Don’t cook or heat up PVC. It contains phthalate (DEHP) which can causes feminization in male traits. Massive eye roll: Most DEHP-containing products are based in many countries, but not the States. In some items, DEHP has been swapped with another chemical (DiNP) (which also has known hormone disruption properties).
How to avoid it: Swap cling wrap for beeswax wrap; shop for toys second hand; look for organic materials, like hemp. Do not avoid in medical situations.
PLASTIC #4 - Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Low-density polyethylene, or LDPE, is plastic with a softer feel. Due to its simple structure, it's easy and cheap to make but known as a hard-to-recycle plastic. No fear. There’s a local solution!
Examples of LDPE:
Clingwrap
Sandwich and bread bags
Bubble wrap
Garbage bags
Produce bags
Beverage cups
How to Recycle: Most items can be placed in an orange Hefty EnergyBag. First Star Fiber offers this special program to colled (clean and dry) hard-to-recycle plastics in our community. Do not place material in the general recycling because it’ll cause problems at the recycling facility. Dry & clean is best.
Commonly recycled into: Omaha recycling hub, First Star Fiber oversees the EnergyBag program which converts EnergyBag materials into plastic lumber.
Health Concerns + Safety: Less toxic than others, but “safer” to use. Does not contain BPA, but as with most plastics, may leach estrogenic chemicals.
How to avoid it: Wrap packaging or presents in newspaper. Buy local (and fresh) produce from bulk or farmers markets.
PLASTIC #5: Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is a durable yet "bendy" plastic often used for food packaging and storage. It holds its shape and is resistant to both heat and chemicals. Resistant to fatigue, it'll continue to grow in popularity.
Examples of PP:
Straws
Prescription bottles
Hot food containers
Packaging tape
Caps
How to Recycle: Most items can be placed in an orange Hefty EnergyBag. First Star Fiber offers this special program to colled (clean and dry) hard-to-recycle plastics in our community. Do not place material in the general recycling because it’ll cause problems at the recycling facility. Dry & clean is best.
Commonly recycled into Battery cables, auto battery cases, ice scrapes, landscape boarders, bicycle racks, rakes, brooms, pallets, trays (after meeting purity standards and isn’t contaminated with hazardous materials).
Health + safety concerns: Known as a “safer” plastic for food and drinks. Although some products made “microwave safe,” are still a bit sketch. Our advice? Avoid consuming foods warmed up in plastic. But, we’re no doctor’s here.
How to avoid it: In some cases, plastic #5 cannot be avoided (like medicine). But to avoid it, say “no thank you” to straws, hot food containers, and non-compostable tape. Pick wood or metal straws; store food in glassware. Invest in reusable pads or menstrual cups.
PLASTIC #6 - Polystyrene (PS) or Styrofoam
Also known as "the worst." Polystyrene or styrofoam is inexpensive and super easy to make. For these reasons, it's everywhere. But, unfortunately, it's highly flammable and dangerous as it can leach harmful chemicals, especially when heated. So think twice before asking for a to-go container. It's a no-go plastic. Avoid at all costs!
Examples of PS:
Cups
Takeout food containers
Shipping and packaging products
Egg cartons
Cutlery
Building insulation
How to Recycle: Most items can be placed in an orange Hefty EnergyBag. First Star Fiber offers this special program to colled (clean and dry) hard-to-recycle plastics in our community. Do not place material in the general recycling because it’ll cause problems at the recycling facility. Dry & clean is best.
Commonly recycled into: Omaha recycling hub, First Star Fiber oversees the EnergyBag program which converts EnergyBag materials into plastic lumber.
Health + safety concerns: Known to leach under long periods of exposure.May cause neurotoxic under long periods of exposure. Drinking hot coffee in a polystyrene cup might be the worst idea.
How to avoid: Leftovers and coffee belong in glass or metal containers. Buy eggs in cardboard packaging.
PLASTIC #7 - Other plastics
If a plastic can't be ID'd in the six above, they've lumped it into category 7. The most common "other plastic" is polycarbonate (PC). Used to build strong, tough plastics, you'll find PC in sunglasses, sport/safety goggles, and CDs. Unfortunately, on this list, plastic #7 is rarely recycled.
Examples of Other Plastics:
Sunglasses
Baby bottles
Electronics
CD/DVDs
Lighting fixtures
How to Recycle: Miscellaneous can mean many things. Double-check Keep Omaha Beautiful’s Recycling Guide for a more accurate answer.
Health + safety concerns: Likely to leach BPA and/or BPS - hormone disrupters. Also sus of increasing the risk of adult reproductivity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
What's wrong with plastic?
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know plastic is bad. To understand why watch this video:
What’s the best way to avoid plastic?
As a mindful citizen, your goal should be to avoid it every chance you get. But, making better choices about how and what you purchase is an excellent place to start.
Other avoidant tips:
Pack a reusable bag for shopping or a container for take-out
Buy in bulk or from Omaha’s Zero Waste market, Exist Green
Switch to sustainable brands
Talk to restaurant owners you frequent about non-plastic alternatives
Speak out in support of local plastic bans by calling representatives
Tell companies that do the right thing know by supporting their business and leaving reviews, like us (click here).
No Cap: It’s not going away.
Plastic doesn't go away. It doesn’t break down and tends to linger centuries after being tossed. Plastic has a dirty, negative side that’s terrible for human health and the environment. The creation, existence, and disposal of plastic should concern you and everyone else in the world. On the other hand, it’s lightweight, durable, and easily moldable. Folk love it because it’s cheap and easy to transport. It’s a love-hate relationship that confuses the heck out of you. We get it.
But, understanding the different types of plastics - their properties and how they are made - is crucial to making informed decisions around the purchase and use of materials. Plastic can be a great resource, but learning more about them will help us better manage its use in the future. While it's not realistic to 100% remove plastic from life, we encourage you to reduce your single-use plastic footprint and recycle.