Recycling Symbol on Plastics = Resin Identification Code
- A common misconception is that the recycling symbol on a plastic item indicates it is recyclable
- This symbol is actually called a plastic resin identification code
- It refers to what specific type of plastic the item is made from
Full Answer
What is the resin identification code?
In 1988, The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), now known as the Plastics Industry Association, created the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system. This system was developed to provide a consistent national program to help sorting line workers identify post-consumer packaging types using the six basic packaging resin classes.
What is a Ric number on plastic?
A Resin Identification Code is the number that may be found on the underside of certain rigid plastic packaging. You can find this number on various products (RIC). Consumers frequently believe that the presence of this code indicates that a product is automatically recyclable while in fact this is not the case.
What do the numbers on the bottom of plastic packaging mean?
The number that you see on the bottom of some rigid plastic packaging is what’s called a Resin Identification Code (RIC). Consumers often assume this code means a package is automatically recyclable, but that’s not the case.
What does other mean for resin classification?
Thermal insulation, light switch plates, foamed foodservice applications, plastic moldings, EPS foam protective packaging This is for resins outside of the six main classifications, or it can mean that a product is made of more than one resin. The public's' misinterpretation of the codes, particularly OTHER, has become a serious problem.
What do plastic resin codes mean?
The numbers 1 through 6 currently represent that the package is made of one of six specific types of plastic: 1 means polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), 2 means high-density polyethylene (HDPE), 3 means polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 4 means low-density polyethylene (LDPE), 5 means polypropylene (PP), and 6 means ...
What are the 7 plastic resin codes?
Plastics by the Numbers#1 - PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) ... #2 - HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) ... #3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) ... #4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) ... #5 – PP (Polypropylene) ... #6 – PS (Polystyrene) ... #7 – Other (BPA, Polycarbonate and LEXAN)
What is resin code 3?
3: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (pipes, siding, flooring, etc.)
What was the original purpose of the resin identification codes?
Contrary to popular belief, the codes weren't intended to be consumer-facing recycle symbols for plastics. The RIC system was supposed to be used to identify the types of plastic resin used to make common products like bottles and other packaging during the processing stage before recycling.
Which resin codes in plastic items are unsafe?
05/9To AVOID: Code 3 This code contains polyvinyl chloride (V or Vinyl or PVC). Harms: It is the most toxic and the most harmful form of plastic.
What numbers Cannot be recycled?
Generally, most recyclers accept plastics #1 and #2. Plastics #3 to #6 are more difficult to recycle and some recycling centers do not process them. Plastic #7 is even more difficult to recycle and almost always excluded.
Can resin code 3 Be recycled?
Number 3 Code - Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC PVC contains chlorine so should never be burnt as bruing will release toxic chemicals. The manufacture of PVC can release dangerous dioxins. Recycling Method - Rarely recycled.
What does 7 in a triangle mean?
Miscellaneous Plastics Any plastic that does not fall under one of those six types has a 7 inside the triangle. These plastics include nylon and polycarbonate and are found in certain food containers, signs and displays, computers and electronic devices, DVDs, sunglasses, and bulletproof materials.
What are the 7 types of plastics?
The Basics On 7 Common Types of Plastic1) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)2) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)3) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl)4) Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)5) Polypropylene (PP)6) Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam)7) Other.
Is resin code 1 recyclable?
Number 1, PETE plastics are recyclable and accepted by most curbside recycling programs. They should be rinsed and dried before collection. After being recycled, PET is turned into flakes which can be used for spinning carpet fiber, fiberfill, or tote bags.
What is the circle with numbers on plastic?
It's called an "indicator" or "insert", and it's used in injection molding plastics to help the manufacturer know something about how a finished part was manufactured. This can be useful if trying to track down the cause of defects, figure out how much inventory needs to get extra screening, etc.
Are resin identification codes required?
Thirty-nine states in the United States require use of the RIC on plastic bottles and rigid plastic containers between 8 ounces and 5 gallons in size. The resin identification code is strictly an identifier of the type of plastic and doesn't address recycled content or recyclability of the container.
What are the 7 types of plastics?
The Basics On 7 Common Types of Plastic1) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)2) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)3) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl)4) Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)5) Polypropylene (PP)6) Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam)7) Other.
Can plastic number 7 be recycled?
Vegetable-based plastics such as PLA are often labeled as plastic #7, but they are not recyclable.
Is plastic 7 BPA Free Safe?
Code 7 is the recycling code for plastics that contain BPA and must be avoided at all cost. Although codes 3 and 6 technically do not contain BPA, the chemicals that are used to manufacture these products also pose serious risks to our health.
Is number 7 plastic food safe?
To summarize, plastics in categories #2, #4 and #5 are generally considered safe. Be weary of putting them in the microwave, even if they are labeled “microwave-safe”. Plastics #1, #3, #6 and #7 should be used with varying to extreme caution, especially around food or drink.
What is the number on the bottom of plastic?
The number that you see on the bottom of some rigid plastic packaging is what’s called a Resin Identification Code (RIC).
Is 7 plastic recyclable?
Packaging labeled as 7 is not recyclable in most of the United States, but some specific types of packaging currently labeled 7 may become recyclable at some point in the future.
Do RICs have a place in recycling?
For these reasons, know that the RICs have a place in the recycling industry for now, but they shouldn’t necessarily be referenced by consumers as the primary tool to know how to recycle. All the more reason to look for the How2Recycle label; as a non-profit, we bring balanced expert recyclability assessments to each package with our label, as a project of Sustainable Packaging Coalition. You should always check locally with your recycling program to see what types of materials are collected in your hometown if you’re unsure what can be recycled.
What size plastic bottles are required to have a RIC?
Thirty-nine states in the United States require use of the RIC on plastic bottles and rigid plastic containers between 8 ounces and 5 gallons in size. The resin identification code is strictly an identifier of the type of plastic and doesn’t address recycled content or recyclability of the container.
What does SPI mean in plastic?
What the label means. The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) developed a coding system to give manufacturers and recyclers a uniform way to identify the resin type of plastic containers so they can be properly recycled. There are seven resin identification codes represented by the numbers 1 through 7. The symbol consists of one of these numbers ...
Why use a prominent RIC?
Using a prominent RIC requires following the same guidelines as a Möbius loop when it comes to unqualified claims – that is, text or numbers must accompany the RIC to clarify the claims being made.
How big is a container symbol?
The symbol is generally molded or embossed into the base of the container. The recommended size is equal to or greater than one-half inch, depending on the size of the container (measurements are for the symbol alone, not including letters).
Do you put recycling claims in the code?
DON’T place any recycling claims or the word “recyclable” near the code.
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)
The most recycled plastic is polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), which is found in peanut butter jars, ketchups, salad dressing bottles, water bottles, plastic soda bottles, microwavable food trays. PET is a clear, strong, inexpensive, and lightweight plastic that is easy to recycle.
2. Polyvinyl Chlorides (PVC)
Polyvinyl chlorides (PVC) are common when it comes to pipes; they come in cooking oil and shampoo bottles, wire jacketing, and cleaner spray bottles.
3. Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is flexible, lightweight, and convenient for packaging purposes. It is found in squeezable bottles and toys but is mainly used in furniture, frozen food packaging, shopping bags, squeezable bottles, clothing, etc.
4. Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is a high melting plastic good for hot liquids, syrup, ketchup, medicine bottles.
5. Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene (PS) is a versatile plastic, often regarded as “Styrofoam” because of its ability to turn into soft foam. It is lightweight, inexpensive, easily manufactured, and mostly disposed of.
What is resin used for?
This resin is used to make translucent bottles and offers good barrier properties and stiffness. It's good for products that don't have a long shelf life (milk).
What are the properties of resin?
This resin has stable physical and electrical properties, good chemical resistance and strong weatherability. It has two main classes — rigid and flexible materials.
What is the RIC system?
The RIC system was supposed to be used to identify the types of plastic resin used to make common products like bottles and other packaging during the processing stage before recycling. By Jeff Knapp.
What is the RIC code?
In 1988, The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), now known as the Plastics Industry Association, created the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system. This system was developed to provide a consistent national program to help sorting line workers identify post-consumer packaging types using the six basic packaging resin classes.
Why are bottles marked with recycling codes?
Not long after the system was introduced, 39 states mandated that bottles and containers be marked with the recycling plastic codes to assist source segregation at households. The codes are as follows:
How many resin classes are there?
The public's' misinterpretation of the codes, particularly OTHER, has become a serious problem. The six basic resin classes (recycling numbers) sometimes aren't sufficient enough to meet the needs of recyclers, particularly with regard to new resins and multi-material construction.
Is PP a good material?
PP is strong, has good chemical resistance and a high melting point. It's often used for hot-fill liquids and can be incorporated in flexible and rigid packaging.
What does the resin code on plastic containers mean?
Many plastic containers display a resin identification code on the bottom to indicate what type of plastic the container is made from. This code does not mean the container is made from recycled plastic, nor does it mean the plastic is recyclable. It only indicates the type of plastic resin used, to help in the sorting of items to be recycled.
Why do recyclers sort plastic containers?
Recyclers want to sort plastic containers by the type of resin so that the properties of the individual resin can be maintained and then manufacturers can reuse the material in the highest value end-use possible. The more uniform the postuse plastics going in to the recycling process, the more predictable the properties of the recycled plastic coming out.
Is plastic a material?
Plastic is not one material-- it is a family of related materials with varying properties that can be engineered to meet the requirements of a broad range of uses, including packaging. Below is a list of six types of plastic (or resin) that are commonly used to make packaging for properties for the product they are making.
