We’re finally at a point where more than 80% of U.S. households have access to a decent plastic recycling program, yet recycling for some people is still somewhat confusing. While it’s true that most people can decipher the difference between glass and aluminum, when it comes to plastic, questions still remain. What’s the difference between a high-density polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride? That’s a valid question for many. In 1988 The Society of the Plastics Industry classified different types of plastics into seven groups, giving each a different number (1-7), but just because plastic has a number it doesn’t mean it can be recycled.

It’s best to check Earth911 to find out what plastics in your area are recyclable, but don’t limit your recycling to only those that are recycled in your community. It’s also important not to mix plastics; this helps ensure that the plastics are a cleaner material when they go through the recycling process. Your best option is to reduce your use of plastic by buying items of recycled materials and always bring your cloth bags with you when out and about. It’s a great green investment to purchase an aluminum water bottle too. You know how I feel; every little bit helps.

Plastics are made primarily from domestic natural gas, so when we recycle we save energy. Here is a brief chart to help you understand what those numbers on plastics bottles really mean.

Number 1:

Name: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Character: The most commonly used plastic
Original Uses: Soda, water and food jar bottles
After Recycled: Fleece Jackets, carpets, drink containers

Number 2:

Name: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Character: Great chemical resistance
Original Uses: Milk and shampoo bottles, grocery bags, and cereal bags
After Recycled: Nonfood containers, recycling bins

Number 3:

Name: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Character: Flexible Packaging
Original Uses: Siding, shrink wrap, tubing
After Recycled: Decking, gutters

Number 4:

Name: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Character: Transparent and really flexible
Original Uses: Dry cleaning bags, produce bags, shrink-wrap
After Recycled: Furniture

Number 5:

Name: Polypropylene (PP)
Character: Good melting point, easy for use with hot liquids
Original Uses: Take out food and yogurt containers, bottle caps, medicine bottles
After Recycled: Storage bins, oil funnels, amongst others

Number 6:

Name: Polystyrene
Character: Known as Styrofoam
Original Uses: Eggs cartons, hot beverage containers, packing for electronics, packaging peanuts
After Recycled: protective packaging for electronics, egg cartons, thermal insulation

Number 7:

Name: No name
Character: Made with plastic from # six above, or a combination of two or more.
Original Uses: Three and five gallon water bottles
After Recycled: Plastic lumber, and more.

I hope this helps demystify the numbers on plastic for you!