What the numbers on your recyclables mean?
Polyethylene Terephthalate
– Usually clear, and considered safe plastic, but known to allow bacteria to accumulate.
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– Found in: Pop bottles, salad dressing containers, mouthwash bottles and peanut butter containers.
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– Can be recycled into: Tote bags, carpet, paneling and fiber.
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Low density polyethylene
– Considered a safe plastic
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– Found in: Squeezable bottles, shopping bags, bread bags, and some food wraps.
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– Can be recycled into: Compost bins, paneling and trash cans.
Other: Miscellaneous plastics
– All other plastics resins that do not fit into the other 6 categories. Includes polycarbonate, which may contain BPA.
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– Found in: iPod cases, sunglasses and nylon.
High density polyethylene
– Is typically opaque and considered to a safe plastic as it has a low risk of leaching.
– Found in: Milk jugs, household cleaner containers, detergent bottles, juice bottles, and cereal box liners.
– Can be recycled into: pens, recycling containers, fencing and garden planters.
PP: Polypropylene
– Considered a safe plastic.
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– Typically found in yoghurt containers, ketchup bottles, syrup bottles and medicine bottles.
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– Can be recycled into: Brooms, bins, pallets, ice scrapers and clipboards.
Vinyl/Polyvinyl chloride
– Found in: Shampoo bottles, clear food packaging, cooking oil bottles, plumbing pipes and detergent bottles.
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– May contain: Phthalates and DEHA
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– Can be recycled into: Drainage pipes, paneling, flooring, decks and gutters.
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PS: Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
– High risk of leaching styrene and benzene (suspected carcinogens and neurotoxins) when heated; difficult to recycle.
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– Found in: Egg cartons, meat trays, disposable plates and cups.
– Not recommended for recycling.