The document discusses the different types of plastics and their SPI recycling codes. It explains that in 1988 the SPI established a coding system to help consumers and recyclers properly dispose and recycle plastics. The main plastics covered are PETE (code 1), HDPE (code 2), PVC (code 3), LDPE (code 4), PP (code 5), PS (code 6), and other plastics (code 7). Each plastic has different properties and common uses like bottles, food packaging, pipes and various household items. Knowing the SPI codes helps identify plastics for effective recycling.
The document discusses the different types of plastics and their SPI recycling codes. It explains that in 1988 the SPI established a coding system to help consumers and recyclers properly dispose and recycle plastics. The main plastics covered are PETE (code 1), HDPE (code 2), PVC (code 3), LDPE (code 4), PP (code 5), PS (code 6), and other plastics (code 7). Each plastic has different properties and common uses like bottles, food packaging, pipes and various household items. Knowing the SPI codes helps identify plastics for effective recycling.
The document discusses the different types of plastics and their SPI recycling codes. It explains that in 1988 the SPI established a coding system to help consumers and recyclers properly dispose and recycle plastics. The main plastics covered are PETE (code 1), HDPE (code 2), PVC (code 3), LDPE (code 4), PP (code 5), PS (code 6), and other plastics (code 7). Each plastic has different properties and common uses like bottles, food packaging, pipes and various household items. Knowing the SPI codes helps identify plastics for effective recycling.
The document discusses the different types of plastics and their SPI recycling codes. It explains that in 1988 the SPI established a coding system to help consumers and recyclers properly dispose and recycle plastics. The main plastics covered are PETE (code 1), HDPE (code 2), PVC (code 3), LDPE (code 4), PP (code 5), PS (code 6), and other plastics (code 7). Each plastic has different properties and common uses like bottles, food packaging, pipes and various household items. Knowing the SPI codes helps identify plastics for effective recycling.
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THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLASTICS AND CLASSIFICATION
Resource Center The Different Types of Plastic and Their Number Classifications (Codes) Plastic is an essential component of numerous consumer products, including water bottles and product containers. However, not every kind of plastic is the same. In 1988, the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) established a classification system to help consumers and recyclers properly recycle and dispose of each different type based on its chemical makeup. Today, manufacturers follow a coding system and place a number, or SPIcode, on each plastic product, usually molded into the bottom. Although you should always verify the plastic classification number of each product you use, especially if you plan on recycling it, this guide provides a basic outline of the different plastic types associated with each code number.
Plastic marked with an SPI code of 1 is made
withpolyethylene terephthalate, which is also known as PETE orPET. PETE-based containers sometimes absorb odors and flavors from foods and drinks that are stored inside of them. Items made from this plastic are commonly recycled. PETE plastic is used to make many common household items like beverage bottles, medicine jars, peanut butter jars, combs, bean bags, and rope. Recycled PETE is used to make tote bags, carpet, fiberfill material in winter clothing, and more.
The SPI code of 2 identifies plastic made with high-density
polyethylene, or HDPE. HDPE products are very safe and are not known to leach any chemicals into foods or drinks. (However, due to the risk of contamination from previously held substances, please note: it is NEVER safe to reuse an HDPE bottle as a food or drink container if it didnt originally contain food or drink!) HDPE products are commonly recycled. Items made from this plastic include containers for milk, motor oil, shampoos and conditioners, soap bottles, detergents, and bleaches. Many personalized toys are made from this plastic as well. Recycled HDPE is used to make plastic crates, plastic lumber, fencing, and more.
Plastic labeled with an SPI code of 3 is made with polyvinyl
chloride, or PVC. PVC is not often recycled and can be harmful if ingested. PVC is used for all kinds of pipes and tiles, but it's most commonly found in plumbing pipes. This kind of plastic should not come in contact with food items. Recycled PVC is used to make flooring, mobile home skirting, and other industrial-grade items
Plastic marked with an SPI code of 4 is made with lowdensity polyethylene, or LDPE. LDPE is not commonly recycled, but it is recyclable in certain areas. It tends to be both durable and flexible. It also is not known to release harmful chemicals into objects in contact with it, making it a safe choice for food storage. Plastic cling wrap, sandwich bags, squeezable bottles, and plastic grocery bags all are made from LDPE. Recycled LDPE is used to make garbage cans, lumber, furniture, and many other products seen in and around the house
Consumers will find the SPI code of 5 on plastic items made
with polypropylene, or PP. PP can be recycled but is not accepted for recycling as commonly as PETE or HDPE. This type of plastic is strong and can usually withstand higher temperatures. Among many other products, it is used to make plastic diapers, Tupperware, margarine containers, yogurt boxes, syrup bottles, prescription bottles, and some stadium cups. Plastic bottle caps often are made from PP as well. Recycled PP is used to make ice scrapers, rakes, battery cables, and similar items that need to be durable.
Plastic marked with an SPI code of 6 is made
withpolystyrene, also known as PS and most commonly known as Styrofoam. PS can be recycled, but not efficiently; recycling it takes a lot of energy, which means that few places accept it. Disposable coffee cups, plastic food boxes, plastic cutlery, packing foam, and packing peanuts are made from PS. Recycled PS is used to make many different kinds of products, including insulation, license plate frames, and rulers.
The SPI code of 7 is used to designate miscellaneous types of
plastic that are not defined by the other six codes.Polycarbonate and polylactide are included in this category. These types of plastics are difficult to recycle. Polycarbonate, or PC, is used in baby bottles, large water bottles (multiple-gallon capacity), compact discs, and medical storage containers. Recycled plastics in this category are used to make plastic lumber, among other products
SPI codes can be confusing for anyone unfamiliar with them or the different kinds of plastic they identify. However, learning about them can help consumers make more informed decisions related to their health and help recyclers sort their plastics more effectively. Remember, informed consumers can demand that plastics manufacturers provide better products. So keep these plastic classification numbers and plastic types in mind, and dont forget to put your newfound knowledge to use -- always check a products classification code prior to recycling it or re-using it!
Plastic Type General Properties Common Household Uses
Polyethylene Terepthalate Good gas & moisture barrier properties Mineral Water, fizzy drink and beer bottles High heat resistance Pre-prepared food trays and roasting bags Clear Boil in the bag food pouches Hard Soft drink and water bottles Tough Fibre for clothing and carpets Microwave transparency Strapping Solvent resistant Some shampoo and mouthwash bottles High Density Polyethylene Excellent moisture barrier properties Detergent, bleach and fabric conditioner bottles Excellent chemical resistance Snack food boxes and cereal box liners Hard to semi-flexible and strong Milk and non-carbonated drinks bottles Soft waxy surface Toys, buckets, rigid pipes, crates, plant pots Permeable to gas Plastic wood, garden furniture HDPE films crinkle to the touch Wheeled refuse bins, compost containers Pigmented bottles stress resistant Polyvinyl Chloride Excellent transparency Credit cards Hard, rigid (flexible when plasticised) Carpet backing and other floor covering Good chemical resistance Window and door frames, guttering
Long term stability Pipes and fittings, wire and cable sheathing Good weathering ability Synthetic leather products Stable electrical properties Low gas permeability Low Density Polyethylene Tough and flexible Films, fertiliser bags, refuse sacks Waxy surface Packaging films, bubble wrap Soft scratches easily Flexible bottles Good transparency Irrigation pipes Low melting point Thick shopping bags (clothes and produce) Stable electrical properties Wire and cable applications Good moisture barrier properties Some bottle tops Polypropylene Excellent chemical resistance Most bottle tops High melting point Ketchup and syrup bottles Hard, but flexible Yoghurt and some margarine containers Waxy surface Potato crisp bags, biscuit wrappers Translucent Crates, plant pots, drinking straws Strong Hinged lunch boxes, refrigerated containers Fabric/ carpet fibres, heavy duty bags/tarpaulins Polystyrene Clear to opaque Yoghurt containers, egg boxes Glassy surface Fast food trays Rigid or foamed Video cases Hard Vending cups and disposable cutlery
Brittle Seed trays
High clarity Coat hangers Affected by fats and solvents Low cost brittle toys There are other polymers that have a wide range of uses, particularly in engineering sectors. They are identified with the number 7 and OTHER (or a triangle with numbers from 7 to 19). Nylon (PA) Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) Polycarbonate (PC) Layered or multi-material mixed polymers
Types of plastic The following table illustrates the most common types of plastics used, their applications and the symbol which is often used to identify them on forms of plastic packaging. Polymer Types
Examples of applications
Symbol
Polyethylene Terephthalate
Fizzy drink and water bottles. Salad trays.
High Density Polyethylene
Milk bottles, bleach, cleaners and most
shampoo bottles.
ull
Polyvinyl Chloride
Pipes, fittings, window and door frames
(rigid PVC). Thermal insulation (PVC foam) and automotive parts.
ull
n ull
Low Density Polyethylene
Carrier bags, bin liners and packaging films.
Polypropylene
Margarine tubs, microwaveable meal trays, also
produced as fibres and filaments for carpets, wall coverings and vehicle upholstery.
Polystyrene
Yoghurt pots, foam hamburger boxes and egg cartons,
plastic cutlery, protective packaging for electronic goods and toys. Insulating material in the building and construction industry.
Unallocated References
Any other plastics that do not fall into any of the above categories - for example polycarbonate which is often used in glazing for the aircraft industry
