As concerns about the environment continue to grow, more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the planet. One way to do this is by recycling, and when it comes to plastics, the number of times they can be recycled can vary greatly.
First, it’s important to understand that not all plastics are created equal. There are seven different types of plastic, each with its own set of characteristics and properties. These types are identified by a number, usually found on the bottom of the plastic item, which corresponds to the type of plastic it is made of. And most eco-friendly next step is to reuse. We can all do our part to reduce our impact on the planet by choosing products made from bioplastics like custom reusable coffee cups.
Type 1 plastic, also known as PET or PETE, is a common type of plastic used in water bottles and other single-use items. Although the recycling rate for PET plastic bottles in the U.S. is a meager 29.1%,1 this category is regarded as highly recyclable compared to other types — it’s picked up by most curbside programs and able to withstand the recycling process several times, depending on what it becomes in its postconsumer life.
When PET plastic is turned into a non-food container, it may be able to endure a second or third round of recycling, but when it’s spun into polyester fiber — most often the case2 — then it becomes more difficult to recycle because large-scale postconsumer textile recycling doesn’t currently exist.
Type 2 plastic, also known as HDPE or high-density polyethylene, is another commonly used type of plastic. It is often used in milk jugs, detergent bottles, and other household items. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it’s recycled slightly more frequently than PET plastic (29.3% versus 29.1% of the time1). It can be recycled up to 7 times, making it a bit less recyclable than PET plastic.
Type 3 plastic, also known as PVC or polyvinyl chloride, is a less commonly used type of plastic due to its toxic properties. It is often used in pipes, flooring, and other construction materials. It can only be recycled once or twice, making it one of the least recyclable types of plastic.
Type 4 plastic, also known as LDPE or low-density polyethylene, is a type of plastic often used in plastic bags and other flexible packaging that often winds up in the ocean, where marine life tragically mistake it for food. It can be recycled up to 4 times, making it a bit less recyclable than HDPE plastic.
Type 5 plastic, also known as PP or polypropylene, is a type of plastic often used in food containers and other household items. According to AZoCleantech, a trade publication for the clean technology industry, PP can be recycled four times — into clothing fibers, brooms, garden rakes, and the like — however, only about 1% of it gets recycled despite 70% of Americans having access to PP bottle, jug, and jar recycling and 48% having access to PP cup, bowl, and tray recycling.
Type 6 plastic, also known as PS or polystyrene, is a type of plastic often used in foam packaging and other single-use items. Traditional PS is not recyclable because it’s formed from a liquid hydrocarbon that can’t be broken down by standard recycling methods; however, expanded polystyrene (EPS), a rigid cellular plastic used for building insulation and electronics packaging. It can only be recycled once or twice, making it one of the least recyclable types of plastic.
Type 7 plastic, also known as “other” plastic, is a catch-all category for all other types of plastic that do not fit into the other six categories. It can vary in terms of recyclability, with some types being more recyclable than others.
The most eco-friendly next step is to reduce your plastic waste. We can all do our part to reduce our impact on the planet by choosing products made from bioplastics like custom reusable coffee cups.
It’s important to note that these numbers are not set in stone and can vary depending on the specific type of plastic and the recycling process being used. However, it’s clear that some types of plastic are more recyclable than others, and it’s important to consider this when choosing products made of plastic.
