Have you ever noticed the number in the little recycling triangle?
They’re called “resin” numbers and were designed by the Plastics Industry Association, another lobbying group cloaked in the guise of a trade organization. Ironically this group is associated with the American Progressive Bag Alliance, which is a group fighting to make plastic bag bans illegal.
They are fighting to continue to produce (and profit from) plastic shopping bags!
(This is the sort of information that causes my blood pressure to rise)…
Last year both Coke and Pepsi exited the Plastics Industry Association and made a large commitment to their sustainability goals and to use more recycled materials for their products. CNN shared information on this split last August: Coke and Pepsi Abandon Plastics Lobby
A Handy Guide to Plastic Materials in Your Home
It’s not as simple as the plastics industry would like consumers to think.
Did you know that the number indicates what type of plastic the item is made of and gives you a clue as to if it's truly a recyclable item?
♻️ 1 - This is the most common plastic because it is cheap and easily recyclable. This is what most plastic water bottles are made of and is accepted into most curbside recycling programs. This is used to make polar fleece, fiber, tote bags, furniture, carpet, paneling, straps, bottles and food containers.
♻️ 2 - Used in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, butter and yogurt tubs, etc. This is also accepted in most curbside recycling but there can be some stipulations. This is used to make laundry detergent bottles, oil bottles, pens, recycling containers, floor tile, drainage pipe, lumber, benches, doghouses, picnic tables, fencing, and shampoo bottles.
♻️ 3 - This type of plastic typically has PVC in it which has chlorine in it. Manufacturing this plastic releases toxic dioxins into the atmosphere and should not be burned because of the toxins. It is fouind in shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles, blister packaging, wire jacketing, siding, windows, and piping. It is rarely accepted in curbside recycling.
♻️ 4 - This is a more plyable plastic and is what most plastic shoppping bags are made of as well packaging for things like bread and frozen foods. This is rarely accepted into curbside recycling but you can return plastic shopping bags to many stores for recycling.
♻️ 5 - This plastic is designed to hold hot liquids because it has a high melting point. It is used in some yogurt containers, syrup and medicine bottles, caps, and straws. This is not commonly accepted by curbside recycling programs.
