Plastic Recycling Key Terms

Learn plastic recycling vocabulary to make the right choices for your business

When looking to reduce the environmental impact of your business, plastic recycling is often one of the first options to consider. However, there are many types of plastics with various properties and recycling potential. Learning more about these types of plastics, along with research into the plastic recycling services offered in your area, will allow you to choose plastics that have the best recycling potential while still meeting your business needs. These decisions can be beneficial to both your business and the environment.

 

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE)

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) is a clear, flexible plastic that is most often used for disposable drink bottles and other blow-molded consumer containers. PETE is designated with a number 1, able to be recycled in most areas, and can be recycled into a variety of high demand products such as carpet fibers, fleece, tote bags and more drink bottles.
Try: The National Association for PET Container Resources offers information on the uses and recycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate plastic.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a translucent, stiff plastic most often used in milk jugs and cleaning products, such as detergent, shampoo and bleach. This plastic is designated with a number 2 and, along with PETE, is one of the most commonly accepted plastics in recycling programs. Among other things, it can be recycled back into similar types of containers, as well as plastic lumber, garden edging, buckets and bins.
Try: Waste Age gives an in depth explanation of HDPE, including usage and recycling statistics.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a versatile plastic that can be either rigid or flexible. This makes it applicable for a wide variety of uses, such as window frames, siding, pipes, medical equipment, shrink wrap and much more. For recycling, it is designated with a number 3 and is not always accepted by recycling programs. If recycled, it can be made into mudflaps, flooring, carpet backing, pipe and plastic lumber for decking and fencing.
Try: Lenntech offers information on the production, manufacture and disposal of PVC.

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a tough and flexible plastic used in squeezable bottles, shopping, bread and dry cleaning bags, coatings for drink cups and paper milk cartons, as well as wire coverings. It is designated with a number 4 for recycling and is not always accepted by recycling programs. Many stores, however, are beginning to collect LDPE shopping bags for recycling. LDPE can be recycled into products like trash cans and liners, shipping envelopes and plastic lumber.
Try: The American Chemistry Council offers information on the properties and uses of many plastics, including LDPE.

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile plastic that is found in everything from bottle caps, straws and medical bottles, to automotive and appliance components. It is designated with a number 5 for recycling and is accepted by some recycling programs. It can be recycled into automotive battery cases and cables, ice scrapers, brooms, brushes, rakes and storage bins.
Try: wiseGEEK offers information on the structure, usage and recycling of polypropylene.

Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene can be made into a rigid or foam plastic. Styrofoam is often used as a generic term for the foam version of this plastic. It is used in a variety of food containers, plates, cups, protective packaging and compact disc cases. It is designated with a number 6 for recycling purposes and is accepted by some recycling programs. It can be recycled into insulation, food containers, plastic molding and light switch plates.
Try: EarthOdyssey offers information on the properties and recycling of various plastics including Polystyrene.

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