Deciphering Plastic Recycling Symbols

Plastic performs an important function in our industrial society. It's found all over -- the most common material used to make items for our convenience -- water bottles, cell phone casing, plastic bags, etc. Have you ever inquired about the meaning of those symbols found in your plastic-made stuff?

Plastic recycling symbols denote the specialized categories of resin used to make the plastic. These representations are specified following the international Plastic Coding System, and are generally illustrated as a number (from 1 up to 7) fenced by a triangle or a simplified triangular loop (also known as the Mobius loop), with an acronym of the exact resin used, right under the loop.

Here are brief definitions of all of the 7 recycling logos widely used, today:

1 - PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephalate Ethylene)

Light weight, inexpensive, and easy to make, PET is the most prevalent plastic material in use today. PET is mostly used in softdrink bottles, gravy containers, and microwaveable food trays. It can be remade into paneling, tote bags, plastic furniture, etc. The necessity for this material among recyclers is fairly high, but until today, the recycling rate for this material has remained low at 20%.

2 - HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

HDPE is more resilient and sensitive to chemical deterioration, this plastic presents a fairly moderate danger of leaching chemicals when used as container for food and drinks. It is mainly used as containers for staple household chemicals (shampoos, cleaners, etc.), dust bags, cologne bottles, etc. This can be reconstituted into floor tile, picnic tables, fencing, benches, etc.

3 - PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Polyvinyl Chloride has been tagged as a health hazard - it has been observed to frequently drain toxins when used as containers. PVC is largely used for piping, window cleaner bottles, bleach bottles, etc. It contains chlorine and will release toxins if incinerated. PVC should be avoided in food preparation or food packaging. It can be recycled into mudflaps, roadway gutters, flooring, etc.

4 - LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene )

Low Density Polyethylene is the material present in plastic bags, apparels, furnitures, etc. Durable and flexible, it is perfect for packaging, insulation, and sealing. LDPE, through many curbside recycling programs, can be reconstituted into cans, compost bins, and plastic lumber.

5 - PP (Polypropylene)

PP is most suitable for boiling liquid receptacles and is also processed into brooms, battery cables, auto battery cases, etc. PP can be reused into rakes, battery cables, car battery cases, etc.

6 - PS (Polystyrene)

Polystyrene is an excellent component for insulation and is used in foam products like expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as styrofoam. It is present in disposable food containers, egg cartons, aspirin bottles. PS incorporates benzene, a human carcinogen and should not be incinerated. It is reprocessed into insulation, model rail road objects, rulers, etc.

7 - OTHER (Polycarbonate)

This symbol represents materials not belonging to any of the other 6 resin categories. OTHER may also signify a hybrid resin made up of a combination of those materials. It is generally found in children milk containers, flak vests, nylon, three-gallon water jugs, etc. It can be reprocessed into plastic planks and other made to order crafts.

Not all number 7 plastics are polycarbonate, a few are even organic. Polycarbonate has become the focal point of contention in recent years, as it is discovered to leach BPA (bisphenol A), a hormonal disruptor that may may potentially alter child-bearing and fetal development.

Plastic recycling symbols are conceptualized primarily to help the personnel in recycling plants to appropriately distribute materials for disposal. A basic comprehension of these signs can also assist us in figuring out if the plastic item we are handling in our houses are safe for us and our loved ones.

Article Source: http://www.mycontentbuilder.com

Joseph Campbell is a writer for the Pacebutler Recycling and Environmental blog. Pacebutler Corporation is a US cell phone trading company that pays cash for cell phones, in online transactions. If you just want to dispose of your old cell phones responsibly, you may also recycle cell phones through Pacebutler.

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