All plastic containers have a recycle symbol on them. Why aren they all recycled?
The number inside the chasing arrows recycling symbol found on plastic containers identifies the type of resin used to make the container. They majority of plastics are labeled with a #1 (polyethylene terephthalate – PET) and #2 (high-density polyethylene – HDPE). Of these, the most prevalent are bottles, jars and jugs that have available and steady markets. The quantities generated and market demand are not strong enough to justify collection of the other types of plastics. In Lancaster County, the non-recyclable plastics are processed as trash at the Resource Recovery Facility where electricity is generated. The table below from the American Chemistry Council identifies the various types of plastic. You too can identify types of plastic by locating the coding imprint on either the bottom or the side of the container. The recycling triangle with a number in the center is the imprint to locate.
Related Questions
- All plastic containers have a recycle symbol on them with a number inside. What do these numbers mean, and why can’t all numbered plastics go in the bins?
- Can caps and tops to plastic and glass containers be recycled at the Recycle Indianapolis locations?
- All plastic containers have a recycle symbol on them. Why aren they all recycled?
