What does the “chasing arrows” recycling code on plastic products mean?
Dear Cecil:On the bottom of most plastic containers I’ve noticed a triangle-shaped symbol indicating that the container is recyclable. In the middle of this symbol is a number ranging from 1 to 6 or higher. I know these numbers have something to do with the classification of plastic products, but what is the difference between a 1 and 2 or 6 in terms of recycling? Finally, why do most recycling centers take type 1 or 2 containers but not 3 through 6? Where are we supposed to take these other products so they can be recycled? I want to recycle but it is hard to do with all this confusion. — J. R. Richards, Sterling, Virginia Dear J. R.: Things are more confused than you realize. The main problem is that the triangle symbol, more commonly known as the “chasing arrows” symbol, doesn’t indicate recyclability, contrary to wide belief. The number just indicates the type of plastic. As I’ve written before, the numbers range from 1 to 7, 1 through 6 being the most commonly used plastic resins
