What does the number on a plastic container indicate ?

IT is the recycling number generally found at the bottom of the container or in a lower corner. It is meant to help those engaged in recycling to sort out plastics in the most efficient way possible.

   There are seven types of plastics. Soft drink bottles are made of PET or PETE, a common type of plastic. This number one plastic is made up of polyethylene terephthalate.

   Number 2 plastics are made of high-density polyethylene. They are denoted by the letters HDPE. Water and juice bottles are generally made of this type of plastic.

  The letters PVC denote the Number 3 plastic. Because of their ability to withstand chemicals they are used to make shampoo bottles and detergents bottles. PVC is also used in piping. It is rarely recycled though.

  Number 4 types are known as LDPE, or low density polyethylene. Food packets, ketchup bottles and squeezable bottles are made of this and they are also not generally not recyclable.

  Number 5 plastics denoted by the letter PP  are made from polypropylene. Medicine bottles, plastic caps and straws are made of  this.

 

  The letters PS stand for polystyrene. Take- away food packs including meats tray are made of this number six plastics.

 

  All other plastics come under O which mean Other. They are not recycled. But they last long can be reused. Giant water bottles used in water coolers, sunglasses, electronic items like CDs and DVDs and nylon come under this No 7 category.