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WHEN YOU LOOK INTO A FULL COMMINGLED RECYCLING BIN, Every plastic container or bottle has a
you will find a wide variety of plastic containers, made from a variety of universal recycling symbol that
different plastics. Each type of plastic has been used for a specific reason. consists of a MÖbius triangle formed
For example, High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) is extremely strong and it is by three “chasing” arrows with a
resistant to many different solvents, so HDPE items are perfect for holding number in the middle. That number,
industrial cleansers. Polypropylene (PP), the world’s second most widely ranging from 1 to 7, indicates the
produced plastic, is normally tough, flexible and resistant to heat so it’s a plastic type. While you may only look
great choice for food containers and medical or laboratory use. Plastic is at the recycling symbol to make sure
everywhere, and it makes our lives much easier. you’re not tossing any 6s into your
recycling bin (Did you know that
There is, however, a downside to plastic. Regardless of the type, items made
Montgomery County has banned the
from plastic have a lifespan of at least 500 years. Every plastic bottle and
use of Polystyrene?), the numbers
margarine tub that you’ve ever touched is still “living” somewhere on the
indicate the type plastic you are
earth—either in it’s original form or living a new “life” as a recycled item.
using, and where it might end up in
That’s why recycling plastic is so important.
its next phase of “life.”
CODE DESCRIPTION PRODUCT APPLICATIONS PRODUCTS MADE WITH RECYCLED CONTENT

PET Bottles for soda, water, cooking oil, Cleaned, recycled, PET flakes and pellets are spun as
Polyethylene mouthwash and salad dressing; fiber for carpet, fleece jackets, comforter fill, tote
peanut butter jars bags and more
HDPE Bottles for milk, juice, hand soap, Recycled into bottles for non-food items such as
High-density shower gel, household and industrial shampoo, laundry detergent and motor oil; plastic
Polyethylene cleaners; containers for cosmetics; “lumber” for outdoor decking, fencing and picnic
cereal box liners tables; pipes, floor tiles, buckets, crates, flower pots
and recycling bins

PVC Pipes, cables, furniture, plastic toys; Pipes, decking, fencing, paneling, gutters, carpet
Polyvinyl shower curtains and tablecloths; backing, floor tiles/mats, mud flaps, electrical boxes,
Chloride shrink wrap; rigid packaging like cables, traffic cones, garden hose and loose-leaf
blister packs and clamshells binders
LDPE Bags for newspapers, bread, produce Shipping envelopes, trash can liners, floor tile,
Low-density and frozen foods; squeezable bottles paneling, furniture, compost bins, trash cans, plastic
Polyethylene “lumber” for outdoor furniture

PP Prepackaged foods like yogurt and Car battery cases and cables, signal lights, brooms
Polypropylene deli meat; bottle caps, margarine tubs and brushes, ice scrapers, oil funnels, bicycle racks,
garden rakes, storage bins, shipping pallets, trays

PS Styrofoam cups and containers, egg Thermal insulation, thermometers, light switch
Polystyrene cartons, foam containers, plastic plates, vents, desk trays, rulers, license plate frames,
cutlery, most 1-time use items cameras, egg shell cartons, plastic moulding

Other Any other plastics that do not fall into Bottles and plastic “lumber” applications
any of the above categories such as
melamine plates and cups.
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FEBRUARY 2017