When you toss a plastic container into the recycling bin, you probably feel like you’re doing your part for the planet. But plastic recycling is more complicated than most people realize. Not every plastic can be recycled, and misplacing the wrong types into the bin can actually do more harm than good. Understanding the differences between recyclable and non-recyclable plastics helps reduce waste contamination, improves recycling efficiency, and protects our environment.
This guide breaks down what those recycling numbers mean, why not all plastics are equal, and what you can do to make sure your efforts truly make a difference.
What Do the Plastic Recycling Numbers Mean?
Understanding Resin Identification Codes (RICs)
The number you see inside the recycling triangle on plastics is called a Resin Identification Code (RIC). It identifies the type of plastic used to make the item. Here’s a quick overview:
- #1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Water bottles, soda bottles
- #2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Milk jugs, detergent bottles
- #3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Pipes, shrink wrap
- #4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Plastic bags, some food wraps
- #5 PP (Polypropylene): Yogurt containers, bottle caps
- #6 PS (Polystyrene): Styrofoam, disposable cups and plates
- #7 Other: Mixed or layered plastics, polycarbonate, bioplastics
Why Some Plastics Have No Number
Some plastics don’t carry a number because:
- They’re too small (like caps, wrappers)
- They’re made of multiple materials
- Labeling isn’t always mandatory
If you don’t see a number, recycling it becomes much trickier and less likely to succeed.
Why Some Plastics Are Recyclable — and Others Aren’t
It’s Not Just About the Number
While the resin code tells you what kind of plastic it is, whether it can be recycled depends on:
- Local recycling facilities: Not all facilities are equipped to handle all types.
- Market demand: Some plastics aren’t valuable enough to warrant recycling.
- Contamination risks: Food residue or chemical contamination can render plastics unrecyclable.
Commonly Recyclable Plastics
- #1 PET: Bottles, often accepted curbside
- #2 HDPE: Jugs, usually recycled into new containers
Hard-to-Recycle or Non-Recyclable Plastics
- #3 PVC: Difficult due to chemical additives
- #6 PS (Styrofoam): Breaks apart easily, rarely accepted
- #7 Other: Complex blends that recycling plants can’t efficiently process
- Plastic bags and wraps: Can jam machines; require special drop-offs
Bottom line: Even if it has a triangle, that doesn’t guarantee it belongs in your curbside bin.
The Worst Plastics for the Planet
#7 Plastics: The “Other” Category
Plastics labeled #7 are among the worst for the environment because:
- They often contain mixed materials that are impossible to separate.
- Some include harmful chemicals like BPA, which can leach into food and the environment.
- They’re not recyclable in most facilities and often end up in landfills or break into microplastics.
#6 Polystyrene: A Close Second
Expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) poses massive issues:
- It’s extremely lightweight, making it easy to blow into oceans and rivers.
- It’s brittle, breaking into tiny microplastics that animals mistake for food.
- Very few facilities accept it for recycling.
For environmental impact, avoiding products made from #6 and #7 plastics is one of the best choices you can make.
Should You Rinse Plastics Before Recycling?
Why Rinsing Matters
Rinsing your plastics isn’t just a courtesy—it’s crucial:
- Prevents contamination: A little leftover food can ruin an entire batch of recycling.
- Keeps pests away: Dirty bins attract rodents, insects, and cause odor problems at recycling plants.
- Improves recycling efficiency: Clean materials are cheaper and easier to process.
How Clean Should It Be?
You don’t have to scrub plastics like you’re preparing them for surgery. A quick rinse to remove chunks and liquids is enough. If you’re concerned about water waste, use leftover dishwater or rinse while washing dishes.
Simple rule: If you wouldn’t want to leave it sitting in your kitchen overnight, rinse it.
Can You Just Put All Plastics in the Bin Anyway?
The Problem with “Wish-Cycling”
“Wish-cycling” is when people put questionable items into the recycling bin hoping they’ll be recycled. Unfortunately, this does more harm than good:
- Contaminated loads may be entirely rejected and sent to landfills.
- Items like plastic bags clog machines, causing costly repairs and slowdowns.
- It increases the cost of recycling programs, leading some areas to shut down recycling altogether.
Why Local Rules Matter
Recycling capabilities vary widely between cities. Some can process #5 plastics; others cannot. Always check your city’s accepted materials list. Many cities also offer special recycling days or drop-off programs for tricky items like batteries, electronics, and soft plastics.
When in doubt: Throw it out, or look it up.
How to Be a Better Recycler
Easy Habits That Make a Big Impact
- Learn Local Rules: Bookmark your city’s recycling guide.
- Rinse Properly: Quick, no-scrub rinsing is enough.
- Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable containers, bags, and utensils.
- Buy Smart: Choose products packaged in #1 and #2 plastics when possible.
- Advocate for Better Systems: Support legislation and companies that prioritize recycling infrastructure.
Small changes lead to big results when multiplied across millions of households.
Final Thoughts
Recycling plastics is not as simple as throwing everything with a triangle into the bin. Knowing the types of plastics, understanding why some can’t be recycled, and cleaning your recyclables properly can dramatically increase the chances that your efforts will help—not hurt—the planet.
Every choice you make matters. By staying informed and recycling smarter, you’re contributing to a cleaner, healthier Earth for generations to come.
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