How Do I Identify Different Types Of Plastic

How do I identify different types of plastic?

Many items made out of plastic have a code or letters on to tell you what type of plastic they are. The most commonly recycled plastics are those used for bottles. They are PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). The table below shows different types of plastic and what can be made from that type of plastic when it has been recycled.

Plastic Name of Description Some uses for virgin Some uses for plastic Identity plastic plastic made from recycled Code waste plastic polyethylene Clear tough Soft drink and mineral Soft drink bottles, (multi- terephthalate plastic, may water bottles, filling for layer) detergent bottles, PET be used as a sleeping bags and clear film for packaging, fibre. pillows, textile fibres. carpet fibres, and fleecy jackets. high density Very Crinkly shopping bags, Compost bins, polyethylene common freezer bags, milk and detergent bottles, HDPE plastic, cream bottles, bottles crates, mobile rubbish usually white for shampoo and bins, agricultural pipes, or coloured. cleaners, milk crates. pallets, kerbside recycling boxes. unplasticised Hard rigid Clear cordial and juice Detergent bottles, tiles, polyvinyl plastic, may bottles, blister packs, plumbing pipe fittings. chloride be clear. plumbing pipes and UPVC fittings. plasticised Flexible, Garden hose, shoe Hose inner core, polyvinyl clear, elastic soles, blood bags and industrial flooring. chloride PPVC plastic. tubing. low density Soft, flexible Lids of ice cream Film for builders, polyethylene plastic. containers, bin bags, industry, packaging and LDPE rubbish bins, black plant nurseries, bags. plastic sheet. polypropylene Hard, but Ice cream containers, Compost bins, kerbside PP flexible potato crisp bags, recycling boxes, plastic - drinking straws, hinged wormeries. many uses. lunch boxes. polystyrene Rigid, brittle Yogurt containers, Clothes pegs, coat PS plastic. May plastic cutlery, imitation hangers, office be clear, crystal "glassware". accessories, spools, expanded glassy. Hot drink cups, rulers, video/CD boxes. polystyrene Foamed, takeaway food EPS lightweight, containers, meat trays, energy packaging. absorbing, thermal insulation. Includes all other plastics, including acrylic and nylon. These cannot be recycled