What do those little recycling numbers mean on plastics? Here's the answer - NOLA.com

What plastics to recycle based on the number on the bottom | Entertainment/Life | nola.com

We’ve all seen the little triangle of arrows on the bottoms of plastic bottles and other containers, intended to guide consumers to proper plastic recycling.

But if you also have noticed the way-too-small numbers inside the triangles, you might wonder, what do those numbers mean? Do they even matter?

Turns out, the numbers weren’t meant for consumers, but they can help us determine what products recycling facilities will accept. The number system was created by the Society of Plastics Industry to identify the plastic resin content.

There are seven types of plastics, which means you could see any number from 1 to 7 inside the triangle on the bottom of your plastic container. Many recycling facilities only take a few types. Let’s talk about each number and what it means for our recycling habits in New Orleans.

The lightweight plastic typically used for soft drink and water bottles is easily recyclable.

Plastics No. 1-2: CAN be recycled in New Orleans

No. 1 Plastic: PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic. A lightweight, easy-to-recycle plastic typically used for soft drink and water bottles, condiment containers and mouthwash bottles. Rinse containers and remove any caps before tossing them in the bin, otherwise they’re good to go.

No. 2 Plastic: HDPE (high density polyethylene) plastic. Found in milk jugs, detergent bottles and yogurt tubs, #2 plastic is one of the safest plastics and can be regularly reused without any risk of leaching chemicals.

Plastics No. 3-7 CANNOT be recycled in New Orleans

Unfortunately, these plastics are not accepted by New Orleans recycling facilities. Try to refrain from purchasing products made with them, or, depending on the plastic, reuse the item before throwing it in the trash.

No. 3 Plastic: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic is one of the most dangerous and least recyclable plastics. But it’s cheap, which means it’s found in plenty of packaging and products.

The plastic in shopping bags, squeeze bottles and plastic containers is food safe but rarely recycled. Try using it a few times before throwing it out.

It’s mostly used for piping and siding, but also can be found in cooking oil bottles or clear food wrap. It's toxic when heated, so never use it for cooking. Generally a good one to avoid.

NO. 4 Plastic: LDPE (low-density polyethylene) plastic is food safe but rarely recycled. This includes shopping bags, squeeze bottles and plastic containers. Try using it a few times before throwing it out.

No. 5 Plastic: PP (polypropylene) plastic is the second-most commonly produced plastic, with a high melting point and a light and durable composition. Although some city curbside programs accept it, New Orleans does not. Straws and other disposable cutlery are made out of #5 plastic.

No. 6 Plastic: PS (polystyrene) plastic is also known as styrofoam. Although it's cheap and easy to produce, it's a possible human carcinogen and very difficult to recycle. It was typically used in to-go food containers and disposable drinking cups, but has been banned in nine U.S. states as of June 2023.

No. 7 Plastic: Miscellaneous. Many plastic resins don't fit into one of the categories above. PC (polycarbonate) plastic falls into this group. It is the worrisome clear hard plastic that contains hormone disruptor BPA. Many gallon water jugs, sports bottles and food containers use it. This plastic is traditionally not recycled.