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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nIt is also important to know what types of plastic your recycling hauler accepts. The most commonly recycled plastics are #1, 2, and 5, but some haulers sort by shape of container instead. Always check with your hauler as there is a lot of variability in processing plants and what they can accept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plastic by the Number:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #1- PET or PETE \u2013 Polyethylene Terephthalate<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number 1 plastic is one of the most generally used plastics. This type of plastic is meant for single use items such as soda and water bottles, salad dressing bottles, and food jars and containers. It can be recycled into new bottles or polyester fiber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #2- HDPE \u2013 High Density Polyethylene<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number 2 plastic has the benefit of a high strength-to-density ratio that makes it durable and fit for multiple reuses. HDPE can also handle a range of temperatures. Clear HDPE can be recycled into new containers, and colored HDPE can be made into new items such as pens, chairs or toys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #3- PVC \u2013 Polyvinyl Chloride<\/p>\n\n\n\n PVC plastic is made strong and elastic by an additive called phthalates. Number 3 plastic can be found in pipes, shower curtains, floors and clear food wrap. This plastic proves difficult to recycle because of the many types of additives used to make it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #4- LDPE \u2013 Low Density Polyethylene<\/p>\n\n\n\n Low Density Polyethylene is more elastic than HDPE and is used for products such as plastic films, disposable bags and squeezable bottles. When made into plastic bags, most recycling haulers will not accept them in the curbside bins, but there are many dropoff locations to recycle this type of plastic. Recycled LDPE can be made into more bags and plastic films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #5- PP \u2013 Polypropylene<\/p>\n\n\n\n This type of plastic is light, durable and heat resistant. It is commonly found in plastic tubs and caps, kitchenware, and rope. Polypropylene can be recycled into fibers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #6- PS \u2013 Polystyrene<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number 6 plastic is polystyrene, or more commonly known as Styrofoam. It is commonly found in disposable cups, egg cartons, and to-go food containers. This type of plastic is difficult to recycle because of its light weight and that it is easily broken down into smaller pieces. While not frequently recycled, check with your local processing facility to see if they recycle #6 plastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #7- Other<\/p>\n\n\n\n While number 7 doesn\u2019t identify a specific type of plastic, it identifies the item to be either a new plastic, bioplastic, or a combination of the above types. It can also stand for PC (polycarbonate) plastic. Products that have the number 7 identifier are sports bottles and equipment, lids and medical and dental equipment. Most facilities do not recycle number 7 plastics because there are no standard protocols for using and reusing this plastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More information about the different types of plastic can be found here<\/a> and statewide recycling information can be found on the DEP website<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Recycling is Required<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Municipal and state regulations require that residents, commercial establishments and non-residential establishments recycle all recyclable materials. Commonly recycled materials include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should check with your hauler for a complete list of acceptable recyclable materials.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"