#1 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)
*Easy
Be sure to recycle these products but do not reuse them, as they can release toxic carcinogens.
Example: Drink bottles, polyester clothing + rope, and food containers
#2 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
*Easy
These plastics are safe to recycle and reuse and are considered one of the safest plastics.
Example: Detergent bottles, milk cartons, buckets, cereal box bags, and toys
#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl)
*Very Difficult
Also known a poison plastic, it's highly toxic and should NOT be recycled.
Example: Credit cards, rain gutters, pet and human toys, teething rings, Medical tools (IV bags, oxygen masks, and medical tubing)
#4 Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Manageable
Although this plastic is a bit more challenging to recycle; it is a safe material that can be reused.
Example: grocery bags, drinking cups, bread bags (Ziploc), garbage bags, bubble wrap
#5 Polypropylene (PP)
Manageable
This plastic is very durable and safe to use but, it is advised to avoid it because most recycling centers don't yet accept it.
Example: plastic straws, packing tape, disposable diapers, bottle caps, and prescription bottles
#6
Polystyrene (PS/ Styrofoam)
Difficult
Products made from this plastic are not recyclable and make up around 35% of the materials found in America's landfills.
Example: cups, takeout food containers, shipping/product packaging, and egg cartons
#7 Others (O)
Very Difficult
This category accounts for all other types of plastics. Some are considered compostable and will be labeled (PLA)
Example: eyeglasses, CD/DVD's, clear plastic cutlery, sports and baby bottles
