Deciphering those little triangles on your plastics.

What bottle blues?

Deciphering those little triangles on your plastics.

SPI CODESThese are the numbers in the little triangles on the bottom of plastic bottles.

SPI CODESThe number tells us what materials are used to make the plastic.

The number will also determine the recycling process.

What happens to the plastic & what new product it may make.

#1 PET or PETEMade from polyethylene terephthalate

Nickname: polyester

#1 PET or PETEClear, tough and moisture barrier properties

Frequently recycled

#1 PET or PETEPackaging Applications

Soda bottlesWater bottlesSalad dressingDetergentMouthwashPB & JellySalad dressing

Recycled ProductsPillow fill, tote bag, fleece, fiber, carpet, film, clothing, bottles, food & beverage containers, retail bags

#2 HDPEMade from high density polyethylene

Good barrier & stiffPackage products with a short life span

#2 HDPEPigmented HDPE bottles have better stress crack resistance than nonpigmented bottles.

Frequently recycled

Packaging ApplicationPlastic milk bottles, nail polish remover bottle, Shampoo, grocery bags, cosmetics, yogurt container & margarine containers, retail bags

Recycled ProductsPlastic cratesPicnic tablesNew detergent bottlesMotor oil bottles

Pipe BucketsFlower potsRecycling binsFloor tilesAnd more!!!!

#3 PVCMade from Polyvinyl chloride

VersatileToughResistance to grease, oil & other chemicals

#3 PVCWhen PVC is disposed of it may release dioxin & phthalates.

Dioxin is a know carcinogen.

Phthalates is a know endocrine disrupter.

Packaging applicationsTake-out boxesShampoo Shower curtainsFlooringFaux-leather clothingCable insulationMedical tubing

Recycled productsDrainage & irrigation pipesLoose-leaf bindersGuttersMud flapsFloor tile

Recycled products

Traffic conesGarden hoseDeckingPanelingAnd more!!!!

#4 LDPEMade from low density polyethylene

Items made from LDPEGrocery bagsShrink wrapBread & produce bagsNewspaperDry-cleaning

#4 LDPENew products made from LDPETrash can linersCompost binsNew bags

#5 PPNumber 5 plastic is made from Polypropylene

Items that use PP:Takeout containers

Medicine bottles

Baby bottles StrawsBottle capsYogurt containers

#5 PPPP new life

Bike racksBroomsIce scrapersPlastic lumber

#6 PS#6 plastic is made from polystyrene.

Suspected to release possible carcinogens & endocrine disrupters

Items contained in polystyrene arePacking peanutsEgg cartonsPicnic ware

#6 PSNew items made from #6

Plastic lumber…againCD cases

#7 OtherAll of the rest of the plastic party!

Could possible leak Bisphenol A, which is an artificial estrogen that interfere with hormone function.

#7 OthersPossible items:

Squeezable ketchup bottles

Microwavable dishesOven bagsCorn-based plasticsPolycarbonate

#7 plastics are usually NOT RECYCLED!