Love Our Environment: What's in the number?

Have you ever wondered what the numbers in triangles stamped onto plastic containers stand for? These numbers represent the type of plastic used in manufacturing the containers. These are useful to us for 2 reasons. Firstly it helps when trying to sort recycling trash. Secondly it helps in determining which containers are suitable and safe for reuse, for example we all like to reuse bottles for drinking water. Type 1 and 7 are recommended for one time use only, and is what most bottled waters come in. Types 2, 4 and 5 are ok for reuse and don't leak chemicals.Types 1 (PET) & 2 (HDPE) and 4 (LDPE) are the most wanted for recycling

Below is a detailed table of all the plastic types

Symbol	Plastic Type	Examples	Recycled into
	PET (polyethylele terephthalate)	clear coke, coldrink, water and juice bottles, plastic jam, spread and salad dressing jars.	Polar fleece, fiber, tote bags, furniture, carpet, paneling, straps, (occasionally) new containers.
	HDPE (high density polyethylene)	White or coloured milk, juice or shampoo bottles, trash and shopping bags.	Laundry detergent bottles, oil bottles, pens, recycling containers, floor tile, drainage pipe, lumber, benches, doghouses, picnic tables, fencing.
	PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)	Cling films, some juice and shampoo bottles, PVC piping, bottles used for turpentine, methylated spirits etc.	Decks, paneling, mudflaps, roadway gutters, flooring, cables, speed bumps, mats.
	LDPE (Low density polyethylene)	Most plastic bags, frozen food bags, squeezable bottles, cling films, flexible container lids.	Rash can liners and cans, compost bins, shipping envelopes, paneling, lumber, landscaping ties, floor tiles.
	PP (polypropylene)	Some yogurt containers, bottle caps, straws.	Signal lights, battery cables, brooms, brushes, auto battery cases, ice scrapers, landscape borders, bicycle racks, rakes, bins, pallets, trays.
	PS (polystyrene)	Disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, CD cases, takeaway containers.	Insulation, light switch plates, egg cartons, vents, rulers, foam packing, carry-out containers.
	Other (includes Polycarbonate or ABS)	Three- and five-gallon water bottles, 'bullet-proof' materials, sunglasses, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs and displays, certain food containers, nylon.	Plastic lumber, custom-made products.