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The recycling symbol is a triangle formed by three arrows chasing each other. It was created in 1970 for the first Earth Day as part of a contest sponsored by the Container Corporation of America. This symbol has become standardized for different types of material and there are slight variations depending on the type of material.
Any product that contains recycled material must identify the amount and type of recovered material. Post-consumer material is from products that have been used by consumers and reclaimed during the recycling process. Pre-consumer material is recovered during the manufacturing process prior to the product’s initial use. Any claim may not be misleading. For example, trash bags may not be labeled recyclable because of their purpose. Since they will end up in a landfill containing trash, the label would be misleading. Also, it also must be clear if the symbol is referring to the packaging or the product inside the packaging, i.e. aluminum foil or stretch wrap.
Plastic
The symbol used for plastic has three thin arrows and a number in the middle. All containers over eight ounces are required to have this symbol molded into the bottom surface of the container. The numbers indicate what type of plastic the product is made of. This system is important because plastics may not be mixed during recycling. Even a small amount of a different type can make the entire batch unusable. Consumers generally only need to be concerned with 1 and 2 because these are the most commonly recycled types. These two make up 90% of the plastic bottle market. Because of this most communities have recycling facilities for them. Consumers should check with their individual communities to learn which plastics may be recycled.
1 – PETE or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Used for soda, liquor and juice bottles and peanut butter jars and some jars for oils. This plastic can be recycled into many things, including t-shirts and scouring pads.
2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Used for milk, juice, detergent, bleach, and motor oil containers which when recycled makes lumber substitutes and trash cans, among other products.
3 – V or PVC (Vinyl/Polyvinyl Chloride) Used for windows, doors, shower curtains, etc. Recycled into fencing, sewer pipes and garden hoses.
4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) Used for cellophane wrap, stretch wrap and squeeze bottles. Also recycled to make these products.
5 – PP (Polypropylene) Used for food containers and long underwear. Recycled into auto parts, furniture and carpet.
6 – PS (Polystyrene) Also known as Styrofoam. Recycled into office and desk accessories, packing peanuts, plastic wood and pens.
7 – Other Plastics This designation is for all other plastics, which are difficult to recycle.
Paper
The American Forest & Paper Association has standardized guidelines for using the recycling symbol to specify the content of recycled paper within a product. The symbol of three white arrows within a black circle is used only to designate product made solely of recovered paper fiber. Any less than 100% is designated by three black arrows within a white circle and must state the percentage of content next to or below the symbol. An example would be “This product contains 50% recycled content including 10% post-consumer waste”. Most paper can be recycled unless it has been tainted with food or coated with wax.
Glass, Steel, Aluminum
Glass products generally do not have the symbol. Consumers just need to be aware that bottles cannot be mixed with other types of glass, like mirrors and light bulbs. Aluminum and steel will usually have a black symbol and the words “Where facilities exist”. Aluminum and steel must be separated or the aluminum recycling plants can be damaged. Some steel cans have aluminum lids and may be recycled by the steel industry.
Recycling facilities vary for each community. Now that you know what the symbols mean, check with your local program to find out which materials can be recycled in your area.
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