Plastic Type (Recyclability Guide)
| Symbol | Polymer | Common Uses | Properties | Recyclable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PETE
|
Polyethylene terephthalate | Plastic bottles (water, soft drinks, cooking oil) | Clear, strong and lightweight | Yes; widely recycled |
HDPE
|
High-density polyethylene | Milk containers, cleaning agents, shampoo bottles, bleach bottles | Stiff and hardwearing; hard to breakdown in sunlight | Yes; widely recycled |
PVC
|
Polyvinyl chloride | Plastic piping, vinyl flooring, cabling insulation, roof sheeting | Rigid or soft; used in construction, electronics, healthcare | Often not recyclable check local recycling |
LDPE
|
Low-density polyethylene | Plastic bags, food wrapping (bread, fruit, vegetables) | Lightweight, low-cost, fails under stress | No; hard to recycle |
PP
|
Polypropylene | Bottle lids, tubs, furniture, medical and auto parts | Tough and resistant; water and chemical barrier | Often not recyclable check local recycling |
PS
|
Polystyrene | Food takeaway containers, plastic cutlery, egg trays | Lightweight, weak, easily dispersed | No; rarely recycled |
OTHER
|
Other plastics (e.g. acrylic, polycarbonate) | Water cooler bottles, baby cups, fiberglass | Diverse with various properties | No; contamination risk |
