Thermoplastic Descriptions
No. 1 HDPE - high-density polyethylene: This hard, durable plastic is used in milk jugs, detergent and bleach bottles and motor oil bottles. It is recycled into plastic lumber, pipe, traffic cones, trash cans, recycling bins, industrial pallets, flower pots, and outdoor furniture.
No. 2 PVC - polyvinyl chloride or vinyl: Items made from PVC include high pressure pipes, doors, windows, clear bottles and food wrap. Recycled PVC can be made into drainage pipes, traffic cones, fencing, house siding, tiles, handrails, and hoses.
No. 3 LDPE - Low Density Polyethylene: LDPE is used to make shrink and stretch wrap, film for sacks and trash bags. It can be recycled into the same items.
No.4 PP - Polypropylene: This plastic is widely used because it is resistant to chemicals and heat. It is used in food packaging, as screw on caps and lids, for yogurt and margarine tubs, juice bottles, drinking straws and auto battery cases. It is recycled into auto parts, new auto battery cases, bird feeders, pails, golf equipment, furniture and industrial fibers.
No. 5 PS - Polystyrene: More commonly known by the brand name, sytrofoam, this plastic is used in hot and cold drink cups, plates, egg cartons and meat trays. Recycled polystyrene is made into insulation board, packing peanuts, office and desk accessories, waste baskets, videotape cassettes, and reusable cafeteria trays.
No. 6 Other Plastics: These are composite plastics made with resins and fiber reinforcements and/or fillers. They are found in automotive and other durable goods. This type of resin is very difficult to recycle and few products are made from it.