For the most part, everyone wants to be good to the environment and as plastic manufacturers, we are very conscious of the right coding for different plastics to ensure recycling happens efficiently and effectively. Not all plastics are the same because different types are made from a different blend of inputs, thus the variety of codes on the bottom of containers.

Interestingly, the code itself does not necessarily indicate that an item is recyclable. It is an indication of the materials in the product. For example, code #2 plastics are generally accepted in most municipal recycling programs; this includes things like yogurt tubs, shampoo bottles and milk containers.

Code #3 is less often recycled. Vinyl, Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC makes a number of construction products from siding and floor tiles to non-construction uses like medical tubing. When it is recycled, #3 plastics often come back as construction products.

The coding allows the recycled products to be sorted and ultimately create more uniformity of the materials. It’s an important distinction because the elements that go into a recycling process determine what comes out to then go through a manufacturing process. Using the right type of plastic for a purpose is essential for product quality and longevity.

Please recycle plastics as much as possible and when you do – take a look at that code to ensure each item goes in the right bin.