Resin identification code

From Free net encyclopedia

The code below is called the SPI resin identification coding system, developed by the American Society of the Plastics Industry in 1988.

Most plastics can be recycled, but because of the difficulty and expense of sorting, collecting, cleaning and reprocessing, at the moment it is only economically viable to recycle PETE, HDPE and PVC.

Thermoplastics can be remelted, but thermosetting plastics can only be crushed and used as insulation.

As you can not mix plastics together, they have to be separated into their different polymer types.

The symbols used in the code consist of arrows that cycle clockwise to form a rounded triangle and enclosing a number, often with an acronym representing the plastic below the triangle. This symbol is otherwise known as the universal Recycling Symbol.

Use of the recycling symbol in the coding of plastics has led to ongoing consumer confusion about which plastics are readily recyclable. In most communities throughout the United States, PETE (1) and HDPE (2) are the only plastics collected in municipal recycling programs. Some regions, though, are expanding the range of plastics collected as markets become available.

Recycling No.	Abbreviation	Polymer Name	Uses
Image:Recycle-resin-logos-lr 01.png	PETE or PET	Polyethylene Terephthalate	Recycled to produce polyester fibres, thermoformed sheet, strapping, soft drink bottles. (See also: Recycling of PET Bottles)
Image:Recycle-resin-logos-lr 02.png	HDPE	High-Density Polyethylene	Recycled to become various bottles, grocery bags, recycling bins, agricultural pipe, base cups, car stops, playground equipment, and plastic lumber.
Image:Recycle-resin-logos-lr 03.png	PVC or V	Polyvinyl Chloride	Recycled to become pipe, fencing, and non-food bottles.
Image:Recycle-resin-logos-lr 04.png	LDPE	Low-Density Polyethylene	Recycled to become plastic bags, various containers, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, and various molded laboratory equipment.
Image:Recycle-resin-logos-lr 05.png	PP	Polypropylene	Recycled into auto parts and industrial fibers.
Image:Recycle-resin-logos-lr 06.png	PS	Polystyrene	Recycled into a wide range of products including office accessories, cafeteria trays, toys, video cassettes and cases, insulation board and styrofoam.
Image:Recycle-resin-logos-lr 07.png	OTHER	Other plastics, including acrylic, polycarbonate, nylon and fiberglass.