As individuals gear up for Earth Day and embrace greener habits, recycling is one of the easiest changes to start with.  It doesn’t even require a green thumb! 

Recycling is the process of collecting and turning materials  like paper and plastic into new products instead of trash. It conserves our natural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, extends the lifespan of landfills and turns waste into valuable resources — all of which help make the nation more sustainable and resilient for future generations.

While recycling protects our environment, recycling symbols can be confusing for those unfamiliar with them. The numbers within the symbols indicate the type of plastic and help determine how each item should be recycled. 

Your Guide to Plastic Recycling Symbols:

“Chasing arrows” symbols do not necessarily mean the product is recyclable. The number that is inside the symbol helps identify the type of plastic used for the product.

Symbol 1 (Accepted by Athens in the blue bin) with the acronym PETG or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) is used for soft drink bottles and mineral water, fruit juice and cooking oil containers. This type of plastic is easily recyclable and part of curbside recycling programs.

Symbol 2 (Accepted by Athens in the blue bin) with the acronym HDPE is one of the most commonly used plastics in the United States. It is used for a variety of different purposes like containers for cleaning agents, milk, detergents and washing soap. HDPE items are commonly accepted by curbside recycling. 

Symbol 3 with the acronym PVC or Vinyl (V) is used for bubble foil, trays for sweets and fruit and expanded PVC foam boards (used for commercial applications). This is rarely recycled and not part of any curbside recycling programs. 

 

Symbol 4 (Accepted by Athens in the blue bin) with the acronym LDPE is for plastics made from low-density polyethylene, which typically comes in the form of shopping bags, resistant sacks and crushed bottles. LDPE is not usually recycled. 

 

Symbol 5 (Accepted by Athens in the blue bin) with the acronym PP (polypropylene plastic) is a durable, low weight plastic used in furniture, luggage, toys and the lining and external borders of cars. This safer type of plastic is accepted in curbside recycling programs. The City of Paramount offers bulky item pickup services through the City’s waste hauler AthensServices.com/Bulky.

Symbol 6 with the acronym PS (or Styrene) is in toys, hard packing, refrigerator trays, cosmetic bags, costume jewelry, CD cases and vending cups. It is not accepted in many curbside recycling programs, but it can be recycled to make various items like egg cartons and take-out containers.

Symbol 7 (Accepted by Athens in the blue bin) including the word “other” is for plastics like acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic, polylactic fibers, nylon and fiberglass. While not every plastic can be recycled, acrylic and polycarbonate can be and are often repurposed for future projects. If interested in recycling symbol 7 items, be sure to connect with your local recycling program to confirm acceptance.

Going green starts with everyday choices. By understanding recycling symbols, you can make informed decisions that support a more sustainable future. For more sustainability resources and information, visit ParamountEnvironment.org.

Symbol images courtesy of AcmePlastics.com.