Have you ever noticed just how much PLASTIC packaging is used on our everyday products? Food, toiletries, anything for our personal use, it has all been wrapped and bagged for freshness, to make our lives more convenient and simpler, and to look more appealing. But once we take the packaging off … do you know if it can be recycled or not? Let us break it down for you ……

PLASTICS. Polymer codes (plastic identification logos) are provided on most products to assist with recycling. The polymer codes has a NUMBER that identifies the specific TYPE OF PLASTIC, because the different types of plastics need to be recycled separately at the processors. Manufacturers are encouraged to label their plastic products appropriately.

#1 PET is usually used for juice and water bottles, or food jars and some household cleaners and can usually be recycled. Although molded plastic trays are often made from PET they contain a silicone that is needed to separate items when stacked and thus they can’t be recycled and need to go into the rubbish bin.  

#2 PD-HD includes milk bottles, motor oil containers, crates, cosmetics, etc. and can usually be recycled, so look for the poly-logo. 

#3 PVC is good for products such as gutters and downpipe because they don’t go brittle in the sun, but it is generally not recyclable. 

#4 PE-LD includes frozen vegetable bags, soft squeezable bottles, cosmetic tubes and can generally be recycled, so look for the poly-logo. 

#5 PP are used to make bottle caps, hinged containers, buckets and flexible yoghurt containers. They can usually be recycled, except for molded products such as food trays.

#6 PS is polystyrene and comes in various forms that can be expanded (the typical white stryrofoam), high impact (brittle).

#7 OTHER is a mixture of various plastics, making it difficult to recycle, these are usually not recyclable. e.g Multi- layered plastics

While we try our best to recycle as much plastic as possible, we also encourage you to consider avoiding disposable products and rather opt for re-usable items. Do you need to use cling wrap, or can you place it in a container with a lid? Do you really need a straw? Did you remember to grab your reusable water bottle?

We all must RETHINK the way we do things.

Recycle 1st We are dedicated to helping individuals and businesses change their behaviour. Make better purchase decisions and have a positive impact on the environment. Let’s change the future of our country 1 bag of recycling at a time.