Ok, so here we go – there is a lot of difference in what can be recycled easily and what can’t.
I just had a look at a take away coffee cup I just bought and the lid has a 4 with a recycling symbol around it.
What does that actually mean?
Well according to this;
cleanup.com.au/PDF/au/cua-plastic-recycling-fact-sheet.pdf
Plastics with the number 1, 2 or 3 on it can be easily recycled – stuff that has the other numbers should be avoided or re-used. SO I guess the closest the number is to 1 the better. Well actually probably the best is to not use it at all.
In thinking about how much plastic I use in the household – I have been thinking mainly about food and drink – milk containers, yoghurt, glad wrap, packaging for rice, bread, pasta. Is it possible to get to a point where I don’t buy anything that has plastic packaging? Bread should be ok – go to a local bakery, but what about the other staples? Something to investigate….
| Plastic Identification Code | Type of plastic polymer | Properties | Common Packaging Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE) | Clarity, strength, toughness, barrier to gas and moisture. | Soft drink, water and salad dressing bottles; peanut butter and jam jars |
 |
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | Stiffness, strength, toughness, resistance to moisture, permeability to gas. | Milk, juice and water bottles; trash and retail bags. |
 |
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Versatility, clarity, ease of blending, strength, toughness. | Juice bottles; cling films; PVC piping |
 |
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) | Ease of processing, strength, toughness, flexibility, ease of sealing, barrier to moisture. | Frozen food bags; squeezable bottles, e.g. honey, mustard; cling films; flexible container lids. |
 |
Polypropylene (PP) | Strength, toughness, resistance to heat, chemicals, grease and oil, versatile, barrier to moisture. | Reusable microwaveable ware; kitchenware; yogurt containers; margarine tubs; microwaveable disposable take-away containers; disposable cups and plates. |
 |
Polystyrene (PS) | Versatility, clarity, easily formed | Egg cartons; packing peanuts; disposable cups, plates, trays and cutlery; disposable take-away containers; |
 |
Other (often polycarbonate or ABS) | Dependent on polymers or combination or polymers | Beverage bottles; baby milk bottles; electronic casing. |
