I just started to recycle...and was wandering what do all the codes mean on the bottom of the bottles(1,2,3,

Question

etc.) also is there a correct way to recycle...exp can i put all the items in the same box,do I have to remove all lables?

Answer 1

If you live in York  - York Region you do not have to seperate your recycling, the cardboard does have to be broken down though.  I work at the recycling facility.  You don't have to take the labels off but should rinse them out. The codes are for different types of plastics, syrofoam is not recycable in York

Answer 2

Go to www.earth911.org to locate your local recycle center. It will depend on the individual center as to how they want it cleaned or separated. In general the easiest things to recycle or plastics #1, soda cans and newspaper. Almost all centers will want lids off, some will want them rinsed, otherw may want paper labels off. So, give a call or take a visit to the recycle center you plan on using and ask how they want it done.

Answer 3

as others said,they show the different material used and as a result how  easily they can be recycled.I know 1,2,5 are the easiest to recycle.

it depends on where u live.not labels but better  wash them and prob. take out the lids

Answer 4

this site has more information than you want.

but it is pretty cool.

it shows you how the carbon atoms are arranged in the various types of plastic.

http://www.earthodyssey.com/symbols.html

this one's a lot easier to read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resin_ident...

if you have the patience, and perseverance, you'll learn more from the first link, but the 2nd will give you a quick reference.

Answer 5

1 PETE or PET Polyethylene terephthalate Polyester fibres, thermoformed sheet, strapping, soft drink bottles.

(See also: Recycling of PET Bottles)

2 HDPE High density polyethylene Bottles, grocery bags, recycling bins, agricultural pipe, base cups, car stops, playground equipment, and plastic lumber.

3 PVC or V Polyvinyl chloride Pipe, fencing, and non-food bottles.

4 LDPE Low density polyethylene Plastic bags, various containers, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, and various molded laboratory equipment.

5 PP Polypropylene Auto parts, industrial fibers, food containers.

6 PS Polystyrene Desk accessories, cafeteria trays, toys, video cassettes and cases, insulation board and expanded polystyrene products (e.g. Styrofoam).

7 OTHER Other plastics, including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene acrylic, polycarbonate, polylactic acid, nylon and fiberglass.

U DONT HAVE TO TAKE THE LABEL OFF  BUT YA HAVE TO WASH THEM OUT..   

Answer 6

The codes just let people know what type of plastic it is.  Some recycling centers only recycle certain types of plastic, like numbers one and two, and they just throw out the rest.  To find out how and what your recycling center recycles you can call them or your city/town might have a website you can google your city name and the word recycling centre and something should pop up.  Each city has different rules about recycling, so it is hard to say what and how you can recyle, phoning your local recycling ceter might give you the most information.    

Answer 7

The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) introduced its resin identification coding system in 1988 at the urging of recyclers around the country. A growing number of communities were implementing recycling programs in an effort to decrease the volume of waste subject to tipping fees at landfills. In some cases, these programs were driven by state-level recycling mandates.

The SPI code was developed to meet recyclers’ needs while providing manufacturers a consistent, uniform system that could apply nationwide. Because municipal recycling programs traditionally targeted packaging - primarily containers – the SPI coding system offered a means of identifying the resin content of bottles and containers commonly found in the residential waste stream. Recycling firms have varying standards for the plastics they accept. Some firms may require that the plastics be sorted by type and separated from other recyclables; some may specify that mixed plastics are acceptable if they are separated from other recyclables; while others may accept all material mixed together. Not all types of plastics are generally recycled, and recycling facilities may not be available in some areas.