I'm sure you've noticed a recycling symbol with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 along with letters on most plastic products . So what are these exactly? The SPI Resin Identification Coding System is a set of symbols placed on plastics to identify the polymer type. 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. When the number is omitted, the symbol is known as the universal Recycling Symbol, indicating generic recyclable materials. It was developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988, and used internationally. Let's take a look at the 7 plastic identification codes.

Many plastics can be recycled, but not all, so they need to be separated into their different polymer types.  The Plastic Resin Identification Codes provide a valuable source when it comes to knowing what can and cannot be recycled.   These codes are the equivalent to the nutrional value listings on food products.  We would be lost without those, wouldn't we?

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 (Los Angeles, for example, recycles all clean plastics numbered 1 through 7).  Check with the local recycler in your area.