Not all types of plastic are recycled, but far more plastics can be recycled than you might think. In fact, nearly all types are recyclable. However, some are much more difficult to recycle from a technical, economic and/or environmental point of view than others.
Their recyclability depends on their properties. The most common types of plastic are as follows:
1. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
This is used for soft drinks and water bottles, as well as in food packaging. It is widely recycled, mostly into more PET products, including bottles and food containers, panelling, furniture and carpets.
2. High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
This is used for milk cartons and juice bottles, plastic bottle caps, canisters, cleaning products (bleach, detergent, etc.), yoghurt pots, ice cream tubs and soap dispensers. It is also widely recycled, mostly into more milk cartons, garden furniture, pipes, shampoo bottles, pens, fencing panels, floor tiles, etc.
3. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
This is used for shampoo and cooking oil bottles, pipe fittings, hoses, windows, thermal insulation, bank cards and car parts. This type of plastic can be recycled into more PVC products, including panelling, flooring, cables, mudguards and mats. However, it’s not widely recycled and can contaminate the whole recycling process if mixed with other plastics.
4. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
This is used to make plastic bags, cling film and squeezable bottles. It can be recycled into bin liners, plastic furniture, panelling and floor tiles, but it’s not as widely recycled as PET and HDPE.
5. Polypropylene (PP)
This is used for margarine tubs, microwave meal trays, syrup and medicine bottles, straws, bottle caps, picnic ware and vehicle upholstery. It is widely recycled, mostly into clothing fibres, brushes, car battery cases, ice scrapers and trays.
6. Polystyrene (PS)
This is used for disposable plates and cups, takeaway boxes, plastic cutlery, protective packaging and insulation. It can be recycled into insulation and foam packing, for example. However, it is not widely recycled and can contaminate the entire recycling process if mixed with other plastics.
7. Other plastic
Other plastic – such as that used for salad bags, crisp packets, sunglasses, DVDs and computer cases – is very difficult to recycle and therefore hardly ever recycled, meaning it goes to landfill.
It’s important to be aware that some types of plastic that are technically recyclable may not be accepted by all recycling programmes due to their quality or risk of contamination. You should always check with your local authority or waste management company to see which types of plastic are accepted in your area.
Find out how plastic is recycled.