Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls - Plastic Resin Types & Product Uses

	Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) The most common type of plastic, PET is used in soft drink bottles and containers for ice, water, liquor, cooking oil, food condiments, mouthwash and cleaning products. It may be recycled into food containers, filling for jackets and sleeping bags, bathtubs and swimming pools, and other plastic items.
	High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Another plastic with many uses, this type is often found in milk jugs, yogurt and film containers, grocery bags, gasoline tanks, detergent bottles, toys, pipes and 55 gallon drums. It may be recycled into toys, plastic lumber, mud flaps, flower pats, grocery bags, sheet plastic and containers.

But what does it all mean?

By law, most plastic containers are required to display a code denoting the kind of plastic resin used in their production. This code is a number placed inside the familiar three-arrow recycling symbol and is often found near the bottom or underside of an item. The purpose of this number is to identify the composition of the product, while serving as a guide for proper sorting for recycling efforts. Though nearly all plastic is recyclable, keep in mind that resin types 1 and 2 are most commonly accepted at recycling facilities. In many communities, simple economic feasibility hinders the collection of resin types 3 through 7. If this is the case, choose products made from or packaged with other materials. Check with local facilities to find out more about plastic recycling in your area.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Though frequently used, PVC is more difficult to recycle than numbers 1 and 2. Pressure pipe, surgical gloves, clear food packaging and house siding are all made from this plastic.

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
This plastic type is often seen as bread packaging, frozen food bags, toys, paint can lids and milk bottle caps.

Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene plastic is widely used in food containers, yarns and fabrics, upholstery, luggage and car seats.

Polystyrene (PS)

With a very wide range of uses, this resin is used to make everything from video cassettes and TVs, to egg cartons and fast food packaging.

All Other Resins

Various other resin types and multi-layered material form this last group.