Seven different types of plastic are used around the world for items we use every day, and the different types of plastics have different symbols. Some manufacturers label plastic packaging with the symbols, which have numbers inside triangles and codes.
We can accept the following types of plastic in your blue bin:
- Margarine tubs
- Ice cream tubs
- Yoghurt pots
- Plastic bottles
- Plastic food trays
- Roll-on containers
These items are generally made from PET 1, HDPE 2 or PP 5 plastics.
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PET
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PET is the most widely recycled plastic in the world. PET, which is mostly found in plastic bottles, is usually recycled into fashion items. The recycling process sees the PET being transformed into flakes which are then spun into a thread which can be used to manufacture clothing. Alternatively PET bottles can be turned into new PET bottles, usually by adding some virgin PET to recycled PET. Sometimes the logo doesn’t have PET written underneath. Please check our guide to recycling to see if something can be recycled. |
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HDPE |
HDPE is accepted at most recycling centres and is usually recycled into non-food bottles, such household cleaners, motor oil etc. Oftentimes, HDPE is downcycled (recycled into lower-value products) into tables, benches and other durable plastic products. Sometimes the logo doesn’t have HDPE written underneath. Please check our guide to recycling to see if something can be recycled. |
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PP |
Polypropylene has many uses. Its composition means that it’s one of the lightest plastic available whilst it’s still reasonably strong. It can be made into items such as plastic trays, yoghurt pots and bottle tops. PP is normally recycled by transforming it into granules, which can then be used to create other items. Sometimes the logo doesn’t have PP written underneath. Please check our guide to recycling to see if something can be recycled. |