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Do some plastic materials have misleading recycling symbols?

Wednesday, February 24, 2021
By Lisa Freedland
YES

Not all plastic materials displaying the familiar triangular recycling symbol are actually recyclable. The numerals used inside the triangle (from 1 to 7) denote categories derived from Resin Identification Codes. Items labeled with “1” have the “highest recycling value,” whereas those with a “7” (fiberglass, nylon, etc.) can essentially be non-recyclables as they are so difficult to process.

Most consumers are not aware of this distinction. A 2019 study revealed that 68% of 2,000 Americans surveyed thought that any plastic item with an RIC number on it was recyclable. Well-meaning consumers “wish cycle” items that shouldn't be in the bin, slowing down sorting and increasing costs.

In reality, of the 9% of plastic waste that goes on to be recycled, the vast majority belongs to just two of the seven RIC categories, 1 and 2, which include easily recyclable water bottles and milk jugs.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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