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Most plastic items will showcase the recycling emblem somewhere on the product with a number in the middle and a selection of letters underneath. This arrangement designates the type of plastic it's made from so you know how to properly dispose of it. Many roadside collections and recycling centers only accept certain types, so using the number on the item helps ensure it gets to the right location. Take a closer look at the numbers and what they indicate, below.

When it comes to recycling plastic materials, there are seven different categories. Plastics that fall into category one and two are the most common. Type one is designated for polyethylene terephthalates (PETE), which includes water and soda bottles. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), such as milk and juice containers, fall into category two. Both these types are usually recycled back into the same products that they were originally.

Category three is reserved for vinyl (V), which can be found in products that need to stand up to heavy wear and tear, such as siding and shampoo bottles. They're often recycled for flooring and deck materials because they maintain their strength and durability. On the opposite end of the spectrum is low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is a flexible plastic that's commonly used for plastic shopping bags. It can be recycled back into bags as well as dumpsters and paneling materials.

recyclingIn category five, you'll find polypropylene (PP) plastics like condiment bottles and drinking straws. This type of plastic is resistant to heat, so it's ideal for automobiles and structural cables. Category six consists of polystyrene (PS), which is commonly found in to-go containers at restaurants. PS plastics can be transformed into new versions of their previous products as well as common building elements, such as lighting plates and insulation.

Category seven is the catch-all collection of plastic recycling and features items that don't completely match the other six groupings. Labeled as "other," it includes items like laptop and smartphone cases as well as large refillable water bottles that are common in commercial offices. Objects that fall into this category can be made into a variety of items, including plastic lumber.

 

Lower your company's eco-footprint by turning to Honolulu Disposal Service. For 50 years, the Hawaii business has proudly served the waste management needs of communities across Oahu. The team handles a variety of recyclable materials including plastics, glass, aluminum, cardboard, and paper. They also offer a range of solid waste disposal services for businesses and construction sites along with trash compactor rentals, sales, and repairs. Learn more about their recycling options online or request a quote today by calling (808) 845-7581.

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