Resin identification code

The code below is called the SPI resin identification coding system, developed by the American Society of the Plastics Industry in 1988.

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Most plastics can be recycled, but because of the difficulty and expense of sorting, collecting, cleaning and reprocessing, at the moment it is only economically viable to recycle PETE, PVC and HDPE.

Related Topics:
Plastics - Recycled

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Thermoplastics can be remelted, but thermosetting plastics can only be crushed and used as insulation.

Related Topics:
Thermoplastics - Thermosetting plastics

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As you can not mix plastics together, they have to be separated into their different polymer types.

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The symbols used in the code consist of arrows that cycle clockwise to form a rounded triangle and enclosing a number, often with an acronym representing the plastic below the triangle. This symbol is otherwise known as the universal Recycling Symbol.

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Use of the recycling symbol in the coding of plastics has led to ongoing consumer confusion about which plastics are readily recyclable. In most communities throughout the United States, PETE (1) and HDPE (2) are the only plastics collected in municipal recycling programs. Some regions, though, are expanding the range of plastics collected as markets become available.

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