When you see that little triangle on a plastic container, it’s easy to assume it means “recyclable.” But here’s the thing—not all plastics can go in the recycling bin. Plastic materials come in different types and are made of various components, and not all are made to be reused or recycled.

If you’re trying to live a little greener or just want to do your part for the environment, it helps to know the difference.

This article walks you through the plastic recycling symbols, what they mean, and how to tell which ones belong in the recycling bin. Once you know what to look for, making better eco-friendly choices gets a whole lot easier.

How to Tell Which are Recyclable Plastic?

The easiest way to figure out what kind of plastic you’re dealing with is by checking the triangle symbol marked on the product. That’s called a Resin Identification Code, or RIC for short. These codes were introduced in 1988 to help sort plastics better and make recycling less confusing. Companies use these codes to label what type of plastic was used, helping recycling centers sort out the plastic for processing. Let’s break down what each of those numbers really means.

Why Are Some Plastics Considered Non-Recyclable

As shown with the RIC tags, not all plastic materials are inherently recyclable, and many recycling centers consider that when processing the plastic wastes. Some factors could also deter their process, whether contamination or logistics. Simply put, just because they can be recycled doesn’t mean they will be recycled.

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    Contamination
  

  Some plastics are often too contaminated when they arrive at plants. Leftover food, crumbs, fluids, or other residue can affect the processing of these plastic materials and affect the quality of the newly recycled materials.

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    Plastic Composition
  

  Other plastics are made from mixed materials that can’t be separated easily. Even if the plastic itself is recyclable, the cost or complexity of processing it might make it unfeasible for local facilities.

• 
    Difference in Recycling
  

  Recycling rules aren’t the same everywhere. All city or state centers have their own guidelines and can only handle specific materials. A plastic item accepted in one city might end up in the trash in another.

• 
    Logistics Issues
  

  Some centers usually transport plastic to a different place that can recycle the product. However, the cost of moving the waste often isn’t feasible. So, those plastics are thrown away instead of going through the trouble. It’s not ideal, but it’s the reality of our current recycling system.

So How Can We Contribute?

Despite the blockers mentioned, many organizations still do their part to reduce, reuse, and recycle their plastic. We can also do ours to support these efforts:

• Take a moment to learn what your local recycling center accepts. You can then learn more about the RICs from the pros and answer your questions on how to segregate your waste.
• Another way to help is to ensure your plastic recyclables are clean before tossing them in the bin. This ensures that the plastic you donate will be reused and recycled.
• Finally, support green initiatives by choosing recycled packaging or compostable products that help with the environment.

Small steps like these can make a big difference in keeping more materials out of landfills and help in the country’s sustainable developments.