This key facts covers Plastic Recycling Codes and Types within Recycling for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Recycling in Using Resources for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 14 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 7 of 20 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 7 of 20
Practice
20 questions
Recall
14 flashcards
Plastic Recycling Codes and Types
Understanding Plastic Recycling Symbols
The recycling symbol with a number (1-7) indicates the type of plastic resin:
- #1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Soft drink bottles, water bottles - widely recyclable
- #2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Milk jugs, shampoo bottles - widely recyclable
- #3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Pipes, vinyl flooring - difficult to recycle
- #4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Plastic bags, food wraps - limited recycling
- #5 PP (Polypropylene): Yogurt containers, bottle caps - increasingly recyclable
- #6 PS (Polystyrene): Foam cups, packaging - difficult to recycle
- #7 Other: Mixed plastics, often not recyclable through standard programs
Recycling Reality: Only #1 and #2 plastics are widely recycled globally, highlighting the need for design improvements.