Recycling symbols - breaking it all down
At niin, we take care to use as much sustainably-sourced or upcycled materials as possible in our collections. It is part of our mission to tread lightly on the earth! And we hope you are all with us in this goal to help build a brighter, healthier future for our mother earth and therefore also us.
However, getting to zero waste can be challenging, even recycling your rubbish can be a bit of a minefield. Flip a bottle of soda on its side and you’ll notice a little recycling symbol. Compare that to the symbol you find on an egg carton and you could find something different. It can be very confusing.
The different symbols printed on cartons and bottles help us identify the type of materials they are made from and how or if they can be recycled.
We thought we’d take a moment to explain the different types of recycling symbols so we can all try to make smarter consumer decisions.
Please also note this is a general guide and you should seek more specific advice by checking your local council/area rules :)
1 - PET
EASY TO RECYCLE
Generally the most common type of recyclable material, it can be found in soda bottles, water bottles, dressing containers, or jam jars. It is typically highly collected in public recycling initiatives and beach cleanups.
2 - HDPE
EASY TO RECYCLE
Another common type of plastic, this can be found in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, shopping bags. This is another that can be commonly collected during public recycling programs.
3 - PVC
DIFFICULT TO RECYCLE
Hardly ever recycled, PVC can be found in items such as children’s toys, garden hoses, chemical containers, and outdoor furniture. Best try to consider upcycling this material.
4 - LDPE
DIFFICULT TO RECYCLE
This includes supermarket shopping bags, bread bags, squeezable bottles, six-pack can rings. This material can be difficult to be recycled and you should consult your local council.
5 - PP
SORT OF EASY TO RECYCLE
Materials this can be found in include Yogurt containers, straws, coat-hangers, bottle caps (different to the bottles themselves), and chip packets. It’s also often picked up in public collections for recycling, but you should check to be sure
6 - PS
DIFFICULT TO RECYCLE
One of the more notoriously difficult to recycle materials, this can be found in styrofoam, take-away or to-go boxes, disposable cutlery, packing peanuts, egg cartons. This material is rarely ever recycled and should be avoided at all costs.
An important thing to remember, however, is that recycling should be the last thing to consider when it comes to protecting the environment. We should all strive to ‘refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle’ and in that order!
Image Source:
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/g804/recycling-symbols-plastics-460321/