How to Tell If Plastic Bottles Are Recyclable

Recycling helps save our environment by reusing our resources and reducing waste. Many materials can be recycled including paper, aluminum and plastic. Different types of plastic require different processing methods to be reformulated and reused. Some cities and communities will recycle all types of plastic while others will only recycle plastics of a specific type and number. Learn how to identify what types of plastics are recyclable in your community.

Things You'll Need

• Local city council information

Instructions

1. Check the bottom of the plastic bottle for a number ranging from one to seven, surrounded by a triangle of arrows. This number indicates what type of plastic the bottle is made of.

2. Contact your local city council to see what facilities are in place for recycling different types of plastics. Not all cities, towns and communities have the same recycling program.

3. Follow your city or communities instructions on how to properly dispose of recyclable plastics. Most programs have specific containers and designated curbside pickup for recyclable plastics.

References

• The Daily Green

Resources

• PSSI: Stanford Recycling Center