It’s easy to recycle plastic when you know what the codes mean and after you have set up a simple system to move plastic waste from your kitchen to the curb. 
Why should you recycle plastic? Consider these facts: What Do the Codes Mean? The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) started the plastic resin code system in 1988 to make resin identification uniform. This helps consumers identify which items to sort together and helps recyclers group them conveniently for recycle processing. For those interested in the nuts and bolts, the American Chemistry Council provides a detailed chart (PDF) of the 7 current packaging resins and their products, properties and potential recycling uses. Following is a summary:
What Really Gets Recycled? In reality, companies most often recycle plastic codes 1 and 2, along with plastic bags. Number 1 plastics are recycled as fiberfill clothing insulation, bean bags, rope, car bumpers, tennis ball felt, sails, and more plastic bottles. Number 2 high density polypropylene is recycled as toys, pipe, plastic lumber and rope. Plastic bags are recycled as new bags, backyard decking, shopping carts and fencing. Number 6, most often encountered as shipping peanuts, Styrofoam coffee cups, disposable cutlery and insulation is up and coming but still not widely accepted. It can be recycled into similar products as well as rigid foam insulation. For shipping peanuts, you can simply save and donate them to your local box and ship store. How Do You Recycle Plastic? For Numbered Plastics First, contact several local trash hauler/recycling companies. Important considerations beyond the monthly rate are pickup dates, how much sorting each requires, and the variety of materials each will accept. Next, set up a recycling system for your home as described here. For Plastic Bags The vast majority of grocery stores now accept clean plastic bags and wrap of all types, including rinsed sandwich bags. Just add an extra small bin or box in your garage to accept these, and take them to the store each time you shop. Return From Recycle Plastic to Recycle Main Page
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