TYPES OF CONTAINERS BY RECYCLING NUMBER

Knowing the recycling symbols on the products and packages we purchase helps us raise awareness of the importance of recycling; therefore, we will briefly describe how to identify the recycling number on each package below.

There is a great variety of typologies for plastic packaging. The dates that make up the triangle (called a Möbius ring or circle) are a sign that this packaging can be recycled in some way. The numbers and letters that complement it dictate the type of material.

• PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Common in food and beverage packaging. It is the most recycled material and can be used in furniture, textiles and new packaging.
• HDPE (High Density Polyethylene): Versatile and chemically resistant; for household cleaning products and industrial chemicals. It is recycled into tubes, bottles and furniture.
• V or PVC (Vinyl or Polyvinyl Chloride): Commonly used in construction materials due to its high resistance. It should not be used for food or burned, since PVC can release various toxins and be dangerous.
• LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene): Strong, flexible and transparent. Plastic used in bottles and shopping bags or for freezing.
• PP (Polypropylene): Contains liquids and hot food. When recycled, various objects such as cables, brooms, rakes, etc. can be produced.
• PS (Polystyrene): This is the material used in disposable plates and cups, eggcups, meat trays, CD boxes, etc. It melts when in contact with heat because of its low melting point. Although it seems a complex material to recycle, it is possible to obtain many products from polystyrene.

This way, we can identify parts of the recycling process through which the containers and plastics of each product pass.//