PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products, and is found in most water and drink bottles, and some packaging. PETE plastic is recyclable, the plastic is crushed and then shredded into small flakes which are then reprocessed to make new PETE bottles, or spun into polyester fiber. This recycled fiber is used to make textiles such as fleece garments, carpets, stuffing for pillows and life jackets, and similar products.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is a stiff plastic used to make milk, detergent and oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags. HDPE is very hard-wearing and particularly resistant to sunlight and extremes of heating or freezing. It is also used for picnic tables, plastic lumber, waste bins, park benches, raised veggie beds, truck bed liners and other products which require durability and weather-resistance. It is reusable and relatively simple and cost-effective to recycle for secondary use.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a soft, flexible plastic used to make clear food wrapping, cooking oil bottles, teething rings, children and pet toys, and blister packaging. PVC is relatively impervious to sunlight and weather, and is therefore used for window frames, garden hoses, plastic pipes and plumbing parts, arbors, raised beds and trellises. PVC plastic products are not recyclable, although some can be repurposed. PVC should not be reused for applications with food or for children.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is considered to be less toxic than other plastics, and relatively safe for use. It is often found in shrink wraps, dry cleaner garment bags, squeezable bottles, and bread packaging. Most plastic grocery shopping bags are made using LDPE plastic. Products made using LDPE plastic are reusable, but not always recyclable. Recycled LDPE is used for plastic lumber, landscaping boards, rubbish bin liners and floor tiles, although recycled LDPE products are particularly hardwearing.

PS (Polystyrene) is an inexpensive, lightweight and easily-formed plastic, often used for disposable styrofoam drinking cups, take-out “clamshell” food containers, picnic cutlery and “peanut” foam chips used to fill boxes to protect the contents. Most curbside collection services will not accept polystyrene, which is structurally weak and ultra-lightweight, and is believed to leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen, into food products (especially when heated in a microwave) and has been linked with human health issues.

The #7 Other category was designed as a catch-all for BPA, PC (Polycarbonate) and LEXAN. Of primary concern, is chemical leaching into food from containers made using BPA (Bisphenol) A. This include baby bottles, sippy cups and water cooler bottles. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic food containers often marked on the bottom with the letters “PC” by the recycling label #7. When possible it is best to avoid #7 plastics, especially for children’s food.