With the growing production and consumption of plastic packaging, the need to improve and increase our recycling efforts grows as well. And for efficient recycling, there needs to be proper segregation of plastic wastes based upon their type and composition. To enable the same, plenty of measures have been undertaken by the government and organisations so far. One such measure was the introduction of Resin Identification Code (RIC). It is a symbol with a number inside a triangle of arrows, which is often printed at the bottom of plastic products. RIC is now widely used to help consumers and recyclers identify the polymer type of plastic product and whether it is recyclable or not. Plenty of people are aware of recycling symbols, but aren’t aware that the number in each symbol has a different meaning. 

PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Also known as PET is the most commonly used and recycled type of plastic. They are lightweight and durable and are mainly used for water, beverages or oil bottles, peanut butter or jam jars, etc. These are easy to recycle and also have a high recyclability rate.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): HDPE is another widely used plastic mainly used in packaging for milk jugs, petrol cans, cleaning supplies, etc. Just like PET, these are also easy to recycle with a high recyclability rate.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):  PVC is a thick durable plastic and comes in both flexible and rigid forms. They are used in construction pipes, doors, cables and water pipes, etc. PVC has a very low recycling rate compared to other plastics.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): LDPE is lightweight, flexible and mostly used in food packaging, it is also used for shopping bags, grocery bags and covers, etc. Though 100% recyclable it is still difficult to recycle LDPE as it is difficult to pick and sort.

PP (Polypropylene): Mainly known for its heat resistant, lightweight and durable properties, PP is commonly used in disposable spoons, yogurt containers, food containers and even automotive parts like bumpers. PP can be recycled but it loses its strength in the process.

PS (Polystyrene): PS is another lightweight and durable plastic which is used for coffee cups, lids, insulation and packaging. PS has low to zero recycling chances as it is difficult to pick and the process itself is expensive.

Other (Miscellaneous): Other is for products made combining more than one type of plastic like polycarbonate, acrylic and even bioplastic. These are used in making sunglasses, electronic devices, and baby milk bottles, etc. They are not recycled as it is hard to separate the mixed plastic.