SUSTAINABILITY AT PERADENIYA

Plastic resin codes, also known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC) or recycling numbers, are a set of symbols found on plastic products to identify the type of plastic resin used in their manufacturing. These codes range from 1 to 7, and they are used to assist with recycling and sorting of plastics. Here's a breakdown of each code and their typical recyclability:

1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate):

   • Symbol: ♳

   • Recyclability: Highly recyclable. PET plastics are commonly used for beverage bottles and food containers. They are widely collected and recycled.

2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene):

   • Symbol: ♴

   • Recyclability: Highly recyclable. HDPE plastics are used for items like milk jugs, detergent bottles, and plastic bags. They are widely collected and recycled.

3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):

   • Symbol: ♶

   • Recyclability: Limited recyclability. PVC is used in pipes, cable insulation, and some packaging materials. Recycling PVC is less common due to the release of toxic chlorine gas during processing.

4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene):

   • Symbol: ♷

   • Recyclability: Limited recyclability. LDPE plastics are used in items like plastic wrap and bags. Some recycling programs accept LDPE, but it's less commonly recycled.

5. PP (Polypropylene):

   • Symbol: ♸

   • Recyclability: Moderately recyclable. PP plastics are used for items like yogurt containers, bottle caps, and some food containers. They are collected for recycling in many areas.

6. PS (Polystyrene):

   • Symbol: ♹

   • Recyclability: Limited recyclability. PS plastics are used in foam packaging, disposable cups, and utensils. Recycling options are limited because it's not cost-effective in many cases.

7. Other:

   • Symbol: ♷

   • Recyclability: Varies widely. This category includes plastics that do not fall into the other six categories. The recyclability of "other" plastics depends on the specific resin used, and not all are easily recyclable.

It's important to note that the recyclability of plastic can vary by location and recycling facilities. Local recycling guidelines and capabilities play a significant role in determining which plastics are accepted for recycling. Additionally, advancements in recycling technology and infrastructure may impact the recyclability of certain plastics over time. It's always a good idea to check with your local recycling program to understand which plastics they accept and how to properly recycle them.