Recycling 101

Wondering about the little numbers on your milk container? They identify what the container is made of―and what it will be in its next life.

1. PET (polyethylene terephthalate): Soda bottles; recycled into pillow fill.

2. HDPE (high-density polyethylene): Plastic milk bottles, detergent bottles; recycled into new detergent bottles.

3. PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Take-out boxes, shampoo; recycled into drainage and irrigation pipes.

4. LDPE (low-density polyethylene): Grocery bags, shrink wrap; recycled into new bags.

5. PP (polypropylene): Yogurt containers, bottle caps; recycled into plastic lumber.

6. PS (polystyrene): Packing peanuts; recycled into plastic lumber, cassette-tape boxes.

7. Other: Includes squeezable ketchup bottles and microwavable dishes; these items can’t be recycled.