Tip #48: What do the numbers in the recycling triangle on plastic items mean??
The numbers in the recycling triangle on plastic items are resin identification codes (RIC) that identify the plastic resin out of which the product is made. Just because an item has a triangle and an RIC does not mean it can be recycled at the Harvard Transfer Station. For example, black food trays can’t be recycled, even though they have a triangle and code number. And plastic bags with an RIC and a triangle can’t be included in our plastic recycling as the bags cause problems at the materials recovery facility, where they get caught on the gears.
- Look for How2Recycle labels on plastic items with specific recycling information (and see How2Recycle.info).
- Recycle clean and empty plastic bottles, jars, jugs, or tubs in the compactor.
- Use www.plasticfilmrecycling.org to identify what plastic bags and wraps can be recycled and to find a drop-off location.
- Look for Zero Waste events that take hard-to-recycle plastics like Styrofoam, such as Recycle Your Reusables in Ayer/Shirley.
Some air packs and plastic food packaging (e.g., brown sugar bags) have a How2Recycle label that reads: “Recycle if Clean and Dry/Store Drop off.” These can be recycled at a location that accepts plastic bags and wraps, as can plastic bags with an RIC and code
This recycling tip is brought to you by the Transfer Station Committee.
Editor’s Note: To gain entry to Harvard’s Transfer Station, residents must purchase an $80 sticker. The sticker entitles its holder to dispose of recyclable glass, paper, metal, plastic, textiles, and books at no charge. However, residents must purchase specially marked bags to dispose of nonrecyclable materials. These are available at the Harvard General Store, Harvard Outdoor Power Equipment, Westward Orchards (June through December), Moore’s Lumber and Hardware in Ayer, and Shop ’n Save in Ayer. The Press publishes these weekly tips to help readers reduce the volume of their trash while increasing the volume they recycle.
