You’ve probably seen the #1 plastic resin code on various plastic containers when you’re sorting your recycling. Those containers are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), also known as polyester. Because PET is strong, lightweight, and easily molded, it is a popular material for packaging a wide range of foods and consumer goods. PET is one of the most recyclable plastics. […]
Did you know that recycling just one pound of plastic #1 (also labeled PET or PETE) saves 22.9 kilowatt-hours of energy and 47.4 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over producing the same amount of plastic from virgin materials? Plastic #1 may be best known for its use in the production of soda and water bottles, a common source of litter […]
Here’s a trick question. Can #1 plastics — otherwise known as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastics — go in the recycling bin? Bet you thought the answer was yes. That’s only half right. It’s a trick question because the answer’s complicated. Most curbside recycling programs accept #1 plastics for recycling, but only certain forms of it. Bottles that hold various products—shampoo, […]