recycling 101 ... or is it 1, 3, and 7?

Confused about what the numbers on your plastic mean? Read on, dear recycler, as we crack the recycling code for you.

Most plastic containers are imprinted with a cute little triangle that has a number inside it. That symbol isn't for looks -- it's to help consumers and recycling facilities sort easily recycled plastic from the not-so-recyclable kind and the oh-no-you-don't kind. (It's actually the law in 39 U.S. states that a symbol be imprinted on all eight-ounce to five-gallon containers.)

Here's what the numbers add up to:

No. 1 plastics -- the most easily recycled.
These are the most common plastics and the easiest to recycle. Examples are water and soda bottles, prescription bottles, and other really common plastic containers.

No. 2 plastics -- very easily recycled.
The most common of these are laundry and bleach bottles, shampoo bottles, and milk containers. They're accepted at most recycling facilities.

No. 3, 4, and 5 plastics -- not so easily recycled.
Plastics with a number 3 include plastic pipes, shower curtains, and even some baby bottle nipples. Most plastic grocery bags and plastic wrap get a 4. Plastic food storage containers usually get a 5. Most recycling centers don't accept any of these plastics because of their "very low rate of recyclability." (In other words, bad news. Avoid them as much as you can.)

No. 6 plastics -- very easily recycled.
Plastic cups, packing peanuts, disposable cutlery, and home insulation all get labeled with a 6, which means they're widely accepted at recycling centers.

No. 7 plastics or no number at all -- don't even try it!
The hardest plastics to recycle are marked with a 7 or carry no number at all. Most recycling centers won't accept them, and most municipalities won't collect them. That means you'll be doing the Earth a favor if you avoid them at all costs.

Let's review, shall we?

1, 2, and 6 = most easily recycled.

3, 4, and 5 = not so easily recycled. (Check with your recycling facility or trash collection service before you toss them in the bin.)

7 or no number at all = don't even think about it!

Now that you know this numbers game, will you use it to help yourself avoid non-recyclable plastics?

Photo courtesy of Retna. (photographer : Wolfgang Herget / New Eyes)