Types of plastic
The following table illustrates the most common types of plastic used, their applications and the symbol used to identify them on forms of plastic packaging, as well as if it is accepted by Orkney Islands Council through the Kerbside Collection Scheme.
| Plastic Polymer Types | Typically found in | Symbol used most commonly | Accepted by OIC waste collection service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene Terephthalate | Fizzy Drink and water bottles, Salad Trays, Chicken trays, some Yoghurt pots/tubs & trays but also tomato sauce squeezies, mayonnaise squeezies, honey squeezies, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, some shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and soap dispenser bottles. | 1 PET | Yes, BUT only household plastic bottles |
| High Density Polyethylene | Milk Bottles, bleach, some cleaners, some shampoo, conditioner, shower gel bottles | 2 HDPE | Yes, BUT only household plastic bottles |
| Polyvinyl Chloride | Pipes, fittings, window and door frames (rigid PVC). Thermal insulation (PVC Foam) and automotive parts. | 3 PVC | Not Accepted for recycling |
| Low Density Polyethylene | Carrier bags, bin liners, some bread bag and frozen food bags and packaging films. | 4 LDPE | Not Accepted for recycling by OIC, but some films – only if suitably marked on the back of packaging can be placed in the Tesco carrier bag recycling facility outside the store in Kirkwall. |
| Polypropylene | Margarine Tubs, microwaveable meal trays, also produced as fibres and filaments for carpets, wall coverings and vehicle upholstery. | 5 PP | Not Accepted for recycling by OIC. |
| PolyStyrene | Yoghurt Pots, foam hamburger boxes and egg cartons, plastic cutlery, protective packaging for electric goods and toys. Insulating material in the building and construction industry. | 6 PS | Not Accepted for recycling by OIC |
| Unallocated References | Any other plastics that do not fall into any of the above categories – for example polycarbonate which is often used in glazing for the aircraft industry. | 7 Other | Not Accepted for recycling by OIC |
IMAGE: The page’s table includes plastic identification symbols showing the recycling numbers and labels: “1 PET”, “2 HDPE”, “3 PVC”, “4 LDPE”, “5 PP”, “6 PS”, and “7 Other”.