Understanding plastic recycling codes

We all want to do our part for a greener planet, and knowing how to and if something can be recycled ensures as many items as possible stay out of the landfills.

It's essential to pay attention to the small codes stamped onto plastic, glass, and paper products. These tell you how to recycle the item properly.

At the bottom of most plastic containers you can find a small number inside the three arrow triangle recycling symbol. This number is a reference to what type of plastic the container is made of.

Plastic recycling facts:

• Recycling plastic takes 88% less energy than making it from raw materials.

• Cleaning recycled plastics before putting them in the recycling bin makes it easier to recycle them, lowers cost, and, importantly, it's better for the health of recycling workers.

• Numbers 3 and 6 usually cannot be recycled and go directly in the trash.

• Number 7 items are currently not recycled in SA.