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How to Separate Plastic types?

25 November 2025 by
How to Separate Plastic types?
renewbul, Team Renewbul

How to Separate Plastic Types: A Complete Guide for Home & Business Recycling

Properly separating plastic types is one of the most effective ways to improve recycling efficiency, reduce contamination, and support a more sustainable environment. Whether you're a homeowner, recycler, or small business, understanding how to correctly sort plastics can make a huge difference.

In this guide, you’ll learn why plastic separation matters, the 7 main plastic categories, and the best step-by-step methods to separate plastic types easily and accurately.


Why Separating Plastic Types Is Important

Plastic recycling isn’t as simple as throwing everything into a blue bin. Each type of plastic behaves differently when recycled. Mixing incompatible plastics can:

  • Contaminate entire batches of recyclable material

  • Increase recycling costs

  • Lower the quality of recycled plastic products

  • Lead to more waste ending up in landfills

By learning how to separate plastics correctly, you help recycling centers process materials efficiently and responsibly.

Understanding the 7 Plastic Resin Codes

Every plastic item is marked with a resin identification code (RIC) — the small triangle symbol with a number inside. These numbers show the plastic type and determine how and whether it can be recycled.

1. PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

  • Found in: water bottles, soda bottles, food packaging

  • Recyclable: Yes

  • Notes: Rinse to remove residue.

2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

  • Found in: milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo containers

  • Recyclable: Widely accepted

  • Notes: Strong and durable.

3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

  • Found in: pipes, vinyl flooring, shower curtains

  • Recyclable: Rarely accepted

  • Notes: Contains harmful chemicals—handle separately.

4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

  • Found in: plastic bags, bread bags, shrink wrap

  • Recyclable: Yes, often at specific drop-off locations

  • Notes: Keep dry and clean.

5. PP (Polypropylene)

  • Found in: yogurt cups, lids, straws, medicine bottles

  • Recyclable: Increasingly accepted

  • Notes: Lightweight, tough.

6. PS (Polystyrene)

  • Found in: Styrofoam cups, takeout containers, packing peanuts

  • Recyclable: Limited facilities

  • Notes: Breaks easily and is often not accepted curbside.

7. Other (Mixed Plastics)

  • Found in: polycarbonate items, multi-layer packaging

  • Recyclable: Rarely

  • Notes: Hardest to process.

How to Separate Plastic Types: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Look for the Resin Code

Check the plastic item for the small triangle with a number from 1–7. This is your starting point for sorting.

Step 2: Group Plastics by Category

Create separate bins or bags for each common category:

  • 1 (PET)

  • 2 (HDPE)

  • 3–7 (Other types based on your local recycling rules)

If your area accepts only certain types, separate only those.

Step 3: Rinse and Clean

Remove food, liquids, or residue. Contamination is a major reason plastics get rejected.

Step 4: Flatten or Break Down

Crush bottles and flatten containers to save space.

Step 5: Remove Labels and Caps

Caps are often made of different plastics. Remove them unless your recycling center states otherwise.

Step 6: Bag Soft Plastics Separately

Items like grocery bags, cling wrap, or bubble wrap should never go in curbside bins. Take them to designated collection points.

Step 7: Check Local Recycling Guidelines

Every city or recycling center has different rules. Verify which plastic types they accept.

Advanced Methods for Plastic Separation (For Businesses & Recycling Facilities)

1. Density Separation

Plastics are placed in water; some float (LDPE, PP), others sink (PET, PVC).

2. Near-Infrared (NIR) Sorting

Machines identify plastics using light wavelengths.

3. Electrostatic Separation

Used to separate mixed plastics by electrical conductivity.

4. Air Classification

Lighter plastics are blown upward while heavier ones fall.

5. Optical Sorting

Cameras detect color and transparency to automate sorting.

Tips for Home Users to Improve Plastic Sorting

  • Keep a small chart of resin codes near your recycling bin

  • Use clear bags labeled by plastic type

  • Avoid black plastic — many sensors cannot detect it

  • Buy products made from easily recyclable plastics (1, 2, and 5)

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Reduce Plastic Sorting

If you want to avoid the hassle of separating plastics, consider:

  • Using reusable bags, cups, and containers

  • Choosing products packaged in glass or paper

  • Buying in bulk to reduce packaging

  • Supporting brands using biodegradable or recycled plastics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which plastics are easiest to recycle?

PET (#1) and HDPE (#2) are the most widely recycled and accepted nearly everywhere.

2. Do I need to wash plastics before recycling?

Yes — rinse off food, oil, and liquid to avoid contamination.

3. Can soft plastics go in curbside recycling?

Usually not. Take them to dedicated drop-off points.

4. Why can’t all plastics be recycled?

Some plastics contain additives, mixtures, or toxic chemicals that make them hard or unsafe to process.

5. Are plastic bottle caps recyclable?

Often yes, but separately from bottles unless your recycler says otherwise.

Conclusion: Start Separating Plastics the Right Way

Separating plastic types may take a little practice, but once you understand the resin codes and follow simple sorting steps, the process becomes easy. Whether you're at home or running a business, proper plastic separation supports cleaner recycling streams, reduces waste, and helps protect the environment.