The Chasing Arrows

What is the numbering system with the chasing arrows...?

The SPI (the plastics industry trade association) created the RIC (resin identification system) in 1988. Plastics, polymers and resins are synonymous.  The identification system has a chasing arrow with a number inside.

Most people are familiar with the code. It can be found on most plastic products. On the bottoms of bottles, food containers, and other packaging.

This coding system was design for manufacturers and product designers to have a code that could be understood nationwide.

The SPI states that the term "recyclable" shouldn't be used in proximity of the RIC code.

So what does that mean..?People  understand these chasing arrows as being recyclable, however the creators of the identification system state that to be false.
The chasing arrow doesn't mean a plastic is recyclable.In fact, there no regulation with the chasing arrow symbol as far as recycling.

SPI Resin Identification Code:

1.)

PolyethelyneTerephthalate(PET & PETE) Recycling rate: 19.5%
2.)

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)         Recycling rate: 10.7%
3.)

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl)           Recycling rate: 0%
4.)

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)          Recycling rate: 5.6%
5.)

Polypropylene (PP)                              Recycling rate:  1.7%
6.)

Polystyrene (PS)                                 Recycling rate: 0.8%
7.)

Other                                                 Recycling rate: 6.1%

So in reality, the numbers 1 and 2 are the recyclable one's.Although each municipality is different, they only recycle the bottles.

The caps to bottles (Polypropylene PP) are not recyclable.

These bottles are then down cycled into products that can't be recycled.

Why are we creating products that are to be used for less than a day, that will last virtually forever...?

Ponder that!