Identifying the material composition of an item is essential because recycling facilities accept only specific materials. For example:
-
Glass, paper, cardboard, aluminium, and some plastics (like PET or HDPE) are widely recyclable.
-
Mixed materials (like plastic-lined paper) or contaminants (like food-soiled items) often are not accepted.
-
Knowing the resin code on plastics (usually a number inside a triangle) can tell you whether it’s recyclable in your area.
Understanding what the item is made of ensures it’s sorted correctly and prevents contamination in the recycling stream, making the process more efficient.
Kind regards,
Murphy