How to make the separate collection: recycling codes and symbols

The recycling symbols are international codes that uniquely identify the material from which an object is made and are a fundamental tool for correctly separating waste

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To make a correct separate collection, it is important to know the material from which the objects are made. Some are easily identifiable and we have no doubts about where to give them; others, such as polylaminates, always leave some doubts. For this reason, on the product packaging there are distinctive symbols that help us decipher the material from which they are formed and, therefore, the correct way in which to divide them.

The recycling symbols are international codes that uniquely identify the material from which an object is made and are a fundamental tool for citizens who want to understand how to make a perfect separate collection.

In the previous article we explained that packaging is recycled exclusively, or almost exclusively, or those products that have the function of protecting, containing and transporting the goods. This is already a good yardstick when we have to decide in which container to give a waste but, for the purpose of a correct and effective separate collection, it is important to also know the distinctive codes and symbols that uniquely identify a material.

When we talk about the recycling symbols we immediately think of those printed on the garbage cans but there are many other no less important codes that are found on the packaging and containers of the products we buy and which help us differentiate correctly.

The packaging, in fact, are often made with innovative or multi-coupled materials and can leave some doubts about their transfer. Here the symbols of the differentiated come into play, which exactly report the material of which an object is composed.

Below you will find a table realized by SmartRicicla with the most common identification symbols of the materials and their destination in the separate collection operations.

 

 

PLASTIC

PET

 

PET

 

Polyethylene terephthalate or arnite: Bottles of water, bottles of drinks, bottles of shampoo

 

PE-HD

 

PE-HD

 

High density polyethylene: yogurt containers, detergent bottles

 

PVC

 

PVC

 

Polyvinyl chloride: Food containers

 

PE-LD

 

PE-LD

 

Low density polyethylene: Frozen food bags, squeezable bottles

 

PP

 

PP

 

Polypropylene or Moplen: Ketchup bottles

 

 

PS

 

PS

 

Polystyrene or Polystyrene: Disposable glasses

 

 

O

 

O

 

All other plastics

 

 

METALS

 

FE

 

FE

 

Steel – Iron

 

ALU

 

ALU

 

Aluminum

 

 

TEXTILE

 

TEX

 

TEX

 

Cotton

 

TEX

 

TEX

 

Jute

 

 

PAPER

 

PAP

 

PAP

 

Corrugated cardboard: Boxes containing furniture in kit

 

PAP

 

PAP

 

Non-corrugated cardboard: Packs of sandwiches in fast-food

 

PAP

 

PAP

 

Paper: Packaging of fries in fast-food, newspaper, paper bags

 

 

GLASS

 

GL

 

GL

 

Transparent / colorless glass: Bottles of water

 

GL

 

GL

 

Glass of green color: Bottles of wine

 

GL

 

GL

 

Glass of brown color: Bottles of beer

 

 

WOOD

 

FOR

 

FOR

 

Wood

 

FOR

 

FOR

 

Cork

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