What Do Recycling Symbols on Plastics Mean?  Your guide to
figuring out what those recycling codes on plastics mean.  By
Brian Clark Howard  Plastic Recycling Symbol 1  Sometimes it
seems like modern America is one colossal plastic palace. The
versatile material is in our cars, toys, packaging, clothing,
home goods, food utensils, medical devices and so much more. It
is also littering our streets, clogging our waterways and
choking marine life. Many plastics can be readily recycled, but
how do consumers make sense of all the different types and
rules?  Number 1 Plastics PET or PETE (polyethylene
terephthalate) Found in: Soft drink, water and beer bottles;
mouthwash bottles; peanut butter containers; salad dressing and
vegetable oil containers; ovenable food trays. Recycling: Picked
up through most curbside recycling programs.  PET plastic is the
most common for single-use bottled beverages, because it is
inexpensive, lightweight and easy to recycle. It poses low risk
of leaching breakdown products. Recycling