Is PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a high quality plastic that’s lightweight, clear, and perfect for food and drink packaging. For example all plastic soda bottles are made from PET. When PET is recycled, the labels and glue are washed off first. Then containers are chopped into chips, rinsed, dried, and processed in a special generator. The final product is a resin that looks almost exactly like resin from oil. Recycled PET resin can be used again for such items as tennis ball fuzz, furniture and surf boards.

is HDPE (high-density polyethylene). Containers made from HDPE are stiffer and stronger and made to hold liquids such as milk, engine oil or detergent. HDPE containers are tossed right into a machine that melts and mixes all colors and kinds of containers together. Among other things, the liquid resin can be used to mold bulletproof vests, plastic lumber, pipe, traffic cones, trash cans, recycling bins, industrial pallets, flower pots, and outdoor furniture.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl). Items made from PVC include high pressure pipes, doors, windows, clear bottles and food wrap. Recycled PVC can be made into drainage pipes, traffic cones, fencing, house siding, tiles, handrails, and hoses.

LDPE (low-density polyethylene. LDPE is used to make shrink and stretch wrap, film for sacks and trash bags. It can be recycled into the same items.

PP (polypropylene). This plastic is widely used because it is resistant to chemicals and heat. It is used in food packaging, as screw on caps and lids, for yogurt and margarine tubs, juice bottles, drinking straws and auto battery cases. It is recycled into auto parts, new auto battery cases, bird feeders, pails, golf equipment, furniture and industrial fibers.

PS (polystyrene). More commonly known by the brand name, Styrofoam, this plastic is used in hot and cold drink cups, plates, egg cartons and meat trays. Recycled polystyrene is made into insulation board, packing peanuts, office and desk accessories, waste baskets, videotape cassettes, and reusable cafeteria trays.

Other (other plastics). These are composite plastics made with resins and fiber reinforcements and/or fillers. They are found in automotive and other durable goods. This type of resin is very difficult to recycle and few products are made from it.