Wow, I was straight-up oblivious to this

Plastic containers are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from the water bottles we drink from to the food storage containers we use in our kitchens. However, most people overlook the small, raised triangle and number found on these items. These symbols are not just random markings; they serve a critical purpose in the lifecycle of plastic products. Understanding these symbols can lead to more informed consumer choices and improved recycling practices.

The raised triangle, often referred to as the ‘recycling symbol,’ is a universal indicator of a plastic product’s recyclability. Inside the triangle is a number ranging from 1 to 7, known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC). This code identifies the type of plastic material used, which is crucial for recycling facilities to process the material correctly.