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PET is the acronym of a type of plastic polymer called Polyethylene Terephthalate, and is common for plastic bottles that are used by the soft drink industry, but not only that. It is also used for bottled water, juice and sports drinks, milk, etc. You can easily identify it with the #1 code on or near the bottom of the bottles.

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According to Petco, PET packaging is safe, strong, shatterproof and chemically 100% recyclable into the same PET products (fibre and bottles). This process captures the same material and recycles them, so there is no need for them to go to the landfill.

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When is it recycled?

All PET bottles are recycled except for oily-bottles.

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When is it not recycled?

If the bottle was used to hold oily fluids.

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Though PET bottles are recyclable, however when it comes to oily bottles, it is not much about the bottle itself, but rather about what is inside. The oil attaches itself onto the bottle, especially if the bottle is left open then thrown away, which makes washing it difficult. Though you want to help by recycling your oil bottles, you can end up causing more losses than gains by doing that.

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Note: Many recycling processors will not accept these bottles to avoid the oily bottles from contaminating a batch of recyclable plastics, which must then be sent to the landfill if contaminated.

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What is it recycled into?

• Polyester staple fibre or filament for cloths.

• Home textiles (duvets, pillows, carpets).

• Automotive accessories (boot linings and seat covers).

• Geotextiles and rood insulation.

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Did you know?

• It takes about 10 PET bottles to make a t-shirt.

• It takes about 63 bottles to make a new jersey.

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How to recycle?

• Empty your bottle.

• Remove the label and flatten it.

• Toss it into your recycling bag.