Can I recycle this plastic?

I took a brief audit of the packaging which I was throwing out just because its one and only task, which was to contain other items, had been completed.

I've decided I'd try not to throw out any plastic just because I can't tell what recycling number it is. Instead, I'll contact the manufacturer ...

I started with an email request ...
My municipality requires that I sort my garbage into WASTE or RECYCLING. The packaging for your ...blah blah blah... does not indicate which number of plastic it is, which I require to sort. Can you please tell me which number of plastic the wrapping is? Also, do you have any plans in the future to begin labeling your packaging, as they do in Europe, so that people can decide if it can be recycled or not? Thanks for your help.

from Pepsi Canada
A) Thank you for taking the time to contact us. The plastic carriers for the 710mL bottles are made of polyethylene film (likely #1) which is recyclable. I hope that this information is helpful.

from Ikea
Q1) I recently purchased a bag of potato chips from your store and noticed the Der Grune Punkat logo on the bag when I was searching for info regarding recylability. Does this mean I can take the bag back to the store and you'll find a way to recycle it?
A)Thank you for your interest in IKEA. Please note that IKEA does not recycle, but collects paper, bulbs, etc. The IKEA stores have contracts with firms specialized in recycling.
Q2) Hello and thanks for the reply.
I am a bit confused. The logo on the bag of chips I bought at your store indicates I am to return the bag to you for disposal. Is this a program in which you participate? Here is the link to Der Grune Punkat site ....
A) Thank you for your reply. The recycling program you mentioned in your e-mail is applicable in Europe not in North America. As we explained in our previous e-mail, the IKEA Canada stores have their own recycling programs and subcontractors. The subcontractors are specialized in recycling and usually they service large number of companies collecting used packaging and other materials in your municipality. You will be probably able to find the name and the facilities address of your local recycling company. Should you like to recycle your chip bag at IKEA, there are bins in store and in the restaurant.

from Fruit of the Loom
Q) ... the packaging for briefs, socks etc ...
A) Thanks you for your question and I hope I can help with your answer. The package resin code for the bag is Type 5 which is Polypropylene(PP). We currently do not put the type on polybags at this time because several areas do not recycle polybags. Because our product is sent to so many places all over the world we are considering adding this information in the future.

from Shoppers Drug Mart
Q) ... your packaging for Life Brand Epson Salts ...
A) Thank you for your patience. Please be advised the Life Brand Epson salts is a Poly-ethelene bag and the number is unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Q) Could you please ask if it is high or low density polyethylene, as one is recyclable and one isn’t.
A) Please be advised Corporate Brands has advised that the plastic is LDPE (#4).

from Maxwell House / Kraft Foods
Q) Your Maxwell House 925g can has a silver plastic flap which is removed to access the coffee ...
A) two email requests (April 26 and July 1) and still nothing ..

from National Hardware / Stanley
Q) Your Ceiling Hooks, N120-626 / V2040 are sold in a hanger pack, the plastic of which doesn't indicate the plastic code ...
A) Our PVC material is recyclable.

from Ridata
Q) Can you please tell me which number of plastic your Ridata Silver Blue CD-R 80min packaging and clear disco are?
A) I've given up on this one - I'll try not to buy their products in the future.

from M&Ms
Q) Can you please tell me which number of plastic the packaging for your M&Ms 230g bag is?
A) Thank you for your enquiry regarding our M&M's® Chocolate Candies.
At the present, none of our M&Ms candy wrappers are recyclable.

We appreciate your concern for the environment and for the time you have taking to tell us about it. We too are concerned with product sustainability and it is for this reason we are constantly working at finding new ways of manufacturing packages that are environmentally friendly while ensuring that the product arrives on store shelves in optimal condition and quality for our consumers.

from Hershey Canada
Q) Twizzlers, Strawberry, in the 250g package?
A) Thank you for contacting Hershey Canada Inc.
Hershey Canada Inc is proud of its record of conducting business in a manner that reflects our social responsibility to protect our resources. Our corporation has developed and implemented a philosophy and a set of environmental principles under which our business is conducted:

"We believe that we have an obligation to protect and preserve the environment for ourselves, our children and for future generations. We will continue to conduct our business activities in a manner which does not adversely affect the environment and which protects the health and safety of our employees, our consumers and the communities in which we operate."

The laminated plastic wrapper is a combination of different packaging materials. Because it is a combination of materials, it cannot be easily recycled. When possible we try to find single structure materials that are recyclable, such as paper, metal and plastic. However, there are exceptions when we have selected packaging which is a combination of materials to assure product quality, freshness and safety, and to reduce the weight of the packaging materials. By choosing lighter-weight packaging materials, we’ve saved significant amounts of fuel and emissions involved in transporting packaging and products, which benefits the environment. Our Marketing Department will continue to look at new packaging that may be suitable for use with this product, and which would have an improved environmental impact.

from Loblaws / Superstore
Q1) Your President Choice Tofu, 454g 06038376178 is sold in a 100% recycled #2 plastic tub which I can recycle (fantastic!) I would also like to recycle the rest of the packaging (blue printed outer sleeve and clear plastic sealing the tub) ... ?
A) Thank you for taking the time to contact us. We apologize for the delay in responding back to you. We have had more than normal volume of e-mail activity in the past two months. Here is the information you were looking for: The tray (tub) is made of HDPE plastic (Recycling symbol #2). The clear film (lid) is made of LDPE plastic (Recycling symbol #4). Thne Overwrap (blue colored outer sleeve) is made of PET plastic (Recycling symbol #1). We hope it answers your question. Should there be anything else we can help you with, please contact us again. It will be our pleasure to help you. Regards, Sr. Customer Relations Representative.

Q2) Your PC Herbal Tea is sold in a 100% recycled paperboard carton which I can recycle (fantastic!) I would also like to recycle the rest of the packaging (clear and silver plastic, I think) ... A) Upon further review, we have confirmed that the clear and silver plastic packaging used for this tea is not recyclable.

from Shoppers Drug Mart
Q) Can you please tell me which type or number of plastic this wrapping Life brand jumbo Virginia peanuts, in the 600g resealable package
A) We have confirmed with our Corporate Brands department that the packaging for this product is made from SUR Polyester (huh?)

Potato chip bags are not recyclable, CD/DVD disc jewel cases are polystyrine, which is a number 6, and greeting card sleeves are polypropylene #5.