I was wandering around Lowe’s the other day with my two boys, and we were doing more playing than shopping. After riding the lawn mowers, discussing the merits of various fountains, and taking a trip through Holiday Decoration Valley, we literally bumped into the “Caution: Wet Floor” sign.

This ubiquitous yellow pyramid can be found in stores and offices from Miami to Seattle…and while commonplace, I bet very few people realize they are made from 100% recyclable plastic #2 (Polyethylene Terephthalate). Cool! So the next time Ron from shipping and receiving plows into one with the forklift, take the splintered remains to a Charleston County Recycling drop site instead of the trash.

The funny thing about this sign is that as soon as it tipped over and hit the ground, I knew it was made from plastic #2. The thump was a dead giveaway. My family and co-workers think I’m crazy, but I really can identify recyclable plastic by the sound it resonates when hit. I think I need to setup some sort of “blind plastic test” to get a true baseline on my abilities. It may be strange, but if it helps me identify and bring awareness to items typically seen as non-recyclable, I’ll take it. After all, that’s what Surprising Recyclables is all about.

Previously on Surprising Recyclables:

• Cable Bag
• Watering Can
  
• Recycling Bin
  
• Paint Bucket
• Target Cart
  
• Milk Crate
• Little Tikes Wagon