You have to look hard to actually find something labeled as a plastic #7. When it comes to resin identification codes, #7 is reserved for materials made from mixed plastics – or “other.” That’s why it is so rare to see a #7 in the wild – plastics of these types cannot be recycled, so why mark them at all?

What is it made of?
Most often, products marked with a #7 are made from two or more of the other plastics (#1 through #6.) Sometimes a #7 label indicates that the resin makeup is of unknown origin.

What is it used for?
Probably all kinds of stuff, but you’ll most often find plastics used in the food or beverage industry labeled #7.

Can it be recycled locally?
No! Unfortunately, plastic #7 cannot be recycled by traditional methods – seek alternatives.

What does it look like?
Since it can be made of anything, it can look like anything. I collected all my plastic for a couple weeks, and only turned up two things labeled with a #7:

Why is this important?
Once plastic is created, it’s going to be around for a long time. We should avoid using plastic items that can’t be recycled, especially those labeled as #7. As consumers, we have to close the loop to encourage the recycling industry – this means buying products MADE from recycled products as well.

Want to learn more?
I found some good info at Recycle Now and Earth Odyssey has good info.

Previously on Go Green:

• Hi, I’m Polyethylene Terephthalate – Plastic #1
• Hi, I’m High Density Polyethylene – Plastic #2
• Hi, I’m Polyvinyl Chloride – Plastic #3
• Hi, I’m Low Density Polyethylene – Plastic #4
• Hi, I’m Polypropylene – Plastic #5
• Hi, I’m Polystyrene – Plastic #6