Plastic containers are an indispensable part of daily life, from beverage bottles to cleaning product containers. However, if not properly sorted and recycled, plastics can cause long-term environmental harm and increase the burden on waste management systems. The Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) of Nantou County Government reminds the public that correctly sorting and recycling plastic waste not only improves the efficiency of reuse but is also a key step toward a circular resource society.
According to current recycling policies, plastic containers can be classified based on the “Plastic Identification Code” and divided into seven main categories:
No. 1 (PET): Commonly used for beverage bottles; No. 2 and 4 (PE): Found in milk bottles, plastic bags, etc.; No. 3 (PVC): Often used in dishwashing liquid bottles and pipes; No. 5 (PP): Used for juice bottles, plastic cups, and similar items; No. 6 (PS): Foam plastic containers; No. 7: PLA and other materials. Each plastic container is labeled at the bottom with a triangular recycling symbol and a number denoting its plastic identification code. By checking this marking, residents can easily identify the material type and assist in proper sorting.
In practice, common recycling issues include containers not being cleaned, mixing different materials, and misidentifying foam plastics as regular plastics. The EPB, Nantou County Government, urges residents to empty and rinse containers before recycling to prevent residue contamination. Non-plastic components or composite materials, such as caps, straws, and labels, should be removed whenever possible and either sorted by material or disposed of as general waste to avoid confusion.
Director-general Yi-shu Li of the EPB, Nantou County Government, emphasizes: “Nantou County covers a vast area, and the cleaning teams at local offices work hard everyday to recycle resources. Still, the careful sorting and cooperation of every resident are essential. By adopting correct recycling habits, we can create a cleaner home and ensure resources are regenerated and reused.” Let’s all start reducing waste at the source, recognize the plastic identification codes, and implement proper sorting to contribute to Nantou’s sustainable environment!
Nantou County Government Environmental Protection Bureau cares about you!
Contact Unit: Waste Disposal Site, Environmental Protection Bureau, Nantou County Government
Contact Person: Section Chief Xiang-qi Liu, Tel: 049-2237530 ext. 1501
