Most of us put more plastics than we should in our recycling bins. We are what is known as “wishful recyclers”. We mean well. We mean really, really well!

But we’re actually doing more harm than good since we’re more likely to indulge in single-use plastics if we think they’re going to be recycled.

But what if I told you most single-use plastic is NOT RECYCLED. Only 9% of plastic ever produced has been given a second life. For not all plastic is created equal.

Plastic comes from crude oil. The temperature at which it is made determines its type and there are hundreds of variations.

In the 1980s, the plastics industry categorised plastics 1-7. These Resin Identification Codes (RICs) were originally intended for the professional recyclers. Somewhere along the way, it fell to us consumers to interpret those numbers in our amateur recycling and we’re supposed to just know this stuff? For goodness sake, we can barely even see that little triangle with a number in it!

This faintly embossed number, stamped somewhere on the plastic item, holds the key to its future. Recycling bin or rubbish bin.

There is a campaign for clearer labelling, but until that happens, here on the right is a handy guide.