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Plastic

The following table illustrates the most common types of plastics used, their applications and the symbol which is often used to identify them on forms of plastic packaging.

Polymer Types Examples of applications Symbol
Polyethylene Terephthalate Fizzy drink and water bottles. Salad trays. pet
High Density Polyethylene Milk bottles, bleach, cleaners and most shampoo bottles. hdpe
Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes, fittings, window and door frames (rigid PVC). Thermal insulation (PVC foam) and automotive parts. pvc
Low Density Polyethylene Carrier bags, bin liners and packaging films. ldpe
Polypropylene Margarine tubs, microwaveable meal trays, also produced as fibres and filaments for carpets, wall coverings and vehicle upholstery. pp
Polystyrene Yoghurt pots, foam hamburger boxes and egg cartons, plastic cutlery, protective packaging for electronic goods and toys. Insulating material in the building and construction industry. ps
Unallocated References Any other plastics that do not fall into any of the above categories - for example polycarbonate which is often used in glazing for the aircraft industry unallocated

Although all plastic can be recycled, only plastic types 1 and 2 are accepted in the green bins in Galway City.

How is plastic recycled?

  • Once the baled plastic has arrived at its destination it is washed and chopped into flakes.
  • If mixed plastics are being recycled, they are sorted in a flotation tank, where some types of plastic sink and others float.
  • The plastic flakes are dried and  fed into an extruder, where heat and pressure melt the plastic. 
  • The molten plastic is forced through a fine screen to remove any contaminants and is then formed into strands.
  • The strands are cooled in water, then chopped into pellets.

    • Manufacturing companies buy the plastic pellets to make new products such as flowerpots, lumber, and carpeting.


    Galway City Council, City Hall, College Road, Galway.
    Open: 9am - 4pm. Phone +353 91 536400 Fax: +353 91 567493 Email: customerservice@galwaycity.ie