On most plastic containers there is a  well-recognised ‘chasing arrow’ symbol with a number within the triangle. These symbols do not mean the item is recyclable. In each triangle, there is a number that ranges from one to seven. These numbers are used to identify the type of plastic used to create the product. There are numerous plastic-based products that cannot break down and cannot be recycled.

At Thorntons Recycling WE ACCEPT rigid plastics that when scrunched up or crushed they return to their original shape and since the 6th of September 2021 we now accept soft plastics.  These are plastics numbered:

1 - PET - PETE (Polyethylene) commonly used for plastic bottles.

2 - HDPE (High-density polyethene) some household cleaning product containers, plastic milk and juice bottles and washing up liquid bottles.

4 - LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is the plastic used in bags, films, and lighter plastics. 

5 – PP (Polypropylene) – most butter containers, yoghurt containers and some biscuits and sweet boxes.

In March 2021 a further €3m was invested in sorting equipment in our Mixed Dry Recycling facility to separate these materials more efficiently and effectively and help us increase recycling levels.

We recommend these materials are placed loose, clean, and dry in your recycling bin for easy separation and segregation when processed at our facilities.