What are type 7 plastic products?

Understanding Type 7 Plastic: What It Is and What to Do With It

Type 7 plastic is a catch-all category for plastics that don’t fit into the other six resin codes. These include a wide range of materials, often combining different types of plastic or using newer, experimental forms. Common items made from type 7 plastics include bullet-proof materials, computer cases, DVDs, sunglasses, and certain types of nylon. Because of their varied composition, they’re generally more complex to process than other plastics.

This is largely due to the difficulty in sorting and processing mixed or composite materials. Unlike simpler plastics like PET (type 1) or HDPE (type 2), type 7 items often can't be easily broken down and reused in standard recycling facilities. As a result, they frequently end up in landfills if not handled responsibly.

That said, simply throwing them away isn’t the only option. For eco-conscious consumers, finding alternative uses for these durable products can make a big difference. A sturdy computer case, for example, might be repurposed into a storage container. Old DVDs or sunglasses can be donated, reused in crafts, or sent to specialized recyclers who accept hard-to-process plastics.

While advancements in recycling technology may improve the outlook for type 7 plastics in the future, the best approach today is caution and creativity. Always check with local waste management guidelines—some communities offer drop-off locations for mixed plastics. When in doubt, aim to reuse before disposing. Small efforts add up, and keeping these materials in use longer reduces their environmental impact.