<< Back

Plastics Recycling: A Quick Guide to Plastic Recycling Numbers

At the bottom or body of most plastic containers you can find a small number inside the three arrow triangle recycling symbol. This number is Resin Identification Codes (RIC), a reference to what type of plastic the container is made of, which helps recycling facilities sort materials.

Symbol #1: PET or PETE

l Introduction: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) is a clear, durable, and lightweight thermoplastic polymer resin from the polyester family, widely used for beverage bottles, food packaging, and synthetic fibers. Identified by the (resin code #1) in the recycling symbol, it is highly recyclable and often recycled into new bottles or fabrics.

l Common uses: Water and soda bottles, cooking oil bottles, peanut butter jars, salad dressing containers.

l Recyclability: Widely accepted by most curbside programs.

Symbol #2: HDPE

l Introduction: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a versatile, durable, and recyclable thermoplastic (resin code #2) known for its high strength-to-density ratio, corrosion resistance, and high impact resistance. Widely used for plastic bottles, piping, and containers, it withstands temperatures up to 120℃(248°F), making it ideal for both consumer products and industrial applications. 

l Common uses: Milk jugs, laundry/dish detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, yogurt tubs, also various toys and grocery bags.

l Recyclability: Widely accepted in rigid form (bottles and jugs).

Symbol #3: Vinyl or PVC

l Introduction: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or vinyl) is a widely used, durable, and cost-effective thermoplastic. Known by the resin code #3, it exists as rigid (uPVC) or flexible (plasticized) forms, featuring high chemical resistance, flame retardancy, and insulating properties. It is primarily used in construction, plumbing, and electrical insulation.

l Common uses: Plumbing pipes, shower curtains, medical equipment, some food wrap, vinyl dashboards and seat covers.

l Recyclability: Rarely accepted curbside; contains toxins like phthalates that make it difficult to process.

Symbol #4: LDPE

l Introduction: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a highly flexible, durable, and transparent thermoplastic widely used for packaging, agricultural films, and flexible containers. Known for being nontoxic and safe (resin code #4), it resists moisture and many chemicals, making it ideal for food-grade applications. LDPE operates in temperatures up to 200°F and is fully recyclable through specialized programs.

l Common uses: Grocery bags, bread bags, shrink wrap, squeezable bottles.

l Recyclability: Mixed acceptance. While often not taken in curbside bins (as bags jam machinery), they can often be recycled at grocery store drop-off bins.

Symbol #5: PP

l Introduction: Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile, lightweight, and durable thermoplastic polymer (resin code #5) known for high chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, and a high melting point (≈160℃), making it ideal for hot-fill food packaging, medical devices, and living hinges. As a rigid plastic often used for storage, it is generally considered safe and non-toxic, though it is oil-derived and poses recycling challenges. 

l Common uses: Yogurt containers, bottle caps, straws, medicine bottles.

l Recyclability: Increasingly accepted in many municipal programs, but check locally.

Symbol #6: PS

l Introduction: Polystyrene (PS) is a versatile, lightweight, and rigid synthetic thermoplastic polymer made from styrene monomer. It exists in solid (transparent or colored) and foam forms (styrofoam), widely used for packaging, food containers, and insulation due to its low cost and high moisture resistance. Key limitations include high brittleness and challenging recycling.

l Common uses: Styrofoam cups, meat trays, egg cartons, disposable cutlery.

l Recyclability: Rarely accepted. It is difficult to recycle efficiently and often ends up in landfills.

Symbol #7: Other

They are miscellaneous, made of any combination of 1-6 or another, less commonly used plastic.  

l Common uses: Large water jugs, nylon, acrylic, fiberglass, and bioplastics like PLA.

l Recyclability: Rarely accepted. This is a catch-all for mixed or layered resins that are hard to sort. 

Here is a summary for plastic codes:


If you have any questions regarding the selection of the material for your packaging, please feel free to contact us.