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Plastics Identification Codes
The symbols on or near the bottom of a plastic container are plastic resin codes. They do not necessarily mean that a container is recyclable -- since there may not be a recycling market for a particular code. The following list will help you learn about the codes so you know which items to include in your curbside or drop-off recycling program.
Reduce waste and recycle more: When shopping, try to buy products in recyclable containers!
Resin Code |
Definition |
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1 = PETE (or PET)
Polyethylene
Terephthalate
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Commonly used to package soft drinks, water, beer, juice, sports drinks and other beverages, as well as edible oils, salad dressing, peanut butter, various condiments and sauces, and non-food products like household cleaners and personal products. |
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2= HDPE
High Density
Polyethylene
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Commonly used for milk, cider and water jugs, as well as detergent, fabric softener and bleach. |
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3 = V
Vinyl/polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
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Often used for salad dressing bottles, vegetable oil bottles and mouthwash.
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4 = LDPE
Low Density
Polyethylene
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Used for flexible bags for dry cleaning, trash, produce, bread and shrink wrap. recycled LDPE is often used to make grocery bags.
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5 = PP
Polypropylene
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Usually found in drinking straws, battery cases, some dairy tubs, bottle labels and caps.
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6 = PS
Polystyrene
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Commonly used for materials like packaging peanuts, plastic utensils, meat and egg
trays.
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7 = OTHER
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Other plastics are often made of multiple resins or layers of different types of plastics. These may include microwavable packages, snack bags and industrial plastics.
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