Most plastic containers are labeled with a recycling code, a single digit ranging from 1 to 7 that helps recyclers sort the different kinds of plastics in the market. While the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) created the code to facilitate recycling, consumers can use the system to understand what kind of plastics can be recycled in their area.
Symbol
Type of material
Where is it found
Uses after recycling
Polyethylene
terephalate
(PET or PETE)
Soft drinks
Juices
Single serve water bottles
Beer
New soft drink bottles
Polyester clothing
Sleeping bag insulation
Carpeting
High density
polyethylene
(HDPE)
Cleaning products
Industrial products
Personal care products
Garbage bags
Bottles
Grocery Bags
Bins
Plastic lumber
Polyvinyl chloride
(V or Vinyl or PVC)
Medical tubing
Construction products
Pipe
Fencing
Non-food bottles
Low density
polyethylene
(LDPE)
Dry cleaning bags
Shopping bags
Plastic food wrap
Plastic bags
Containers
Bottles
Tubing
Polypropylene
(PP)
Squeezable condiment bottles
Margarine containers
Food storage containers
Automotive parts
Food containers
Polystyrene
(PS)
Styrofoam containers
Disposable cutlery, cups and bowls
Take-out food containers
Cafeteria trays
Toys
Video cassettes and cases
Insulation board
Other
This catch-all category contains any plastics that do not fit within the other six categories:
