Recycling 101: What do the Plastic Codes Mean?

Understanding Plastic Recycling Codes: A Guide to Resin Identification Codes (RIC)

The recycling symbol we know today - the chasing arrows symbol - was originally designed in 1970 as a way to inform people that a product was recyclable. Just a few years later, in the 1980s, plastic manufacturers started using a very similar symbol, with a number inside, known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC). The RIC tells plastic manufacturers what type of plastic a container is made from, but doesn't address the recyclability of the product. Consumers, therefore, naturally assume that anything with the arrows symbol is recyclable, creating one of the most common misconceptions about recycling. We've broken down the seven different plastic codes that are used and what exactly they mean below.

Plastic Code #1: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

This type of plastic is one of the most widely recycled plastics in the world and is used in a lot of food containers. Clear PET, in particular, has one of the highest recycling market values, as it can be turned into products of similar quality and form.

Common products made of PET:

• Soda, juice, and water bottles

• Fruit and vegetable clamshells

• Plastic peanut butter and mayonnaise jars

Plastic Code #2: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

Similar to PET, HDPE is another widely recycled plastic worldwide. It's a durable, hard plastic that can withstand most solvents. Because of this, it's most commonly used for cleaning or personal care products. A 2018 study found that non-contaminated HDPE can be recycled up to 10 times.

Common products that use HDPE:

• Milk bottles

• Cleaning product bottles

• Soap and shampoo bottles

• Garden flower boxes

Plastic Code #3: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is a durable plastic that is not easily impacted by sunlight, water, or other harsh conditions. While it is durable, it has been known to leach chemicals over time, so it is not as safe for food use. Most PVC is not collected kerbside.

Common products that use PVC:

• Yard signs

• Plumbing pipes

• Garden hoses and cables

• Children's toys

Plastic Code #4: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

LDPE is used to create most soft plastic products around the world. It is a lightweight plastic that is less toxic than other plastics. It's not accepted in kerbside collections. Many governments have banned single-use grocery bags and have introduced soft plastic recycling schemes.

Common products that use LDPE:

• Dry cleaner bags

• Bread bags

• Ziploc bags

Plastic Code #5: PP (Polypropylene)

It's a durable plastic with many uses and many kerbside collections have started accepting PP to be recycled.

Common products that use PP:

• Takeaway containers

• Margarine and yogurt containers

• Straws

• Ice cream tubs

Plastic Code #6: PS (Polystyrene)

Polystyrene, also commonly known as styrofoam, has a variety of uses but is falling out of general use as it's hard to recycle and has been known to leach chemicals when heated. Polystyrene isn't easily recycled and is generally not collected in kerbside recycling.

Common products that use PS:

• Styrofoam containers

• Packing peanuts

• Burger clamshells

• Coffee cup lids

Plastic Code #7: Other

#7 plastics is a catchall for all other types of plastics that don't fall into the other categories, including bioplastics. #7 plastics are almost never recycled. One material that falls into this category is bioplastics (PLA) - commercially-compostable plastics made from natural materials such as corn starch, sugarcane, or tapioca.

Common products that use #7 plastics:

• Anything marked as 'bioplastic' or 'compostable plastic'

• Baby bottles and sippy cups

• Water cooler jugs

• Car parts

The Future of Plastic Recycling

Once plastic is colored it's pretty much impossible to go backwards. Because of this, clear or natural plastic is the most valuable and easiest to recycle. Luckily, the industry does seem to be moving away from hard-to-recycle plastics or imposing fees for manufacturers that choose to use them. Effective recycling and resource streams start at the beginning of the design process, and we hope that more businesses continue to consider the end of life of a product when they design it. After all, sustainable change isn't one person doing sustainable change perfectly, it's all of us doing it imperfectly.