Plastic items usually carry a number which can tell you what type of plastic the item is made from and help you understand whether it can be recycled.
Plastic normally doesn’t contain a label saying ‘recyclable’ or ‘non-recyclable’, so you need to know what each number means.
Here’s a quick and easy explanation of what the different numbers mean and whether or not they can be recycled.
Symbol: 1
- Name: PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)
- Used for: Plastic bottles, jars, containers, clothing (polyester), shampoo bottles, soap, etc.
- Recyclable: Yes
Symbol: 2
- Name: HDPE (High-density polyethene)
- Used for: Jugs, picnic tables, waste bins, park benches,
- Recyclable: Yes
Symbol: 3
- Name: PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
- Used for: Plastic food wrapping, teething rings, pet’s toys, children’s toys, blister packs, garden hoses, cables.
- Recyclable: No
Symbol: 4
- Name: LDPE (Low-density polyethene)
- Used for: Cling film, shrink wrap, squeezy bottles, plastic bread bags, plastic bags, some clothing, floor tiles.
- Recyclable: Sometimes. Check with your local council.
Symbol: 5
- Name: PP (Polypropylene)
- Used for: Cereal box liners, plastic bottle tops, margarine tubs, yoghurt pots, crisp packets, Sellotape, rope, nappies.
- Recyclable: Sometimes. Check with your local council.
Symbol: 6
- Name: PS (polystyrene)
- Used for: yoghurt pots, Styrofoam drinking cups, cutlery, packaging, insulation, underlay for laminate flooring.
- Recyclable: Sometimes. Check with your local council. Some businesses will collect used foam packaging chips to be reused.
Symbol: 7
- Name: Other; several types of plastic including PC (polycarbonate).
- Used for: Baby bottles, sippy cups, children’s plates and cutlery, car parts.
- Recyclable: No. Check individual labels for details.
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