Plastic Recycling Codes 1–7 Explained (Complete 2026 Guide)

That little triangle with a number inside? It's called the Resin Identification Code (RIC), and it tells you exactly what kind of plastic you're holding — and whether it can actually be recycled. Here's what each number means.

        Reality check: The triangle does not mean an
        item is recyclable in your area. It only identifies the plastic type.
        Local programs decide which numbers they accept.
      

♳ #1 PET / PETE — Polyethylene Terephthalate

Where you see it: Water bottles, soda bottles, salad dressing, peanut butter jars.
Recyclable? ✅ Almost everywhere. The most widely recycled plastic.
Safety: Single-use only. Don't refill — releases antimony with heat.

♴ #2 HDPE — High-Density Polyethylene

Where: Milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, yogurt tubs.
Recyclable? ✅ Widely accepted. One of the most valuable recyclables.
Safety: Considered safe for repeated use.

♵ #3 PVC / V — Polyvinyl Chloride

Where: Cling wrap, pipes, vinyl flooring, some toys, blister packs.
Recyclable? ❌ Rarely. Most goes to landfill.
Safety: ⚠️ Contains phthalates and chlorine. Avoid for food.

♶ #4 LDPE — Low-Density Polyethylene

Where: Plastic bags, bread bags, squeezable bottles, frozen food bags.
Recyclable? ⚠️ Not curbside. Take plastic bags to grocery store drop-off.
Safety: Generally safe.

♷ #5 PP — Polypropylene

Where: Yogurt cups, medicine bottles, ketchup bottles, straws, bottle caps.
Recyclable? ✅ Increasingly accepted curbside.
Safety: Safe; microwave-safe.

♸ #6 PS — Polystyrene

Where: Styrofoam cups, takeout containers, packing peanuts, plastic cutlery.
Recyclable? ❌ Rarely. Special drop-offs only.
Safety: ⚠️ Leaches styrene when heated. Avoid for hot food.

♹ #7 OTHER — Mixed / Other Plastics

Where: Multi-layer pouches, baby bottles (older), DVDs, sunglasses.
Recyclable? ❌ Almost never.
Safety: Includes BPA-containing polycarbonates. Avoid for food unless marked BPA-free.

Summary Table

Code	Plastic	Recyclable?	Food-Safe?
1 PET	Bottles	✅	Single-use
2 HDPE	Jugs	✅	✅
3 PVC	Pipes, wrap	❌	❌
4 LDPE	Bags	⚠️ Drop-off	✅
5 PP	Yogurt cups	✅	✅
6 PS	Styrofoam	❌	❌ (hot)
7 Other	Mixed	❌	⚠️

How To Reduce Your Plastic Footprint

Choose #1, #2, #5 over #3, #6, #7
Reusable bottles & bags eliminate single-use altogether
Buy bulk to avoid multi-layer packaging (#7)
Skip "compostable" plastic — almost none of it composts in real conditions

Scan plastic — get the bin in 1 second

TrashSort reads recycling codes automatically and tells you exactly what to do.

Plastic Recycling Codes 1–7 Explained