Types of Plastic and Their Recycling Codes
An increasing number of consumer products – including countless promotional items – are made from plastic. Here's a quick primer to help you understand the differences between various types of plastic, by recycling code. You can find the plastic recycling numbers printed right on most products. For containers, such as cups and bottles, the code will usually be found on the bottom.
Number 1
Code: PET or PETE
Material: Polyethylene Terephthalate
- FOUND IN
- Disposable beverage bottles
- Condiment containers
- Mouthwash bottles
- Microwave food trays
- Custom reusable BPA-free water bottles
- Reusable shopping bags
- RECYCLED INTO
- Carpeting
- Upholstery
- Fleece and other polyester clothing
- Webbed straps
- Containers
- Eco-friendly grocery totes
Learn more about the process by which plastic bottles are turned into recycled RPET items.
Number 2
Code: HDPE
Material: High Density Polyethylene
- FOUND IN
- Milk or juice jugs
- Bleach or detergent bottles
- Travel food and beverage coolers
- Shampoo bottles
- Yogurt containers
- Cereal box liners
- Motor oil bottles
- Sports water bottles
- Housewrap
- RECYCLED INTO
- Carpeting
- Furniture
- Stationary
- Synthetic lumber
- Floor tile
- Drainage pipes
- Trash cans
Number 3
Code: V or PVC
Material: Vinyl or Polyvinyl Chloride
- FOUND IN
- Plumbing pipes
- Credit cards
- ID holders
- Inflatable beach or pool toys
- Window frames
- Siding
- Clear reusable bags
- Fencing
- RECYCLED INTO
- Synthetic lumber
- Flooring
- Cables
- Mud flaps
- Floor mats
- Shoe soles
- Traffic cones
Note: Contains chlorine. Toxic when burned or used for cooking.
Number 4
Code: LDPE
Material: Low Density Polyethylene
- FOUND IN
- Prescription bottles
- Yogurt containers
- Custom non-woven bags
- Hinged items
- Rope
- Carpet
- Thermal underwear
- Fast food soft drink cups
- RECYCLED INTO
- Car batteries
- Storage bins
- Ice scrapers
- Cables
- Broom bristles
- Rakes
- Dishware
Number 5
Code: PP
Material: Polypropylene
- FOUND IN
- Squeezable bottles
- Bread, frozen food, dry cleaning and shopping bags
- Promotional bags
- Six pack rings
- Playground slides
- Container lids
- Wire insulation
- RECYCLED INTO
- Trash bags and cans
- Compost bins
- Shipping envelopes
- Paneling
- Floor tile
Note: Plastic bags are not traditionally recyclable. Plastic shopping bags can be returned to many stores for reuse.
Number 6
Code: PS
Material: Polystyrene
- FOUND IN
- Take-out containers
- Disposable foam plates or cups
- Egg cartons
- Meat trays
- Compact disc cases
- Imprinted clocks
- RECYCLED INTO
- Foam packing
- Take-out containers
- Egg cartons
- Insulation
- Photo frames
- License plate holders
Note: Can be made into either foam or hard plastic products. Styrofoam® is one brand name for polystyrene foam. This foam is NOT always recyclable.
Number 7
Code: OTHER
Material: Miscellaneous – Any plastic types that don't fit into the previous categories, or are combinations of any of them, are lumped together under Number 7. Examples include acrylic, polycarbonate, nylon, and fiberglass.
- FOUND IN
- CDs
- Promotional Lanyards
- Five-gallon water bottles
- Sunglasses
- Kevlar® and other bullet-resistant linings
- Custom knit apparel
- RECYCLED INTO
- Clothing
- Signs and awards
- Umbrellas
- Traffic lights
If you’re not sure what plastics or other items can be recycled in your office, find information about your local recycling center or curbside program at earth911.com. For more information on what promotional products are recyclable, or are made from recycled materials, check out our Guide to Sustainable Promotional Products and Swag and shop our selection of eco-friendly promotional items.
