Find out what the numbers mean before you recycle.
PETE – POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE
— soda bottles, water bottles, food packaging
The easiest of plastics to recycle into bottles and polyester fibers.
HDPE – HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE
— detergents bottles, bleach bottles, milk bottles, motor oil bottles, toys, some plastic bags
Also readily recyclable into more bottles and bags as well as picnic tables, plastic lumber, waste bins and other products that require durability.
PVC – POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
— plastic piping, toys, furnishings
Can be repurposed, but difficult to recycle since it contains numerous toxins.
LDPE – LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE
— plastic wrap, grocery bags, sandwich bags, dry cleaning bags, bread packaging
Safe for use and reusable, but not commonly recycled.
PP – POLYPROPYLENE
— clothing, bottles, tubs, ropes, diapers, straws
Widely accepted by curbside pickups and can be reused and recycled.
PS – POLYSTYRENE
— cups, foam food trays, packing peanuts, egg cartons
Can be reused, but recycling is not widely available. PS easily pollutes the environment due to its light weight and should be avoided due to health risks.
OTHER
— baby bottles, water cooler bottles, car parts
Cannot be recycled and should be avoided.
Sourced from Green Living Tips & Eartheasy
FILM BAGS & POUCH BAGS
PP – POLYPROPYLENE
Widely accepted by curbside pickups and can be reused and recycled.
NETTED BAGS
Before recycling netted bags,
discard labels and tags.
HDPE – HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE
Also readily recyclable into more bottles and bags as well as other products that require durability.
CLAMSHELLS & FLOW WRAPS
Before recycling plastic packaging,
discard labels.
PETE – POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE
The easiest of plastics to recycle into bottles and polyester fibers.
HDPE – HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE
Also readily recyclable into more bottles and bags as well as other products that require durability.