Plastic Resin Codes (1–7)
Check locally →The number tells recycling facilities what type of plastic it is — not whether you can recycle it.
Which bin?
Plastics 1, 2, and 5: recycling bin. Plastic 4: supermarket collection point. Plastics 3, 6, 7: usually general waste.
What does it mean?
The number inside the triangle identifies the type of plastic resin. It was designed for recycling facilities, not consumers — but it's still useful. In the UK, plastics 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), and 5 (PP) are widely recycled at kerbside. Plastic 4 (LDPE) can usually be taken to supermarket collection points. Plastics 3 (PVC), 6 (PS/polystyrene), and 7 (other) are rarely collected at kerbside. Important: the triangle of arrows does NOT mean "recyclable" — it's just how the number is displayed.
Variants
1 — PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Recycling binWidely recycled. Used for drinks bottles, food trays, and salad containers.
Rinse and put in your recycling bin.
2 — HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Recycling binWidely recycled. Used for milk bottles, cleaning product bottles, and some bags.
Rinse and put in your recycling bin.
3 — PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
General wasteNot typically collected at kerbside. Used for pipes, window frames, and some food wraps.
General waste bin. Not accepted in most kerbside recycling.
4 — LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
Supermarket returnTake to supermarket collection points. Used for carrier bags, bread bags, and wrapping.
Take to a supermarket collection point. Not usually accepted in your kerbside recycling bin.
5 — PP (Polypropylene)
Recycling binWidely recycled. Used for food tubs, yoghurt pots, and microwaveable containers.
Rinse and put in your recycling bin.
6 — PS (Polystyrene)
General wasteNot typically collected at kerbside. Used for takeaway containers, foam cups, and packaging.
General waste bin. Not accepted in most kerbside recycling.
7 — Other
General wasteRarely recyclable in standard collections. Covers everything else.
General waste bin in most cases. Check with your council for specialist recycling options.