Recycling Symbol Guide
Pick whether you are recycling, microwaving or dishwashing a container, then check it against the 7 plastic resin codes — a code is not a safety certification.
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Recycling Symbol Guide
Pick whether you are recycling, microwaving or dishwashing a container, then check it against the 7 plastic resin codes — a code is not a safety certification.
Data last maintained
About Recycling Symbol Guide
Resin codes, uses, heat, and safety notes
The guide covers resin codes 1 through 7 with material names, typical products, approximate heat notes, and cautions. Appliance use still follows the actual product marking, not the code number.
Search by code, name, product, or heat range
Search accepts numbers, resin names, abbreviations, common uses, and keywords. Heat-range filters organize the material reference without implying appliance approval; selecting a row opens shareable details.
Local recycling and product markings still matter
A resin code is not the same as municipal acceptance, food-contact approval, or microwave certification. Recycling programs, contamination rules, additives, coatings, and product labels vary, so confirm local disposal guidance and the actual container markings before heating, reusing, or recycling.
FAQ
Common questions and answers about this topic.
What do plastic recycling numbers 1-7 mean?
Each number is a resin identification code for the plastic type - 1 PET (water bottles), 2 HDPE (milk jugs), 3 PVC (pipes, packaging), 4 LDPE (bags, film), 5 PP (tubs, caps), 6 PS (foam cups), and 7 Other (mixed plastics such as polycarbonate or PLA).
Which recycling numbers are usually accepted?
Numbers 1 (PET) and 2 (HDPE) are the most widely collected. 4 and 5 are increasingly accepted, while 3, 6, and 7 are often not taken curbside. Acceptance depends entirely on your local program, so always check your municipality's rules.
Do the chasing arrows mean an item is recyclable?
Not necessarily. The triangle of arrows around a number is the resin identification code - it tells you which plastic the item is made of, not that it is collected for recycling where you live.
What are recycling numbers 5 and 7?
5 is PP (polypropylene), common in yogurt tubs, bottle caps, and reusable containers. 7 is "Other", a catch-all for plastics that do not fit 1-6, including polycarbonate and plant-based PLA; number 7 items are often not accepted in curbside recycling.
Does the recycling number tell me if plastic is microwave-safe?
No. The resin code identifies the plastic type, not whether an item is microwave- or food-safe. Look for a separate microwave-safe symbol printed on the product and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
What does this recycling symbol guide cover?
It lists the resin identification codes 1-7 with each plastic's name, common everyday uses, and general recyclability notes, so you can quickly decode the symbol on a container.
Data Sources
This tool's data is compiled from the authoritative sources below.
- ANSI - Resin Identification Codes (RICs), as Specified by ASTM D7611(opens in a new tab)
- U.S. EPA - Frequent Questions on Recycling(opens in a new tab)
- U.S. EPA - How Do I Recycle Common Recyclables(opens in a new tab)
- Association of Plastic Recyclers - What are those numbers on plastic packages?(opens in a new tab)
- FDA - Microwave Ovens(opens in a new tab)
- FDA - Melamine in Tableware Questions and Answers(opens in a new tab)
- FDA - Bisphenol A (BPA): Use in Food Contact Application(opens in a new tab)
Data last maintained