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Plastic resin codes identify the type of plastic the product is made of. The resin codes below are typical for the types of containers listed. (Check yours.) 

Just don't assume that a resin code means that a container will get recycled. Most plastic ends up in a landfill. Plastics are numbered with resin codes 1 through 7, but there are really only recycling markets for 1 and 2. Some communities have markets for 5, but very few.

Plastic resin identification codes

resin code 1
PET
Polyethylene terephthalate

Examples:

  • Water bottles
  • Soda bottles
  • Peanut butter jars
resin code 2
HDPE
High-density polyethylene

Examples:

  • Milk jugs
  • Shampoo bottles
  • Laundry detergent containers
resin code 3
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride

Examples:

  • Vinyl
  • Tubing/pipe
  • Auto product bottles
resin code 4
LDPE
Low-density polyethylene

Examples:

  • Bread bags
  • Squeeze bottles
  • Plastic film
  • Plastic grocery bags
resin code 5
PP
Polypropylene

Examples:

  • Yogurt containers
  • Amber-colored pill bottles
  • Coffee cup lids
  • Straws
resin code 6
PS
Polystyrene

Examples:

  • Styrofoam cups
  • Solo cups
  • Styrofoam egg cartons
  • To-go containers
resin code 7
Other

Examples:

  • Toys
  • Sippy cups
  • CDs
  • Disposable utensils

Adapted from Conway, Arkansas, Department of Sanitation.

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