What Does the Number in the Recycling Triangle Mean?

"1"

• The category denoted by a "1" in the recycling triangle comprises the most recycled plastic. Manufacturers use polyethylene terephthalate resin to make bottles for soda, juice, water and peanut butter jars, along with textiles and carpeting. More than half of the recycled bottles in the United States in 2009 were made with this type of plastic, according to the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers.

"2"

• A "2" in the recycling triangle represents high-density polyethylene resin. This category includes milk bottles, shipping containers and liners from cereal boxes. In 2009, consumers recycled nearly one out of every three of the bottles with a "2" in the triangle, according to the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers.

"3"

• Plastic items with a "3" in the triangle contain polyvinyl chloride. This category includes flexible tubing, blister packs, clam shells and shrink wrap. The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers reports that in 2009, 2 million lbs. of PVC was recycled into useful items such as pipe decking, fencing, garden hoses, loose leaf binders and traffic cones.

"4"

• Low-density polyethylene resin characterizes items with a "4" in the triangle. LDPE is found in container lids, toys, bags and squeezable bottles. From 2008 to 2009, the recycling rate of this type of plastic grew from 0.5 percent to 2 percent, according to the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers.

"5"

• Polypropylene resin is found in plastic items with a "5" in the triangle. Yogurt containers, bottle caps and medicine bottles, among other items, will display a "5." In 2009, 1 percent of all plastic recycled contained a "5" in the triangle, notes the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers.

"6"

• A "6" in the triangle indicates polystyrene resin in the plastic. You will find a "6" on cups, packaging peanuts, meat and deli trays, and disposable cutlery. Santa Monica, Laguna Beach and other California cities have prohibited use of "6" food-ware because of the difficulty in recycling it.

"7"

• A "7" on the item indicates all other resins not represented by any of the other categories or a combination of the "1" through "6" resins. This category includes larger juice and water bottles and some ketchup bottles. In 2009, 1 million lbs. of "7" items were recycled, according to the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers.