MateriumRecycling
Plastic recycling numbers: a guide to resin codes
Learn how plastic recycling numbers identify resin types and help you find the right local collection guidance.
Read as Markdown ↗Plastic recycling numbers identify resin categories. Read the marking first, then use the item type and your local collection guidance to choose the appropriate recycling route.
| Code | Common resin name |
|---|---|
| 1 | PET — polyethylene terephthalate |
| 2 | HDPE — high-density polyethylene |
| 3 | PVC — polyvinyl chloride |
| 4 | LDPE — low-density polyethylene |
| 5 | PP — polypropylene |
| 6 | PS — polystyrene |
| 7 | Other plastics or combinations |
Find the material marking
Look at the base, rim or label for a number and abbreviation. Photograph the characters clearly and keep a whole-item image for context. A readable marking makes a useful companion to a visual material assessment.
The familiar 1–7 codes describe resin categories. Recycle Now explains these symbols for UK readers. The code helps identify the material; collection guidance answers the separate question of where a particular item is accepted.
Connect the code to the object
Record the complete item: for example, a drink bottle with a cap or a food tray with a film lid. If instructions distinguish those components, keep the details separate in your notes.
Use the current accepted-item list from your council, municipality or waste provider. Search by the object type as well as the resin name. This gives your material identification a practical next step that is specific to the collection you use.
Keep a helpful packaging record
Materium can help you explore the surface and save a scan. Add the visible marking and the local guidance to your own research notes. “Marked 5 PP; provider’s tub instructions checked today” creates a clear, reusable reference.
Follow the product’s instructions for care and reuse, and the collection provider’s instructions for disposal. Compostable packaging can have a separate route. Keeping identification and collection information together makes everyday sorting easier to understand.
Explore how Materium analyses patterns and material context, including the role of different information layers in a material investigation.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 2026-10-19. Regional guidance is identified by location, with industry and supplier references labelled.
Published by Materium with AI assistance. Read our source and editorial approach.