# What does recycling number 1 mean? PET · polyethylene terephthalate

Canonical: https://materiumapp.com/plastic-identifier/recycling-number-1/

By Materium. Published 2026-10-20. Language: en.

Resin identification code 1 identifies PET · polyethylene terephthalate. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.

## What to check yourself

1. Find the number and letters on the actual component. Photograph the mark and the whole object together so you can connect the code to the correct part.

2. A drinks bottle is a common place to find PET. Inspect the body separately from the closure; the cap may carry a different code. A clear appearance alone does not establish PET.

3. Separate your observations about the body, cap, label and any lining. A mark on one part does not identify every material in the assembly.

4. Check the collection service for your postcode and the exact item format. Use its current instructions for lids, cleaning and drop-off options.

## Make the next step useful

A useful record includes the code, the item format and the local instruction you checked. Avoid replacing a specific collection rule with a general claim that this resin is recyclable everywhere.

## Explore it with Materium

Photograph the object and its readable marking. Materium can help you explore the visible material context and save a scan for reference. Keep the moulded declaration alongside the AI estimate when you make your decision.

## Related material references

- [PET](https://materiumapp.com/materials/pet/) (en)
- [HDPE](https://materiumapp.com/materials/hdpe/) (en)
- [Polypropylene](https://materiumapp.com/materials/polypropylene/) (en)

## Sources and further reading

Sources checked 2026-10-20.

- [Recycle Now — Recycling symbols (UK)](https://www.recyclenow.com/how-to-recycle/recycling-symbols)
- [US EPA — Common recyclables and local collection](https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables)

Educational content prepared with AI assistance. Sources provide supporting reading, separate from the app’s generated assessment. [Editorial and corrections policy](https://materiumapp.com/editorial/).

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