Let’s sort out a bit of confusion first – and take a look at what the symbol doesn’t mean.
A triangle with a number inside (1 to 7) stamped on a plastic container or bottle is called a Plastic Identification Code - and doesn’t necessarily mean that the item is recyclable.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people to throw rubbish in their recycling bin just because they see this symbol. This well-intentioned “wishcycling” can contaminate the stream of recyclable material and does more harm than good.
There are seven types of plastic - each with an assigned number:
Number 1
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE): This plastic is light, cheap, common, and easy to recycle. It’s often used in disposable water bottles and condiment bottles. Kerbside recycling programs often accept #1 plastics, which can be recycled into tote bags, carpet, and more.
Number 2
High-density polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is a strong plastic, identified by the #2 code. It’s often used in packaging for laundry detergent, shampoo bottles, and milk containers. Like #1 plastics, #2 plastics are also often recyclable kerbside.
Number 3
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl): This plastic is hard and rigid and is resistant to chemicals and weathering, making it ideal for construction applications like plumbing pipes and rain gutters. PVC is the most dangerous plastic because it is made of chlorine chemicals which can leach dangerous toxins. Kerbside recycling services do not accept products made from this type of plastic.
Number 4
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): This is a flexible plastic. It is softer and clearer, often used in plastic wrap, bread bags, and garbage bags. You can’t put most of these products in your kerbside recycling bins, and since the suspension of the REDCycle program for soft plastics, this has to go into your red lid general waste bin. How to avoid the soft plastics problem
Number 5
Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene is one of the most durable types of plastic. This kind of plastic is known for resisting heat, making it ideal for food containers, prescription bottles. Some PP products can be recycled kerbside.
Number 6
Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam): Most commonly known as Styrofoam, #6 plastics are low-cost and have insulation properties which is why it’s often used for food containers. Despite its popularity, Polystyrene is quite harmful and can leach neurotoxins into the food it contains. It's not accepted in kerbside household recycling bins. What to do with polystyrene
Number 7
This final category is for all remaining types of plastic. Common #7 plastics include sunglasses and CDs and can't be recycled in household bins. How to recycle old CDs
Rather than looking for a numbered triangle on any plastic packaging - check the WA Government's website: Recycle Right. Here you can find a comprehensive list of what can and cannot go into your kerbside recycling bins, depending on the system used in your local council area. Much more reliable!
More helpful recycling articles:
Common plastic recycling mistakes
How to dispose of meat tray packaging
Common yellow bin recycling mistakes
