What plastic symbols mean

Seven different types of plastic are used around the world for items we use every day, and the different types of plastics have different symbols.

Some manufacturers label plastic packaging with the symbols, which have numbers inside triangles and codes.

In our district, generally plastic types 1, 2 and 5 can be recycled, however this can vary based on what the plastic has been used to manufacture and what the item of waste/recycling is.

As such, please follow our guide to recycling and only put the following clean and empty plastic items in your blue bin:

  • Margarine tubs
  • Ice cream tubs
  • Yoghurt pots
  • Plastic bottles
  • Plastic food trays
  • Roll-on containers

Please do not put the following plastic items in your blue bin:

  • Carrier bags and bin bags of any colour
  • Polystyrene
  • Rigid plastics such as garden furniture, toys, coat hangers etc
  • Plant pots and garden trays
  • Bubble wrap
  • Plastic electrical items (these should go to your local tip)

What do the plastic symbols mean (please check our guide to recycling)

1 PET plastic recycling logo

 

 

PET

 

PET is the most widely recycled plastic in the world. PET, which is mostly found in plastic bottles, is usually recycled into fashion items. The recycling process sees the PET being transformed into flakes which are then spun into a thread which can be used to manufacture clothing. Alternatively PET bottles can be turned into new PET bottles, usually by adding some virgin PET to recycled PET. Please check our guide to recycling to see if something can be recycled.

 

Sometimes the logo doesn’t have PET written underneath.

Plastic 2 recycling logo

 

HDPE

HDPE is accepted at most recycling centres and is usually recycled into non-food bottles, such household cleaners, motor oil etc. Oftentimes, HDPE is downcycled (recycled into lower-value products) into tables, benches and other durable plastic products. Please check our guide to recycling to see if something can be recycled.

 

Sometimes the logo doesn’t have HDPE written underneath.

Plastic 5 logo

 

PP

Polypropylene has many uses. Its composition means that it’s one of the lightest plastic available whilst it’s still reasonably strong. It can be made into items such as plastic trays, yoghurt pots and bottle tops. PP is normally recycled by transforming it into granules, which can then be used to create other items. Please check our guide to recycling to see if something can be recycled.

 

Sometimes the logo doesn’t have PP written underneath.

What you can’t recycle in your blue bin

Plastic 3 PVC logo

 

PVC

PVC is one of the most widely used plastics worldwide, however its high chlorine content and high levels of hazardous additives added to the polymer to achieve the desired material quality, make it difficult to recycle. You’ll find PVC in pipes, flooring, healthcare uses, wiring and window frames.

 

Please put this type of plastic in your black bin or take to the tip.

Plastic 4 logo

 

LDPE

Low-density polyethylene, also known as plastic-type 4, is used to make plastic bags. Technically, LDPE can be recycled, however please don’t put it in your blue bin, as it can often tangle in recycling machinery risking endangering the entire recycling process. 

 

Please try to use reusable bags. If you can’t please recycle your bags at your nearest supermarket plastic bag recycling point or put this type of plastic in your black bin or take to the tip.

Plastic 6 logo

 

PS

Polystyrene cannot be recycled unfortunately.

 

Please put polystyrene in your black bin or take to the tip.

Plastic 7 logo

 

Other

Plastic Number 7 is a complex group. It includes all plastic types except for number 1 to 6 including PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS and PVC. Plastic number 7 has a wide range of plastics with many different characteristics.

 

Please put this type of plastic in your black bin or take to the tip.