A guide to the seven plastic codes and symbols
Polyethylene Terepthalate (PET)
PET is a vey common plastic used in drink bottles, rope, clothing and carpet fibre. It is also used for water and soft drink bottles, salad domes, biscuit trays, salad dressing and peanut butter containers. Commonly recycled, freezer safe, not microwavable
HDPE
HDPE is a common white or coloured plastic used in milk containers and cleaning and chemical containers. Commonly used daily items: Milk bottles, freezer bags, dip tubs, crinkly shopping bags, ice cream containers, juice bottles, shampoo, chemical and detergent bottles.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is a hard and rigid plastic used in non-food bottles, piping, fencing and windows. Commonly used daily items:
Cosmetic containers, commercial cling wrap. Sometimes recycled, not freezer safe and not microwavable
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is a hard but still flexible used in things like bottle caps and yoghurt containers. Commonly used daily items:
Squeeze bottles, cling wrap, shrink wrap, rubbish or garbage bags. Sometimes recycled, not freezer safe and not microwavable.
Polypropelene (PP)
A soft and pliable plastic used in disposable plastic items such as coffee cups, packing foam, cutlery. Commonly used daily items:
Microwave dishes, ice cream tubs, potato chip bags, and dip tubs.
Not usually recycled, not freezer safe, microwaveable.
Polystyrene (PS)
A soft and pliable plastic used in disposable plastic items such as coffee cups, packing foam, cutlery. Commonly used daily items:
CD cases, water station cups, plastic cutlery, imitation “crystal glassware”, video cases. Not usually recycled, freezer safe and not microwaveable.
Foamed polystyrene (EPS)
For hot drink cups, hamburger takeaway clamshells, foamed meat trays, protective packaging for fragile items.
All other plastics
The 7th code is for all other plastics including CDs, baby bottles, water cooler bottles, flexible films and multi-material packaging.
Not usually recycled, not freezer safe, not microwaveable.