Decifer the Plastic Recycling Numbers

So, do you think your plastic take-out food container is recyclable just because it has the chasing arrows symbol on the bottom? Talk about a misconception! This symbol with the number inside simply indicates the type of resins used to produce the product.

Once all your different plastic recyclables has reached the recycling plant, it is important that the plastic types are not mixed. Just a tiny amount of the wrong plastic can destroy the melt. That is why the Society of the Plastic Industry has come up with a code, or number, inside of a recyclable-looking triangle to allow recyclers to differentiate between the various types of resin, or plastic. To find out in more detail what the numbers mean, check out http://www.pslc.ws/mactest/work/recycle.htm.


The numbers range from 1 to 7; 7 being the notorious, NO RECYCLING POTENTIAL. Most water bottle lids are made from this #7, so remember to take off the lids before you throw your bottle into the recycling bin. Other plastic products you may purchase may be labelled with the #7, so be really sure you want it. You'll have to hold onto it for eternity since it is un-recyclable!