Have you ever turned over a bottle or package and seen a triangle with a number inside? That familiar recycling symbol is everywhere — but understanding what it means is key to recycling correctly.
In this article, you’ll learn how to read recycling symbols, what each number on plastic means, and how to know whether an item is actually recyclable in your area.
What Is the Recycling Symbol?
The basic recycling symbol is a triangle made of three arrows forming a loop. It’s known as the Mobius loop and is meant to indicate that the item:
- Can be recycled
- Is made from recycled materials
- Or both
However, the symbol alone doesn’t guarantee recyclability — especially when it comes to plastic.
Understanding Plastic Numbers (1 to 7)
Plastics are labeled with numbers inside the recycling triangle. These numbers identify the type of plastic used. Here’s what each one means:
1 – PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Found in: Water bottles, soda bottles, salad dressing containers
Recyclable: Yes, widely accepted
Notes: Common and easy to recycle, but usually only once
2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Found in: Milk jugs, detergent bottles, juice containers
Recyclable: Yes, widely accepted
Notes: Strong and reusable, often recycled into piping or plastic lumber
3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Found in: Plumbing pipes, clear food wrap, some toys
Recyclable: Rarely
Notes: Contains harmful chemicals, difficult to recycle
4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
Found in: Bread bags, frozen food packaging, squeezable bottles
Recyclable: Sometimes (not curbside in most areas)
Notes: Recyclable through special programs
5 – PP (Polypropylene)
Found in: Yogurt containers, straws, bottle caps, food tubs
Recyclable: Sometimes (check locally)
Notes: Durable and heat-resistant, becoming more accepted
6 – PS (Polystyrene or Styrofoam)
Found in: Disposable cups, takeout containers, egg cartons
Recyclable: Rarely
Notes: Lightweight and hard to process; often ends up in landfills
7 – Other (Mixed Plastics)
Found in: Baby bottles, sunglasses, large water jugs, layered packaging
Recyclable: No (in most cases)
Notes: Mixed materials make this category the hardest to recycle
Are All Items With a Recycling Symbol Recyclable?
No. Many items are labeled with the triangle symbol, but they:
- May not be accepted in your local program
- Could be made of hard-to-recycle materials
- Might need special drop-off locations
Always check your local recycling guidelines to confirm what’s accepted.
Other Common Recycling Symbols
Here are a few symbols you might see:
♻️ Mobius Loop (no number):
Indicates recyclability, but not always accepted locally.
🔁 Chasing Arrows with % Inside:
Shows the product contains recycled material.
🪙 Green Dot (two intertwined arrows):
Used in Europe; means the producer contributes to packaging recovery — not that the product itself is recyclable.
♻️ Compostable Symbol (leaf or plant):
Means the product can break down in compost, but often only in industrial composting facilities.
Tips for Using Recycling Symbols Effectively
- Use the number as a starting point, not a guarantee
- Check with your local municipality about which plastics are accepted
- When in doubt, leave it out — or drop it off at a specialty recycling center
- Choose products with #1 and #2 plastics when possible, as they’re the most widely recycled
The More You Know, the Better You Recycle
Recycling symbols were designed to educate — not confuse. By learning what each one means, you become a more effective recycler and help reduce contamination in the system.
The next time you pick up a package, flip it over, check the triangle, and ask yourself:
Is this recyclable here — and am I sure?
Because the symbol is only the beginning.