Understanding plastic recycling numbers is one of the easiest ways to recycle plastics correctly and reduce environmental waste. Every day, millions of plastic products are discarded, yet many people are unsure what the numbers inside the recycling symbol actually mean. These numbers—known as resin identification codes (RICs)—identify the type of plastic used in a product and help determine whether it can be recycled.
At IvoryPharInc. com, we are committed to promoting responsible plastic recycling and supporting the global circular economy. As a trusted PET roll scrap supplier, recycled plastic scrap, plastic regrind, and recycled plastic pellets, we believe education is the first step toward reducing plastic pollution and conserving natural resources.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn:
• What plastic recycling numbers mean
• The seven types of plastic and their uses
• Which plastics are recyclable
• Why proper plastic sorting matters
• Tips for effective plastic recycling
• How recycling supports a sustainable future
What Are Plastic Recycling Numbers?
Plastic recycling numbers, also called resin identification codes (RICs), are numbers ranging from 1 to 7 found inside the familiar triangular recycling symbol on plastic products.
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Introduced in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), these numbers identify the specific type of plastic resin used in manufacturing. Contrary to popular belief, the recycling symbol does not automatically mean a product is recyclable. Instead, it identifies the plastic material so recyclers can sort and process it correctly.
Understanding these codes helps consumers:
• Recycle plastics correctly
• Reduce contamination in recycling streams
• Improve recycling efficiency
• Support the production of recycled plastic materials
• Reduce landfill waste and ocean pollution
At Ivory Phar Inc., we encourage businesses and consumers to understand these plastic recycling symbols so they can make environmentally responsible decisions.
Why Plastic Recycling Numbers Matter
Every year, hundreds of millions of tons of plastic are produced worldwide. Without proper sorting and recycling, much of this plastic ends up in landfills, rivers, and oceans.
Knowing your plastic recycling symbols helps:
• Improve recycling rates
• Reduce plastic waste
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions
• Preserve natural resources
• Support the circular economy
• Increase demand for recycled plastic scrap
Proper recycling begins with correctly identifying each plastic type.
The 7 Plastic Recycling Numbers Explained
Plastic #1 – PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PET is one of the most commonly recycled plastics worldwide.
Common Uses
• Water bottles
• Soft drink bottles
• Cooking oil bottles
• Peanut butter jars
• Food packaging
Recyclability
PET is highly recyclable and can be transformed into:
• Polyester clothing
• Carpet fibers
• Packaging straps
• Recycled PET pellets
• New plastic bottles
Because of its excellent recyclability, PET remains one of the most valuable recyclable plastics.
Plastic #2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is a durable plastic known for its strength and chemical resistance.
Common Uses
• Milk jugs
• Detergent bottles
• Shampoo bottles
• Chemical containers
• Plastic crates
• Pipes
Recyclability
HDPE is widely accepted by recycling facilities and is commonly processed into:
• Recycling bins
• Plastic lumber
• Drainage pipes
• Outdoor furniture
• HDPE regrind
• Recycled HDPE pellets
HDPE is among the easiest plastics to recycle.
Plastic #3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is widely used in construction because of its durability.
Common Uses
• Plumbing pipes
• Vinyl flooring
• Window frames
• Medical tubing
• Cable insulation
Recyclability
PVC is difficult to recycle because it contains additives and chlorine that complicate processing. Specialized recycling facilities are generally required.
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| PET rolls scrap |
Plastic #4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
LDPE is valued for its flexibility and moisture resistance.
Common Uses
• Shopping bags
• Bread bags
• Shrink wrap
• Plastic film
• Squeeze bottles
• Packaging film
Recyclability
Although historically difficult to recycle through curbside programs, many recycling facilities and retail collection programs now accept LDPE film scrap.
Recycled LDPE can become:
• Trash bags
• Plastic lumber
• Shipping envelopes
• Composite decking
• Recycled LDPE pellets
Plastic #5 – PP (Polypropylene)
Polypropylene offers excellent heat resistance and durability.
Common Uses
• Yogurt containers
• Bottle caps
• Food containers
• Automotive parts
• Medical equipment
• Storage bins
Recyclability
PP recycling continues to expand globally.
Recycled polypropylene is commonly used for:
• Automotive components
• Industrial fibers
• Storage containers
• Plastic pallets
• Battery cases
Plastic #6 – PS (Polystyrene)
Polystyrene is lightweight but presents recycling challenges.
Common Uses
• Foam cups
• Egg cartons
• Disposable plates
• Packaging foam
• Take-out containers
Recyclability
Because of its low density and contamination issues, PS is among the least recycled plastics.
Specialized recycling programs may accept clean polystyrene foam.
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| HDPE bottle scrap |
Plastic #7 – Other Plastics
Category 7 includes all plastics that do not fit into categories 1 through 6.
Examples include:
• Polycarbonate (PC)
• ABS
• Nylon
• Acrylic (PMMA)
• Bioplastics
• Mixed plastics
Recyclability
Recyclability varies significantly depending on the material composition.
Many Category 7 plastics require specialized recycling technologies.
Why Proper Plastic Sorting Is Important
Sorting plastics correctly is essential for producing high-quality recycled materials.
Incorrectly sorted plastics can contaminate entire recycling batches, reducing material quality and increasing processing costs.
Proper sorting allows recyclers to produce:
• Recycled plastic pellets
• Plastic regrind
• Plastic flakes
• Industrial plastic compounds
• New plastic packaging
At Ivory Phar Inc., proper sorting is fundamental to maintaining the quality of recycled plastic scrap supplied to manufacturers worldwide.
Environmental Impact of Improper Plastic Recycling
Improper disposal of plastics has serious environmental consequences.
Contaminated Recycling Streams
Mixing non-recyclable plastics with recyclable materials reduces recycling efficiency and increases operational costs.
Landfill Waste
Many plastics require hundreds of years to decompose.
During this period, they occupy valuable landfill space while slowly breaking down into microplastics.
Ocean Pollution
Millions of tons of plastic enter oceans annually, threatening marine ecosystems and wildlife.
Plastic waste harms fish, birds, turtles, and other marine animals through ingestion and entanglement.
Resource Depletion
Every plastic item sent to landfill instead of being recycled increases demand for virgin plastic production, requiring more petroleum, energy, and natural resources.
Increased Carbon Emissions
Manufacturing virgin plastic generates significantly higher greenhouse gas emissions than producing recycled plastic materials.
Choosing recycled plastics helps reduce overall carbon footprints.
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Tips for Effective Plastic Recycling
Everyone can help improve recycling by following a few simple practices.
Learn Local Recycling Guidelines
Different municipalities accept different plastic types.
Always verify which plastics your local recycling program accepts.
Check the Recycling Number
Look for the resin identification code before placing plastics in the recycling bin.
Clean Plastic Containers
Remove food residue and liquids before recycling.
Clean plastics improve recycling quality.
Keep Materials Dry
Wet recyclables can contaminate paper products and reduce recycling efficiency.
Avoid Bagging Recyclables
Loose recyclables move more efficiently through automated sorting systems.
Plastic bags should typically be recycled separately at designated collection points.
Separate Different Plastic Types
Mixing plastics makes recycling more difficult.
Proper separation increases recovery rates.
Choose Reusable Products
Reducing single-use plastics remains one of the most effective ways to decrease plastic pollution.
Reusable containers, bottles, and shopping bags significantly reduce plastic waste.
The Role of Recycled Plastics in the Circular Economy
Recycling transforms discarded plastics into valuable raw materials that can be reused repeatedly.
The circular economy reduces dependence on virgin materials while lowering waste generation.
Recycled plastics are widely used in industries including:
• Packaging
• Automotive manufacturing
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Consumer goods
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Industrial products
High-quality recycled plastic materials help manufacturers reduce costs while meeting sustainability goals.
Ivory Phar Inc.: Supporting Sustainable Plastic Recycling
At Ivory Phar Inc., sustainability is at the core of our business. We specialize in supplying high-quality plastic scrap, recycled plastic pellets, plastic regrind, and post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial (PIR) plastic materials to manufacturers and recycling companies worldwide.
Our product portfolio includes:
• PET bottle scrap
• HDPE scrap
• LDPE film scrap
• LLDPE film scrap
• PP scrap
• ABS scrap
• PMMA (acrylic) scrap
• Polycarbonate (PC) scrap
• Plastic regrind
• Recycled plastic pellets
By promoting responsible recycling practices and supplying reliable recycled plastic materials, we help businesses reduce waste, conserve resources, and build a more sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do the numbers inside the recycling symbol mean?
The numbers identify the type of plastic resin used to manufacture the product. They help recycling facilities sort plastics correctly.
Which plastic recycling number is the easiest to recycle?
PET (#1) and HDPE (#2) are the most widely accepted and recycled plastics worldwide.
Does every recycling symbol mean the plastic is recyclable?
No. The symbol identifies the plastic type, but local recycling programs determine whether that material is accepted.
Why is plastic sorting important?
Proper sorting prevents contamination, improves recycling efficiency, and increases the quality of recycled plastic products.
Can plastic be recycled more than once?
Many plastics can be recycled multiple times, although material quality may gradually decline depending on the polymer and recycling process.
Final Thoughts
Understanding plastic recycling numbers empowers consumers and businesses to recycle smarter, reduce waste, and protect the environment. By recognizing the seven plastic resin identification codes, properly sorting plastic waste, and supporting recycled materials, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
At Ivory Phar Inc., we believe responsible recycling is essential for building a circular economy. Whether you're a manufacturer, recycler, or environmentally conscious consumer, every correctly recycled plastic roll scrap item helps conserve natural resources, reduce landfill waste, and minimize plastic pollution for future generations.
E-mail: sales@ivorypharinc.com
Website: https://ivorypharinc.com
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