Understanding Recycling Symbols: A Quick Guide for Smarter Recycling
Recycling is an essential part of reducing waste, making the best use of the resources that we have available and promoting a more sustainable world, so here are your plastic recycling codes explained . Yet, people can be confused by the range of recycling symbols on plastic items. Misinterpreting these symbols can lead to contamination of recycling streams, making it harder for recycling companies to process materials. This is why Aylesbury Granulation only accept segregated rigid plastics.
In this blog, we break down the common recycling symbols you might encounter, what they mean, and how you can make smarter choices as a consumer or business. Please bear in mind that Aylesbury Granulation only deal with post industrial waste. We are not able to help with consumer recycling.
Why Recycling Symbols Matter
Recycling symbols are more than just icons—they’re guides that help consumers, businesses, and recyclers identify the type of plastic and whether it can be recycled within each particular business. Understanding them ensures that recyclable materials end up in the right place, helping to support the circular economy and avoiding landfill.
The Seven Plastic Resin Identification Codes
These are the most common recycling symbols found on plastic products, represented by a number inside a triangle made of arrows. Number 7 historically used to refer to “unrecyclable plastics” but this is now longer the case. Here are your plastic recycling codes explained:
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – #1
Found in: Soft drink bottles, trays and pots.
Recyclable by us: Yes. Generally as redundant packaging stocks
Reused for: Bottles and containers.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – #2
Found in: Crates, pipes, bins and pallets
Recyclable by us: Yes. Highly recyclable.
Reused for: Pipes, plastic lumber, recycling bins.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – #3
Found in: Construction and building
Recyclable by us: Yes, but only on a toll basis
Reused for: Making more construction and building products
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – #4
Found in: Shrink wrap, bags
Recyclable by us: Production purgings on a toll basis
Reused for: Bin liners, floor tiles.
PP (Polypropylene) – #5
Found in: Buckets, crates, trays, lids
Recyclable by us: Yes, this is our biggest volume polymer
Reused for: Buckets, crates, etc.
PS (Polystyrene) – #6
Found in: Disposable coffee cup lids, trays
Recyclable by us: Yes
Reused for: making more PS products
Other (Miscellaneous) – #7
- Includes polycarbonate, nylon, ABS, PCABS
Found in: crates, wheels, containers
Recyclable by us: Yes, do not avoid, contrary to some advice
Other Common Symbols to Know
♻ Mobius Loop: Indicates that a product is recyclable. Does not guarantee it’s accepted everywhere.
Green Dot: Signifies that the manufacturer contributes to recycling schemes, not that the product is recyclable.
Compostable Logo: Marks materials that are industrially compostable, not recyclable.
Making Recycling Work for Everyone
Understanding these symbols is the first step in improving recycling habits in your business and at home, therefore. It is critical to get this right and we are always on hand to help with any rigid plastics you have for recycling (subject to a 1 tonne minimum).
Final Tips
Always check our plastic recycling codes explained —these will help you to make the best decision.
When in doubt, leave it out. Non-recyclables can contaminate good batches.
Encourage your employees to become recycling-literate, to ensure the quality of your waste resources.
Image courtesy of ChatGPT, so excuse the hilarious typos!
