♻️ Resin Code Quick Guide
Understand your plastics. Make smarter choices.
Knowing these codes helps you recycle correctly and choose better materials.
What is a Resin Code?
Resin codes are the numbers inside the ♻️ symbol found on plastic products.
They tell you what type of plastic the item is made from — not whether it is recyclable everywhere.
Understanding resin codes helps:
✅ Reduce contamination in recycling bins
✅ Support a circular economy
✅ Choose safer, more sustainable products
✅ Protect our environment and oceans
| Code | Plastic Type | Common Uses | Can Be Reheated? | Recyclable? |
| 1 | PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) | Water bottles, soda bottles | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (widely) |
| 2 | HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) | Milk jugs, detergent bottles | ⚠️ Low heat only | ✅ Yes (widely) |
| 3 | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | Pipes, food wraps | ❌ No | ⚠️ Rarely |
| 4 | LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) | Plastic bags, squeeze bottles | ⚠️ Low heat only | ⚠️ Limited |
| 5 | PP (Polypropylene) | Food containers, straws | ✅ Yes | ✅ Growing |
| 6 | PS (Polystyrene) | Foam cups, takeout boxes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Very limited |
| 7 | Other (Mixed plastics) | Sunglasses, multi-layer packaging | ⚠️ Varies | ⚠️ Very low |
Note : Recycling rates and environmental impacts are based on global estimates from OECD, UNEP, and Science Advances research.
Quick Facts
- PET (Code 1) is the most recycled plastic worldwide.
- HDPE (Code 2) is highly durable and easy to recycle.
- PVC (Code 3) and PS (Code 6) are difficult and harmful to recycle.
- Code 7 (“Other”) includes mixed materials — hard to recycle.
- Remember: ♻️ symbol = material type, not guaranteed recyclability!
Learn More & Take Action
🔎 Visit our EcoHub booth for a hands-on demo!
🛒 Check out our products made from recycled plastics.
🌎 Join our community to create a cleaner future.