Recycling symbols show up on nearly every package you own, but seeing that familiar triangle of chasing arrows does not always mean an item belongs in your blue bin. Many shoppers assume any logo with arrows signals curbside recyclability, when in reality the numbers inside that symbol describe a plastic's resin type, not whether it will actually get recycled.
Understanding what these codes mean, and why some plastics get processed while others get rejected, helps reduce contamination and improves how well materials move through the recycling stream. This guide breaks down the history of the symbol, the seven resin categories, and what businesses can do to make their packaging easier to recycle.
- The numbers 1 through 7 inside recycling symbols are Resin Identification Codes, not proof that an item is curbside recyclable.
- Gary Anderson designed the chasing arrows logo in 1970; the Society of the Plastics Industry added the resin numbers in 1988.
- Only #1 PET and #2 HDPE plastics are widely accepted in curbside recycling programs nationwide.
- Plastics #3 through #7, including PVC, LDPE, polypropylene, and polystyrene, are rarely accepted curbside.
- Local equipment, market demand, and sorting technology determine which plastics a facility actually processes.
- Clear labeling and sustainable material choices help businesses reduce recycling contamination.
- Checking with your local recycling facility is the only reliable way to know what it accepts.
The 7 plastic resin codes found inside recycling symbols and their curbside recyclability
| Resin Code and Plastic Type | Common Uses | Recyclable? |
|---|---|---|
| #1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) | Water bottles, soda bottles, food containers | Widely accepted in curbside bins |
| #2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) | Milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles | Widely accepted in curbside bins |
| #3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | Pipes, vinyl flooring, shower curtains | Rarely recycled due to toxic additives |
| #4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) | Plastic bags, poly mailers, squeezable bottles | Not curbside recyclable, but accepted at thin film collection sites |
| #5 PP (Polypropylene) | Yogurt containers, takeout containers, medicine bottles | Sometimes accepted, depending on local facilities |
| #6 PS (Polystyrene / Styrofoam) | Disposable cups, packing peanuts, egg cartons | Rarely recycled, difficult to process |
| #7 Other (Mixed Plastics, Bioplastics, etc.) | BPA-containing plastics, multi-layered packaging | Generally not recyclable |
The History Behind Recycling Symbols
The now-familiar chasing arrows recycling symbol was created in 1970 by Gary Anderson, a 23-year-old architecture student, for a design competition held by the Container Corporation of America. At the time, the symbol represented the general idea of recycling and environmental responsibility, but it was not tied to a standardized system for materials.
Later, in 1988, the Society of the Plastics Industry introduced the Resin Identification Code, the numbers 1 through 7 placed inside the recycling symbol, to help classify different types of plastics based on their resin composition. This system was never meant to indicate that an item is universally recyclable. Instead, it was designed to help recycling facilities determine how to sort and process different plastics.
Not All Plastics Are Recyclable: The 7 Types Explained
Despite the presence of the chasing arrows symbol, not all plastics can or will be recycled. The reason is that plastics are made from hundreds of different resin formulas, and only a fraction of them are recyclable in standard facilities. The table above breaks down the seven major plastic types and how likely each one is to be accepted.
The Harsh Reality: Hundreds of Plastic Variations
Beyond these seven categories, there are hundreds of plastic variations that make recycling even more challenging. Some plastic products are made from a combination of different resins, laminated layers, or chemically altered materials, which makes them impossible to recycle in standard facilities.
Even within the same resin category, variations in color, additives, or material structure can affect whether a plastic can be processed efficiently. Clear PET (#1) water bottles are easier to recycle than colored PET, which contains dyes that can interfere with the process. Black plastic containers are often rejected because recycling machines cannot detect them properly, and compostable bioplastics (#7) cannot be mixed with traditional plastics because they break down differently.
Why Do Some Recycling Facilities Accept Certain Plastics and Not Others?
Unlike aluminum or glass, which have well-established recycling markets, plastic recycling varies from place to place because there is no federal or global standard for how it should work. Every city or region has different recycling equipment, market demand for recycled material, and sorting capabilities, which is why the same plastic item can be accepted in one town and rejected in the next.
Relative Curbside Acceptance by Resin Type
Qualitative comparison based on How2Recycle and The Recycling Partnership national access data. Actual acceptance varies by facility.
For this reason, it is always important to check with your local recycling facility to see what materials it accepts before assuming an item belongs in the bin.
The Role of Businesses in Sustainable Packaging
Businesses play a crucial role in making recycling more accessible and effective. By using clear, accurate labeling and sustainable materials, brands can help customers make informed disposal decisions. A few best practices stand out:
- Use clear recycling instructions that indicate whether the packaging is curbside recyclable, requires special drop-off, or is not recyclable at all.
- Opt for sustainable materials, choosing packaging that is widely accepted in curbside recycling programs whenever possible, such as recycled kraft paper mailers.
- Educate consumers by using packaging as a tool to help customers properly sort and dispose of their waste.
EcoPackables' full sustainable mailers collection, including recycled poly mailers made from post-consumer content, is built to help brands lower their packaging footprint while giving customers clearer, more sustainable disposal options.
Smarter Recycling for a Circular Economy
Recycling is a powerful tool, but only when done correctly. Consumers should always check with their local recycling facilities to understand what they accept, while businesses should strive to simplify the process with clear labeling and sustainable packaging choices.
By working together, brands and consumers can reduce waste contamination, improve recycling efficiency, and move toward a more circular economy. Smarter recycling starts with understanding what those symbols actually mean, not just spreading them more widely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the numbers inside recycling symbols actually mean?
Does a recycling symbol on packaging mean it is recyclable?
Which plastic types are widely accepted in curbside recycling?
Why do some recycling facilities accept certain plastics and reject others?
Are poly mailers recyclable?
How can businesses make their packaging easier to recycle?
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