Plastic Recycling Codes Guide: What Do Numbers 1-7 Mean?

Understanding Plastic Recycling Codes: The Basics

Knowing what plastic items are accepted in your mixed recycling bin can be confusing. A helpful place to start is by checking the bottom of the item for a plastics identification code. Click here for a one page printable guide.

Complete Guide to Each Plastic Code (1-7)

Code 1 – PET/PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Clear, tough plastic used for soft drink, juice, and water bottles. Common examples: water bottles, some salad dressing bottles.

Code 2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

A common white or coloured plastic, usually opaque. Common examples: milk bottles, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers.

Code 3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Hard, rigid clear plastic, often used for packaging and some bottles. Common examples: cordial bottles, some blister packaging.

Code 4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

Soft, flexible plastic found in squeezable packaging. Common examples: sauce bottles, some lids, flexible containers.

Code 5 – PP (Polypropylene)

Hard but slightly flexible plastic, often used for food packaging. Common examples: takeaway containers, microwaveable ware, yoghurt tubs, ice cream containers, jam containers.

Code 6 – PS (Polystyrene)

Rigid, brittle plastic that can break or crack easily. Common examples: small tubs, margarine or butter containers, some disposable cutlery.

Code 7 – Other (Mixed Plastics)

Includes all other types of plastic, including layered or composite materials. Common examples: sports drink bottles, large water cooler bottles, sunglasses, acrylic items, nylon.

How to Find Plastic Recycling Codes on Products

Plastic identification codes are usually found on the bottom or underside of plastic containers and packaging. The code appears as a number (1–7) inside a triangle made of arrows. Beneath the triangle, the plastic type may also be abbreviated (e.g. PET, HDPE).

• Look underneath bottles, tubs, lids, and containers.
• The triangle may be raised, printed, or stamped into the plastic.
• On some soft or flexible items, the code might be printed on a label or tag instead.

Which Plastic Codes Are Recyclable in Australia?

In most parts of Australia (including Melbourne), the majority of plastic codes 1 to 7 are accepted in kerbside recycling if the item is a rigid plastic container (like bottles, tubs, or jars).

At KS Environmental, we accept all plastic containers 1–7 in our commingled recycling stream. However, not all councils process every type, so it’s always best to check with your local council or refer to Recycling Near You.

What Happens to Each Type of Recycled Plastic?

Once plastics are collected through your kerbside recycling, they are sorted, cleaned, and processed into raw materials for new products. The final use depends on the type of plastic and how easily it can be recycled. Here’s a quick overview of what happens to each code:

Code 1 – PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Often recycled into:

• New drink bottles
• Food containers
• Clothing and carpets

PET is one of the most commonly recycled plastics and can be processed into new packaging or used in manufacturing.

Code 2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

Often recycled into:

• Shampoo bottles
• Pipes and buckets
• Outdoor furniture
• Recycling bins

HDPE is durable and widely recycled in Australia. It’s ideal for creating sturdy, long-lasting items.

Code 3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

• Limited recycling in household systems.
• Some recycling programs process PVC into pipes, floor tiles, or building materials.

Code 4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

• Can be recycled if it’s rigid (e.g. squeeze bottles)
• Reused in bin liners, floor tiles etc.

Soft LDPE (like cling wrap or bags) is no longer accepted in kerbside bins and may only be processed via specialty drop-offs, many of which are currently paused in Australia.

Code 5 – PP (Polypropylene)

Often recycled into:

• Storage containers, and pallets.
• Plant pots, lunch boxes, and automotive parts.

This plastic is increasingly being recovered in Australia and has a strong reuse potential.

Code 6 – PS (Polystyrene)

• Hard PS (e.g. some tubs) may be recycled.
• Used for coat hangers, picture frames, and building insulation.

Expanded polystyrene (foam) is not recyclable in kerbside bins, it must go to landfill or specialty drop-off points (if clean and accepted).

Code 7 – Other (Mixed Plastics)

• Depends on the product.
• Includes bioplastics, acrylic, nylon, and layered plastics.

Sometimes downcycled into outdoor furniture or plastic lumber, but many types are not recyclable and go to landfill.

In general, plastics are often downcycled, turned into lower-quality products, rather than endlessly reused for the same purpose. That’s why reducing plastic use is just as important as recycling it.

Common Plastic Recycling Mistakes to Avoid

• Putting soft plastics in the recycling bin: Plastic bags, wrappers, and cling film should never go in your kerbside bin, they cause contamination and machinery issues.
• Keeping the lid on: Unless your local Council advises otherwise, remove the lid an throw it into the general waste bin.
• Recycling dirty or food-contaminated containers: Scrape out leftover food but a quick rinse is enough, heavily soiled containers can spoil the whole recycling batch.
• Recycling plastics without a code: If an item doesn’t have a plastic identification code (1–7), it’s safer to place it in general waste.
• Including non-recyclable plastics like expanded polystyrene foam: Foam containers usually aren’t accepted in kerbside recycling and must be disposed of separately.

To learn more about plastic recycling and how our services can help you manage waste responsibly, please get in touch with us.