What do the numbers and symbols on plastics mean?
While householders are encouraged to recycle as many items as possible, it's important to remember that not all plastics which show the plastic symbol (see the table below) mean that the item is automatically recyclable in a kerbside collection system.
If you use a yellow-lid bin for recycling, a handy tip to remember is that if it the plastic container:
- holds its shape when crumpled, and/or
- would hold liquid
then that item is suitable for recycling and can be placed into your yellow lid bin.
All rigid plastics labelled from 1 – 6 can be put in the kerbside recycling bin. However, lightweight polystyrene, such as used for meat trays, packaging (including foam packing 'peanuts') and hot drink cups should not be put in kerbside recycle bins.
Here's a quick guide to which plastics can and cannot be placed in your yellow lid recycling bin:
Symbol |
Type of plastic |
Characteristics |
Uses for this plastic |
Accepted in kerbside collection? |
 |
Polyethylene Terephthalate |
Clear, tough, solvent resistant plastic, often used as a fibre. | Carbonated soft drink bottles, detergent bottles. |  |
 |
High Density Polyethylene |
Very common plastic, usually white or coloured. | Milk and cream bottles, shampoo bottles, cleaning products. | |
 |
Polyvinyl Chloride PVC |
Hard, rigid plastic, may be clear. | Clear cordial and juice bottles. | |
 |
Low Density Polyethylene LDPE |
Soft, flexible plastic - waxy surface. | Squeeze bottles. | |
 |
Polypropylene PP |
Hard but still flexible plastic. | Ice cream containers and lids, plastic take away containers. | |
 |
Polystyrene PS |
Clear, glassy, rigid, brittle plastic. |
Yoghurt containers and margarine/ butter containers. | |
 |
OTHER | Includes all other plastics and soft plastics including acrylic and nylon. |  |
|
 |
Expanded Polystyrene EPS |
Foamed, light weight, energy absoring, heat insulating. | Packaging, meat trays, hot drink cups, foam packing 'peanuts'. | |
