The 7 Types of Plastic—and How to Deal with Them

Do you ever wonder what the numbers inside the triangle on the bottom of plastic containers mean? Those numbers show that not all plastics are the same. In fact, there are 7 types of plastic, and each one is used for different things—and recycled in different ways. Understanding what these numbers mean can help you make smarter choices and keep more plastic out of the ocean and landfills.

When you toss plastic into the recycling bin, you probably think it’s being turned into something new—like another bottle or a piece of clothing. But in reality, that’s not usually what happens.

Most plastic doesn’t get recycled. In fact, only about 9% of all the plastic ever made has been recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, gets burned, or pollutes our environment—especially our oceans.

Here’s a quick guide to the different types of plastic

♳ 1 – PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Where you’ll see it: Water and soda bottles, salad dressing containers

Can it be recycled? Yes. Although curbside recycling programs accept it, it’s hard to know where it goes next. It might get downcycled into things like fleece jackets and carpeting. 

Tip: Rinse before recycling and remove the caps (they’re usually a different plastic).

Better choices: Reusable metal water bottles, salad dressing in glass containers

♴ 2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

Where you’ll see it: Milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent containers

Can it be recycled? Yes. This is one of the easiest plastics to recycle.

Tip: Try to reuse containers when you can—they’re sturdy!

Better choices: Buy milk in glass containers, shampoo in bars or metal containers, detergent sheets

♵ 3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Where you’ll see it: Pipes, shower curtains, credit cards, some food wrap

Can it be recycled? Not easily. Most recycling centers don’t take it.

Tip: Avoid it when possible—this type of plastic can release harmful chemicals.

Better choices: cash or paper checks (I definitely struggle with this one!), glass shower doors, ditch the plastic wrap

♶ 4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

Where you’ll see it: Grocery bags, bread bags, squeezable bottles

Can it be recycled? Sometimes. You’ll need to drop it off at special recycling bins, usually at grocery stores.

Tip: Use reusable bags instead!

Better choices: cloth grocery bags, bread from your local bakery, metal bottles

♷ 5 – PP (Polypropylene)

Where you’ll see it: Yogurt cups, takeout containers, medicine bottles

Can it be recycled? Yes, but not everywhere. Check your local recycling rules.

Tip: Look for reusable options for food containers and lunchboxes. I take my own container to restaurants for leftovers!

Better choices: yogurt in glass containers, metal food containers (I keep mine in the back of my car)

♸ 6 – PS (Polystyrene or Styrofoam)

Where you’ll see it: Foam cups, to-go food boxes, packing peanuts

Can it be recycled? Very rarely. It breaks easily and is bad for wildlife.

Tip: Avoid it when you can. Bring your own containers for takeout!

Better choices: Reusable mugs, metal food containers, paper packing material

♹ 7 – Other (Mixed Plastics)

Where you’ll see it: DVDs, sunglasses, 3- and 5-gallon water jugs

Can it be recycled? No. These plastics are often a mix and hard to recycle.

Tip: Be cautious—this category includes plastics with BPA, a chemical that can be harmful.

Better choices: music downloads, wooden sunglasses, reverse osmosis or water filter

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Be a Pro at the Different Types of Plastic!

Check the number inside the triangle symbol on plastic items.

Follow local recycling rules—they’re not the same everywhere!

Remember: Recycled plastics can sometimes be more dangerous than brand-new plastic! 

Every smart choice helps protect wildlife and keeps our planet cleaner!