Many containers have a small symbol on them, usually on the bottom. The symbol tells you what the container is made of, or how you might get rid of it. A symbol does not always mean the container can be recycled. Every town has its own recycling rules, so the meanings below are what the symbols typically mean.
The triangle with a number
A triangle with a number from 1 to 7 inside is a name tag for the plastic. It tells you which kind of plastic the container is made of. It does not mean the container can be recycled.
Newer containers show a plain triangle. Older containers show three arrows chasing each other in a triangle shape. If there is a number inside, both mean the same thing. They name the plastic.
- 1 PET. Clear, light plastic used for water and soda bottles and some food containers. Most recycling programs take it.
- 2 HDPE. Thicker plastic used for household cleaner bottles and some food containers. Most recycling programs take it.
- 3 PVC. Used for some toys and some shampoo and detergent bottles. It is hard to recycle.
- 4 LDPE. Soft, bendy plastic like thin bags. It can jam recycling machines, so it usually does not go in your home recycling bin. Some places collect it separately.
- 5 PP. Used for straws, cups and some food containers. Many programs take it, but check with your town.
- 6 PS. Foam cups and takeout boxes. Most recycling programs do not take it.
- 7 Other. Every plastic that does not fit numbers 1 to 6, including mixed plastics and some plant-based plastics. These are usually not recycled.
Three arrows in a loop, with no number
Three arrows chasing each other in a loop, with no number inside, usually means the item can be recycled, is made from recycled material, or both. If a percentage is printed with it, that number tells you how much of the package is made from recycled material. The loop does not promise that your town will take it.
Labels that tell you what to do
Some packages have a label with words that tell you what to do with each part.
- Widely recyclable. Most people in the US can put it in their recycling.
- Check locally. Only some towns take it. Check your town's recycling rules first.
- Not yet recyclable. Very few places can recycle it. It goes in the trash.
- Store drop-off. For plastic bags and wraps. Take them to a store that collects them instead of putting them in your home bin.
Compostable labels
- Home compostable. Made to break down in a backyard compost pile.
- Compostable or commercially compostable. Usually needs a large composting facility with high heat. It will not break down in a backyard pile or in nature.
Help us fill in the blanks
Our product pages do not list every container's recycling symbol yet. If you find the symbol on something you bought from us, or find that it has none, please send us a photo.
- Post it with #shopNUMENA, or
- Email it to info@shopNUMENA.com with the subject line Recycling Symbol, followed by the product name.