What plastics can be recycled?

You’d be surprised how many everyday plastics can actually get a second life through recycling—if they’re sorted correctly. While most of us toss plastic bottles and containers into the recycling bin without a second thought, the reality is far more nuanced. Not all plastics are created equal when it comes to recyclability, and understanding the differences can make or break the recycling process. Let me walk you through the most common types of recyclable plastics and why some are recycling superstars while others end up in landfills despite our best intentions.

The Recycling Champions: PET and HDPE

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or #1 plastic) is the golden child of recycling—it’s what your soda bottles and salad containers are made of. What makes PET so recyclable? Its polymer chains stay relatively stable during processing, allowing it to be melted down and reformed multiple times without significant quality loss. High-density polyethylene (HDPE or #2 plastic), used for milk jugs and shampoo bottles, follows closely behind. I’ve seen recycling facilities transform these materials into everything from polyester fibers for clothing to plastic lumber for outdoor decks. The key? These plastics maintain their properties well through multiple recycling cycles.

The Problem Children: PVC and Mixed Plastics

Now here’s where things get tricky. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or #3 plastic) gives recycling facilities headaches—and not just because of its stubborn nature. When PVC accidentally ends up in a PET recycling stream, the chlorine content can release toxic hydrochloric acid during processing. And those multi-layer snack bags? Forget about it—they’re a nightmare to separate. I once visited a facility where workers had to manually pick out these contaminating items, slowing down the entire operation. It’s no wonder many municipalities simply don’t accept these problem plastics.

PP and LDPE: The Middle Ground

Polypropylene (PP or #5 plastic) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE or #4 plastic) occupy an interesting middle ground. Your yogurt containers and some food wrappers fall into this category. While technically recyclable, many facilities don’t process them simply because they’re not as valuable as PET or HDPE. It’s a classic chicken-and-egg situation—without sufficient volume, recycling programs can’t justify the specialized equipment needed, but without collection programs, the volume never materializes. Some innovative companies are now stepping in to fill this gap, creating dedicated streams for these overlooked plastics.

Why Recycling Symbols Can Be Misleading

Here’s something that might surprise you: that chasing arrows symbol with a number inside? It doesn’t actually mean an item is recyclable. It simply identifies the plastic type. I’ve lost count of how many well-meaning people I’ve seen contaminate recycling bins with #6 polystyrene (think Styrofoam) because they assumed the symbol meant it could be recycled. The truth is, only about 9% of all plastic ever produced has actually been recycled. Part of the problem lies in this very confusion—what looks recyclable often isn’t in practice.

The Future of Plastic Recycling

Emerging technologies like electrostatic separation (which uses electrical charges to sort different plastics) and advanced chemical recycling methods are starting to change the game. These innovations might finally make it possible to recycle plastics we currently consider non-recyclable. But until these solutions become widespread, the most effective thing we can do is understand which plastics our local facilities actually accept—and clean them properly before recycling. After all, a pizza box with grease stains or a peanut butter jar with residue can contaminate an entire batch of otherwise good recyclables.

At the end of the day, plastic recycling isn’t just about tossing items in the right bin—it’s about understanding the complex systems that make recycling possible. The more we know about which plastics can be recycled and why, the better we can contribute to keeping materials in use and out of landfills.