This document lists the 7 main types of plastic used in recycling by their recycling symbol, abbreviation, full polymer name, and common uses. Type 1 is PETE or PET plastic, commonly used for bottles, fibers, and sheets. Type 2 is HDPE plastic, used for bottles, bags, jugs, bins, and other containers and durable goods. The remaining types are: type 3 is PVC or V plastic; type 4 is LDPE plastic; type 5 is PP or polypropylene; type 6 is PS or polystyrene; and type 7 covers other plastics like acrylic and nylon.

1. Recycling
number
Image
Unicod
e
Symbol
Abbreviatio
n
Polymer name Uses
1 U+2673 PETE or PET
Polyethylene
terephthalate
Polyester fibres, thermoformed
sheet, strapping, and soft drink
bottles
2 U+2674 HDPE
High density
polyethylene
Bottles, grocery bags, milk jugs,
recycling bins, agricultural pipe,
base cups, car stops,
playground equipment, and
plastic lumber
3 U+2675 PVC or V
Polyvinyl
chloride
Pipe, fencing, and non-food
bottles
4 U+2676 LDPE
Low density
polyethylene
Plastic bags, 6 pack rings,
various containers, dispensing
bottles, wash bottles, tubing,
and various moulded laboratory
equipment
5 U+2677 PP Polypropylene
Auto parts, industrial fibres,
food containers, and dishware
6 U+2678 PS Polystyrene
Desk accessories, cafeteria
trays, plastic utensils, toys,
video cassettes and cases, and
insulation board and other
expanded polystyrene products
(e.g., Styrofoam)
7 U+2679 OTHER or O
Other plastics,
including acrylic,
acrylonitrile
butadiene
styrene,
fibreglass, nylon,
polycarbonate,
and polylactic
acid
Bottles, plastic lumber
applications