Decoding the Numbers on Plastics: What They Really Mean for Recycling

Have you ever flipped over a plastic container and seen a number inside the little triangle? It looks like a recycling symbol, but unfortunately (and confusingly) that number doesn’t mean the item is recyclable. It’s actually a resin identification code that tells you what kind of plastic the item is made from - and not all plastics are created equal when it comes to recycling.

Let’s break it down: