31 March 2022 17:03

Which recycling codes are recyclable?

Which Plastics Are Recyclable By Number?

  • #1: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
  • #2: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
  • #3: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
  • #4: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
  • #5: PP (Polypropylene)
  • #6: PS (Polystyrene)
  • #7: Polycarbonate, BPA, and Other Plastics.

What numbers can be recycled in Australia?

Here we explain the type of plastic relating to each symbol.

  • 1 – PET or Polyethylene Terephthalate. The easiest plastic to recycle. …
  • 2 – HDPE or High Density Polyethylene. …
  • 3 – PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride. …
  • 4 – LDPE or Low Density Polyethylene. …
  • 5 – PP or Polypropylene. …
  • 6 – PS or Polystyrene. …
  • 6 – PS or Polystyrene. …
  • 7 – Other.


How do you know if a product is recyclable?

Recyclable plastic usually comes with a little recycling symbol printed on the bottom and depending on the product, there might be a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 stamped in the center of the symbol. It’s easy to miss, but this tiny digit is actually pretty important, because it’s an ID.

Which plastic numbers are recyclable?

Which Plastics Are Recyclable By Number?

  • #1: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
  • #2: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
  • #3: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
  • #4: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
  • #5: PP (Polypropylene)
  • #6: PS (Polystyrene)
  • #7: Polycarbonate, BPA, and Other Plastics.


How do I know if plastic is recyclable?

On-pack recycling label (OPRL)



Recycling labels tell you what type of packaging a product has and whether the packaging is recyclable. If it is recyclable, the label will also show whether you can pop the packaging in your household recycling bin or if you’ll need to take it to your local recycling centre.

Can number 5 plastic be recycled?

Polyolefins #2, 4 and 5



The material identification codes for polyolefins are numbers 2, 4 and 5. These numbers are used when sorting for recycling and will also tell you that the item should go into your recycling bin or bag!

How do you read plastic codes?

Plastics by the Numbers

  1. #1 – PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) …
  2. #2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) …
  3. #3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) …
  4. #4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) …
  5. #5 – PP (Polypropylene) …
  6. #6 – PS (Polystyrene) …
  7. #7 – Other (BPA, Polycarbonate and LEXAN)


What do recycle codes mean?

Recycling codes are used to identify the different material from which an item is made, to facilitate easier recycling process.

Can all the plastic be recycled?

In principle, almost all plastic can be recycled. However, in practice, there are a variety of different barriers that can undermine this process. Unfortunately, it does not always make environmental, economic, or technical sense to do so.

What is widely recycled?

Widely Recycled – Rinse



Rinsing packaging, like food trays, removes food residue. This means it doesn’t contaminate other recycled materials. This is especially important if they are collected together with paper. It also reduces the attraction for vermin in the recycling sorting centres.

Can plastic bags be recycled?

You can recycle plastic bags and packaging, but don’t put them in your home recycling bin! You’ll need to drop them off at your local grocery store.

Can cooker handles be recycled?

Ans. Recyclable: Toys, carry boys, cooker handles, ball point pen, plastic chairs, electric wire Rest can’t be recycled.

Which of the following Cannot be recycled?

Plastic toys, cooker handles, carry bags, ballpoint pens, plastic chairs. The other remaining items are non-recyclable.

What can I put in recycle bin?

Items you can put in your recycling

  • Glass bottles and glass jars.
  • Tin, steel and aluminium cans, including empty aerosols.
  • Plastic bottles from your kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
  • Clear plastic food containers.
  • Pizza boxes (remove any leftover food)
  • Newspapers, magazines, advertising mail and envelopes.

Can you put pizza boxes in recycling?

Recycle at home



Pizza boxes are usually recyclable, even when stained or greasy as long as they are empty.

Do you need a bin tag for recycling?

You don’t need to buy tags for your recycling bins as recycling collections are funded through your property rates.

Can you put window envelopes in recycling?

Window envelopes and tissue boxes can be recycled. You don’t need to separate the plastic film from the paper as this will done at the recycling plant.

Can mailing bags be recycled?

Typically, most envelopes and mailing bags are, in essence, recyclable. They are also eminently reusable, so while it may seem daunting to have to separate windows from envelopes, bubble packing from paper and paper labels from plastic mailing bags, you may well be able to find other uses for these things.

Can you recycle receipts?

Most receipts can’t be recycled because of their composition. Most of the receipts we receive in shops are made from thermal paper. This means that instead of using ink on standard paper, chemicals in the thermal paper react with heat in order to display the required text on your receipt.

Can you recycle magazines?

Yes, that’s right, like almost everything, magazines are recyclable. Rather than have them litter around, you can recycle them. And this will involve a step by step process where you turn them back to paper. In turn, you and others can then use this paper for various purposes.

Can glossy cardboard be recycled?

Shiny or glossy cardboard can be recycled, such as a toothpaste box. Waxed cardboard cannot be recycled, which you can identify by scratching off the wax.

Can glossy photos be recycled?

Glossy photographs are often made with a plastic, so cannot be recycled because the plastic would contaminate paper recycling.

Can you recycle postcards?

Postcards can be recycled using your local council’s kerbside recycling bin, bag or box and at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre. Remember to check that they don’t contain any plastic or glitter, and any personal information has been removed before recycling.

Can paper with pencil be recycled?

Paper that has been written on using a black or blue pen, or has been printed on from an ink printer can be recycled. For the most part, ink does not negatively affect the paper fibers and the paper fibers can still go through the recycling process.

Can you recycle paper with highlighter on it?

If you’ve printed on it, written on it, or drawn on it, throw it into your recycling bin.