Santa Clara University

Plastic containers typically have a triangle stamp on their undersides, containing a number. This number is the Resin Code, i.e. the type of plastic used to make the container.

1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE/PET #1)
   Most commonly used for soda botles, water bottles, shampoo bottles, peanut butter jars, etc.
2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE #2)
   Most commonly used for milk, water, and juice bottles, detergent bottles, yogurt and margarine containers, grocery bags, etc.
3. Polyvinyl Chloride aka Vinyl (PVC #3)
   Most commonly used for clear food packaging, shampoo bottles, etc.
4. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE #4)
   Most commonly used for bread bags, frozen food bags, squeezable bottles like mustard, etc.
5. Polypropylene (PP #5)
   Most commonly used for ketchup bottles, yogurt and butter containers, etc.
6. Polystyrene (aka. Styrofoam) (PS #6)
   Most commonly used for meat trays, egg cartons, hot beverage cups, plates, etc.
7. Other (#7)
   Ketchup, large water bottles, etc.
    

Uses once recycled:

1. PET: Fibers, soft drink bottles.
2. HDPE: Bottles, grocery bags, recycling containers, playground equipment, plastic lumber.
3. PVC: Pipe, fencing, and non-food bottles.
4. LDPE: Plastic bags, 6-pack rings, tubing, some laboratory equipment.
5. PP: Auto parts, dishware, food containers.
6. PS: Cafeteria trays, toys, desk accessories, insulation.
7. Other: Unknown.