Types of Plastics

In an attempt to bring order to plastics classification for recycling purposes, the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) devised some voluntary codes in 1988.
They are commonly called SPI codes, and the numbers within the recycling arrows refer to different types of plastic resins.

There is no federal regulation governing the types of symbols you see stamped to plastic, so you can not be certain of consistency from state to state.

However, with SPI codes, it is generally safe to assume some consistency.

• PET (polyethylene terephthalate): plastic soft drink bottles, water bottles, beer bottles, mouthwash bottles and many more
• HDPE (high density polyethylene): milk bottles, detergent bottles, oil bottles, toys, plastic bags
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride): food wrap, vegetable oil bottles, blister packaging
• LDPE (low density polyethylene): bread bags, frozen food bags, squeezable bottles, fiber, tote bags, bottles, clothing, furniture, carpet, shrink-wrap, garment bags
• PP (polypropylene): margarine and yogurt containers, caps for containers, wrapping to replace cellophane
• PS (polystyrene): egg cartons, fast food trays, disposable plastic silverware
• Other: This code indicates that the item is made with a resin other than the six listed above, or a combination of different resins.