What Do Plastic Recycling Numbers Mean?
Understand the resin identification codes 1–7 on plastic products and learn which types are actually recyclable in India.
The Resin Identification Code
The number inside the triangular recycling symbol on plastic products is the Resin Identification Code (RIC). It identifies the type of plastic resin used. A higher number does NOT mean the plastic is more recyclable — in fact, the opposite is often true in India.
1 — PETE or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Common uses: Water bottles, soft drink bottles, cooking oil bottles, peanut butter jars, salad dressing containers.
Recyclable in India? Yes. PET is the most widely recycled plastic in India. The recycling rate is about 60–70%. Recycled PET (rPET) is used for polyester fibre, new bottles, and strapping.
Safety: Generally safe for single use. Avoid reusing PET bottles for water — they can leach antimony and harbour bacteria.
2 — HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Common uses: Milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent containers, garbage bags, pipes, buckets.
Recyclable in India? Yes. HDPE has a good recycling rate. It is easy to recycle and has high value for recyclers.
Safety: Considered safe. Does not leach chemicals easily.
3 — PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Common uses: Pipes, cable insulation, flooring, blister packs, window frames, credit cards.
Recyclable in India? Rarely. PVC recycling is limited due to its chlorine content and the release of toxic dioxins during processing. Most PVC waste goes to landfill.
Safety: Contains phthalates and other additives that can leach. Avoid for food storage.
4 — LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
Common uses: Plastic bags, cling wrap, squeeze bottles, bread bags, garbage bags.
Recyclable in India? Limited. LDPE bags can be recycled if clean and dry, but most mixed plastic waste streams reject LDPE. Some dedicated recycling programs exist.
Safety: Generally considered safe.
5 — PP (Polypropylene)
Common uses: Yogurt containers, ice cream tubs, bottle caps, straws, lunch boxes, medicine bottles, car parts.
Recyclable in India? Yes, increasingly. PP has good recycling value and is collected by most kabadiwalas. It is the fastest-growing segment of plastic recycling in India.
Safety: Considered safe. Microwave-safe grades exist.
6 — PS (Polystyrene)
Common uses: Disposable cups and plates, takeaway containers, CD cases, packaging foam (thermocol), yoghurt cups.
Recyclable in India? Very limited. PS and EPS (thermocol) are rarely recycled in India. They are lightweight, bulky to transport, and have low scrap value. Most goes to landfill.
Safety: Can leach styrene, especially when heated. Avoid using for hot food or drinks.
7 — Other (Mixed or Other Plastics)
Common uses: Baby bottles, water cooler jugs, multi-layered packaging (chips packets, biscuit wrappers, toothpaste tubes), polycarbonate, PLA (bioplastics).
Recyclable in India? No. Category 7 includes multi-layered plastics (MLP) which are not recyclable by conventional methods. This is the “reject” waste that goes to landfill.
Safety: Varies widely. Polycarbonate (PC) may leach BPA. Avoid for food storage when possible.
What This Means for Indian Households
| Code | Recyclable in India | Kabadiwala Accepts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (PET) | Yes | Yes | Most valuable |
| 2 (HDPE) | Yes | Yes | Good value |
| 3 (PVC) | Rarely | No | Avoid buying |
| 4 (LDPE) | Limited | Sometimes | Reduce use |
| 5 (PP) | Yes | Yes | Growing market |
| 6 (PS) | No | No | Avoid where possible |
| 7 (Other) | No | No | Includes MLP — minimize |
How to Reduce Problem Plastics
- Choose glass, metal, or paper packaging over plastic where possible
- Avoid multi-layered plastic packaging (shiny, crinkly wrappers — category 7)
- Carry reusable bags, bottles, and containers
- Buy products in PET, HDPE, or PP — the recyclable ones
- Support brands using mono-material packaging (easier to recycle)
Key Takeaways
- Numbers 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), and 5 (PP) are recyclable in India — give to kabadiwala
- Numbers 3 (PVC), 6 (PS), and 7 (Other) are not recycled — reduce or avoid
- Multi-layered plastic (category 7) is not recyclable — this includes most snack wrappers
- A higher number does not mean more recyclable; in India, 1, 2, and 5 are best
- The best way to deal with plastic is to reduce consumption at the source