Plastic codes and recycling

The Plastics Identification Code is stamped on all plastic products to identify the type of resin used. This code can also guide us in recycling our plastics. 

Code 1

PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) - Clear tough plastic such as soft drink, water bottles and juice bottles. Can be placed in your recycling bin. Remove plastic tops.

Triangular recycle symbol with 1 inside it and the letters PETE underneath

Code 2

HDPE (High-density polyethylene) - Common white or coloured plastic such as milk containers or shampoo bottles. Can be placed in your recycling bin. Remove plastic tops.

Triangular recycle symbol witd 2 inside it and the letters HDPE underneatd

Code 3

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride or plasticised polyvinyl chloride) - Hard rigid clear plastic such as cordial bottles. Cannot be placed in your recycling bin.

Triangular recycle symbol with 3 inside it and the letter V underneath

Code 4

LDPE (Low density polyethylene) – Soft flexible plastic such as plastic bags and sandwich bags. Cannot be placed in your recycling bin.

Triangular recycle symbol with 4 inside it and the letters LDPE underneath

Code 5

PP (Polypropylene) – Hard but flexible plastic such as microwave ware, takeaway containers, some yoghurt and ice cream containers. Can be placed in your recycling bin.

Triangular recycle symbol with 5 inside it and the letters PP underneath

Code 6

PS (Polystyrene) – foam hot drink cups and foam take way containers. Cannot be placed in your recycling bin.

Triangular recycle symbol with 6 inside it and the letters PS underneath

Code 7

Other – all other plastics, including acrylic and nylon. Cannot be placed in your recycling bin.

Triangular recycle symbol with 7 inside it and the word OTHER underneath

Colour matters!

No matter what plastic code it is stamped with, black plastic cannot be placed in your recycling bin. The optical sorting machinery is unable to 'see' black plastic.

Luckily, one of the most common black plastic products, plant pots, can be recycled locally at participating nurseries.

  • You can find out more on the PP5 website

What is being done about the plastics that can't be recycled?

Recycling projects and trials are underway for code 4 and code 3 plastic at several locations across Victoria. At the same time, many manufacturers are switching to paper instead of plastic for items such as bread tags and chocolate wrappers.

Single use Code 6 plastic food items are now banned in Victoria. While there still may be a few retailers using up old stock, no new stock will be available once this is gone.




Page last updated: Tuesday, 27 August 2024

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