What do the recycling numbers on plastic actually mean?

If you flip over just about any plastic bottle, tub or container, you’ll spot a little triangle with a number from 1 to 7 printed inside of it. For most of us, we glance at this number and assume it means “yep, this is recyclable” and put it in the yellow bin.

But the thing is, that’s not what it means at all. In fact, that number is telling you something else entirely – leading to some of the most common recycling mistakes going around. We’ll clear that up for you below.

So what are the numbers actually for?

Okay so let’s take it waaaay back to 1988. This is when the US plastics industry created the Plastics Identification Code (sometimes also known as the Resin Identification Code). That code made its way down to Australia in 1990. 

The point of the code is pretty simple: it tells you what type of plastic something is made from. That’s it, that’s the whole thing. 

It was designed for the recycling industry so that sorting facilities can quickly identify and separate different plastics (because they all melt and behave a bit differently).

What the numbers are absolutely NOT for is to tell you whether your local council will actually accept your piece of plastic. In fact, and this is honestly a bit weird, the triangle isn’t even a proper recycling symbol; it just happens to look exactly like one. Most of the 7 codes aren’t even recyclable. 

The 7 plastics identification codes explained

As mentioned, not all of the PICs actually feature recyclable plastics that will be accepted in your kerbside bin. So here’s what makes it in and what has to be left out:

As a general rule of thumb, anything marked 1, 2, or 5 is a safe bet as most Aussie councils will accept them in the yellow bin. But codes 3, 4, 6, and 7 aren’t usually accepted and as such, they’ll need to go in your red (general waste) bin. 

What label should you actually look for?

So, knowing that the PIC isn’t the answer, what is? Say hello to the Australasian Recycling Label, or ARL for short.

The ARL came to the fore in 2018 when it was launched in Australia and New Zealand. The point of the ARL is to do exactly what the numbered triangles don’t. Instead of a cryptic code from 1-7, it gives you instructions in plain-English about what to do with each component of your rubbish. So it’ll tell you what to do with the lid, the tub and the sleeve all separately. 

It uses three simple markings:

• Recyclable (a solid symbol): straight in the yellow bin.

• Conditionally Recyclable: recyclable if you follow the instructions, like rinsing it or scrunching it first.

• Check Locally: it might be recyclable in your area, so check the tool at recyclingnearyou.com.au.

The bottom line

The number on your plastic isn’t useless, but it’s definitely misunderstood. So next time you’re standing at the bin and guessing where it goes, look to the ARL for guidance. And while we’re on the topic of standing at the bin, did you know that having colour-coded waste bins is one of the easiest ways to improve your waste sorting at home? It’s a small change making a big difference in keeping our waste out of landfills. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the numbers inside the recycling triangle mean?

They're a Plastics Identification Code, showing what type of plastic an item is made from. They were designed to help recyclers sort plastics – they don't tell you whether an item can go in your kerbside bin.

Which plastic numbers can be recycled in Australia?

Generally, codes 1, 2 and 5 are accepted in most council kerbside bins. Codes 3, 4, 6 and 7 usually aren't, and should be checked locally or placed in the general waste bin.

Does the triangle symbol mean the plastic is recyclable?

No. The triangle-with-a-number looks like a recycling symbol but isn't one; it only identifies the plastic type. For actual recycling instructions, look for the Australasian Recycling Label instead.