What do the recycle numbers mean?

Recycling by the numbers....  

The number on the bottom of containers indicates the type of plastic and if it can be easily recycled.  #2, #4, and #5 plastic makes for perfect building materials - smooth and uniform. 

#1 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is used and recycled the most. It is flimsy and easily crushed commonly used to hold soda, water, or juice.  The best way to recycle these is through your curbside service.

#2 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is greatly used and recycled. It is thicker  plastic found in milk jugs, cleaners, grocery bags, bubble wrap, food containers, and bottle caps.

#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is not recycled due to toxins it omits when melted. PVC generally shows up in water/sewage house pipes, siding, kids toys, etc.

#4 Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is more flexible than HDPE. It mostly found in different types of bags (dog food, bread, newspaper, grocery, sandwich, and toilet paper).  It also is common in Home Depot/Lowes buckets and flower pots.

#5 Polypropylene (PP) is known for food packaging. PP light weight while being flexible. You can find it in yogurt containers, Tupperware, take out containers, and some bottle caps.

#6 Polystyrene (PS) is not as commonly used.  This plastic makes CD cases, disposable plastic cups/plates, kids toys, food trays, and more.

#7 Other is generally made out of a mixture of different plastics. This particular plastic makes baby bottles, kids toys, eyeglass lenses, and car parts.