What are those numbers on plastic packages? And what do they recycle into?

The resin identification codes on packaging tell you what kind of plastic it is. Please remember that you still need to check your local recycling rules to see which types are accepted for recycling in your local area. The resin code is not a "recyclable" symbol.

Resin codes also help plastic reclaimers know what is coming into their recycling facility. Reclaimers are the people at the heart of recycling. They sort, wash, and grind up the plastic so it can be used to make new products.

Here are some examples of what types of packaging typically have these resin codes, and just a few of the recycled items that they become.

Thank you for recycling right, and for choosing recycled products. It all starts with you!