Earth friendly products for a healthier planet
Filed byLeafy Luna

Plastic recycling numbers explained plainly

A code is not a promise.

Leafy

A code is not a promise.

18 May 2026

The short answer

The little number on plastic mainly identifies the material. It does not guarantee your council can recycle it.

11:00

A number in a triangle is not a tiny recycling contract.

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How to use it

Read the actual recycling label and your local collection rules. Keep the item clean, dry and in the right stream.

11:20

And do not put compostable plastics in ordinary plastic recycling unless the local instructions specifically say so.

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Sources and proof