Plastic Identification Chart

The Plastic Identification Chart (PIC) was developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc.. The chart was developed to provide a uniform system for the identification of the types of plastics that are in common use through the different polymers that are used in each of the numbers. The chart helps recyclers separate different types of plastic polymers so that they can be reprocessed. Consumers recognize the seven types of identification numbers by the digit that is contained inside the traditional "chasing arrows" that represent recycling. However, while the numbers inside the chasing arrows are usually found on the sides or bottoms of most plastic products, some products such as plastic film are not conducive to the printing of the PIC.

For the most part, plastic film that is used for the manufacture of plastic bags is either a #2 or a #4 plastic. Other plastics constitute such a small percentage of the commonly encountered plastic bags that they are not discussed here. The most frequently encountered types of plastic bags are the ubiquitous grocery bag, dry cleaning and laundry bags, retail store bags, the wrap around paper towels and toilet paper, and newspaper bags. These types of bags and their kin are the ones that should be targeted for community recycling programs. These types of bags should be distinguished from unacceptable plastic bags such as those used for prepackaged food bags (including both frozen food bags and those used for prewashed fresh salads and vegetables), cling wrap used for food (such as fresh meat products), films which have been painted or have an excessive amount of glue, and similar products.

The Plastic Identification Chart

PIC	Type of Plastic Polymer	Basic Properties	Commonly Encountered Uses
	Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)	Clear, very strong, resists breakage, extremely good barrier to moisture	Soft drink and bottled water containers, salad dressing bottles, peanut butter jars, jam and jelly jars
	High Density Polyethylene	Rigidity, very strong, very resistant to breakage, good resistance to moisture, is permeable to gas	Milk containers, juice bottles, water bottles, trash bags and retail bags
	Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or V)	Extremely versatile, is clear, easily blended with other polymers, is strong and resistant to breakage	Juice bottles, some cling films, piping for water. There is a small percentage of plastic bags made from polyvinyl chloride, but they are generally used in bags made for promotional purposes.
	Low Density Polyethylene	Easy to work with, strong, resistant to breakage, flexible, good barrier to moisture, is easily sealed	Food bags for frozen foods, use as a squeezable bottle for foods (e.g., honey, mustard), cling films, flexible container lids
	Polypropylene	Strong, tough, resistant to heat, chemicals, grease and oil, very versatile, good barrier to moisture	Microwave dishes, kitchenware, yogurt containers, margarine tubs, disposable cups and plates. There is a small percentage of plastic bags made from polypropylene, but these bags are not often encountered by the general consumer. Because of the attributes of the polymer, these bags are more often used for durable shipping bags and some agricultural uses.
	Polystyrene	Very versatile, easily worked with	Egg cartons, packing peanuts, disposable dishware, utensils and take-away food containers
	Other	Often a polycarbonate product with attributes depending upon the polymers or combination of polymers	Beverage bottles, baby milk and juice bottles, electronics packaging and casings