What Today's Plastic
Becomes Tomorrow

That number on the bottom of your water bottle or yogurt container
is code for the type of plastic youˇ¦ˇ¦re holding. Below are examples of
some products for each number and what they may become when recycled. A light, quick rinse is recommended before recycling to
help keep insects and rodents out.

Plastic 1
Recycle these:
  • Bottles for Mouthwash, Soft Drinks, Water, Beer
  • Peanut Butter Containers
  • Salad Dressing and Vegetable Oil Containers
  • Ovenable Food Trays
They Become:
  • Polar Fleece
  • Furniture
  • Fiber
  • Carpet
  • Tote Bags
  • Wall Paneling
Plastic 2
Recycle these:
  • Bottles for Milk, Juice, Shampoo, Bleach
  • Containers for Detergent, Household Cleaners
  • Butter and Yogurt Tubs
They Become:
  • Detergent Bottles
  • Pens
  • Lumber
  • Picnic Tables
  • Oil Containers
  • Floor Tile
  • Fencing
  • Doghouses
  • Recycling Bins
  • Drainage Pipe
  • Benches
Plastic 3
Recycle these:
  • Bottles for Window Cleaner, Detergent, Shampoo, Cooking Oil
  • Clear Food Packaging
They Become:
  • Decks
  • Roadway Gutters
  • Speed Bumps
  • Wall Paneling
  • Flooring
  • Mats
  • Mud Flaps
  • Cables
Plastic 4
Recycle these:
  • Squeezable Bottles
  • Some Food Storage Containers
They Become:
  • Compost Bins
  • Floor Tiles
  • Lumber
  • Wall Paneling
  • Shipping Envelopes
  • Trash Cans & Liners
Plastic 5
Recycle these:
  • Bottles for Syrup, Ketchup, Medicine
  • Some Yogurt Containers
  • Caps
They Become:
  • Signal Lights
  • Brushes
  • Landscape Borders
  • Auto Battery Cases
  • Battery Cables
  • Ice Scrapers
  • Bicycle Racks
  • Pallets
  • Brooms
  • Bins
  • Rakes
  • Trays
Plastic 6
Recycle these:
  • Disposable Plates and Cups
  • Carry-out Containers
  • Meat Trays
  • Egg Cartons
They Become:
  • Insulation
  • Air Vents
  • Foam Packing
  • Egg Cartons
  • Rulers
  • Light Switch Plates
  • Carry-out Containers
Plastic 7
Recycle these:
  • 3- and 5-Gallon Water Bottles
  • Some Food Containers
They Become:
  • Plastic Lumber
  • Custom-made Products