Recycling Symbols on Water Bottles: What the Numbers Really Mean

The resin identification code (RIC) — the number inside the chasing arrows — identifies plastic type, NOT recyclability. This widespread misconception leads to contamination.

The 7 Resin Codes

Code	Polymer	Common Water Bottle Uses	Recyclability (US Typical)
1	PET / PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	Single-use water/soda bottles	Widely accepted (curbside)
2	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	Milk jugs, some reusable bottles	Widely accepted
3	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	Rare for bottles; some specialty	Rarely accepted (toxic additives)
4	LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	Squeezable bottles, lids	Limited (store drop-off)
5	PP (Polypropylene)	Reusable bottles, caps, yogurt cups	Increasingly accepted (check local)
6	PS (Polystyrene)	Rare for water; some cups	Rarely accepted
7	Other (PC, PLA, Tritan, blends)	Reusable bottles (Nalgene, CamelBak), bioplastics	Rarely accepted (except PLA in industrial compost)

Why the Symbol Misleads

• Chasing arrows ≠ "recyclable" — originally meant "recycled content" or "identification"
• ASTM D7611 standardizes identification only
• No federal recyclability mandate; entirely local
• MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) capabilities vary wildly

What Actually Determines Recyclability

1. Local program acceptance: Check city/county website or waste hauler
2. Form factor: Bottles > clamshells > films (tangles machinery)
3. Color: Clear > colored > black (NIR sorting fails on black)
4. Condition: Empty, rinsed, cap ON (caps too small loose)
5. Market demand: No buyer = landfill/incineration regardless of collection

Water Bottle Best Practices

• Best: Reusable stainless steel, glass, or #5 PP bottle — eliminate single-use
• If single-use: #1 PET, empty, rinse, cap on, recycle per local rules
• Avoid: #3 PVC, #6 PS, #7 PC (BPA concern), black plastic
• Caps: Leave on bottle (industry standard now)
• Labels: OK to leave; removed in wash process

Beyond Recycling

• Reduce: Carry reusable bottle; refill stations
• Reuse: Single-use PET not designed for reuse (degradation, bacterial growth)
• Advocate: Support bottle bills, EPR, recycled content mandates

The number tells you what it's made of. Your local program tells you if it's recyclable. They are not the same.