Plastic Recycling Chart

Resin Identification Code        
AbbreviationPET or PETEHDPEPVCLDPEPPPSOTHERPLA
Polymer NamePolyethylene TerephthalateHigh-Density PolyethylenePolyvinyl ChlorideLow-Density PolyethylenePolypropylenePolystyreneAll Other PlasticsPolylactic Acid
RecyclableCommonly RecycledCommonly RecycledSometime RecycledSometime RecycledOccasionally RecycledCommonly Recycled (but difficult to do)Difficult to RecycleCompostable
% Recycled Annually36%30~35%<1%6%3%34%LowLow
Time to Decompose5~10 years100 yearsnever500~1000 years20~30 years50 yearsnever6 months
Toxicity LevelHighLowHighLowLowHighHigh
Max Temperature70°C (158°F)120°C (248°F)70°C (158°F)80°C (176°F)135°C (275°F)90°C (194°F)135°C (275°F)150°C (302°F)
Brittleness Temperature-40°C (-40°F)-100°C (-148°F)-30°C (-22°F)-100°C (-148°F)0°C (32°F)-20°C (-4°F)-135°C (-211°F)60°C (140°F)