1. PETE (SPI code 1): PETE (also known as PET) stands for plastics that are made with polyethylene terephthalate. PETE plastic is known to be strong, thermo-stable, lightweight, and shatter-resistant. This type of plastic makes containers that are most commonly found on store shelves and in family pantries. Water and soda bottles are made from PETE plastic, as well as the jars of food items such as peanut butter or nuts. Containers made from this type of plastic often absorb external odors and flavors into its contents. PETE plastic can also be used to make other household items like rope and combs. PETE plastic is recyclable and makes up a large portion of plastics that are recycled.

2. HDPE (SPI code 2): Plastic made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is used in larger food and drink containers, like milk and juice jugs, as well as in non-food containers, such as those for shampoos, conditioners, bleaches, and motor oil. HDPE plastic is also used in the manufacturing of toys. Unlike PETE products, HDPE doesn’t allow any cross-contamination of chemicals, odors, and flavors. HDPE plastics are solvent-resistant, and are known for their high tensile strength and stiffness. Like PETE plastic, HDPE plastic is recyclable.

3. PVC (SPI code 3): You’ve probably heard of PVC pipes. PVC, which stands for polyvinyl chloride, is commonly found in plumbing pipes, tiles, and flooring. This type of plastic is relatively inexpensive and resists acids and solvents. PVC plastic bottles are used for salad dressings, vinegar, and mineral oil. Shampoo bottles and other cosmetic products are also sometimes packaged with PVC. PVC plastics are not often recycled.

4. LDPE (SPI code 4): LDPE stands for low-density polyethylene. It is similar to HDPE but is more transparent and less rigid. LDPE plastic is marked by its softness and flexibility, and is costlier than HDPE. Squeezable bottles and plastic container lids are made from LDPE. Because of its capabilities, LDPE plastic is more often used to make shrink wrap, sandwich bags, and grocery bags. LDPE plastic isn’t commonly recycled.

5. PP (SPI code 5): Plastic made from PP, or polypropylene, is a strong, durable plastic that is capable of handling high temperatures. It is used in the manufacturing of Tupperware and other food containers; prescription medicine bottles; and packaging for yogurt, syrup, ketchup, and margarine. PP plastic is also used to make various car parts; plastic diapers; and lab equipment for schools, universities, and chemical companies. PP plastic is not commonly recycled.

6. PS (SPI code 6): PS plastic’s scientific name is polystyrene. The most common form of PS plastic is XPS (extruded polystyrene), which is Styrofoam. XPS is popularly found in packing peanuts, packing foam, Styrofoam cups, and Styrofoam food boxes. Styrofoam is hard to recycle, so it often ends up in a landfill, or as pollution in beaches, lakes, and rivers, due to its seeming inability to biodegrade. PS is also used to make plastic food service items like cups, bowls, plates, and cutlery. It is also found in CD and DVD cases, the shells of smoke detectors, toys, coat hangers, and cable spools.

7. SPI code 7: This category includes many different types of plastic, all grouped together because they are not any the other six plastics and are difficult to recycle. Polycarbonate and polylactide plastics are part of this category. Goods made from this group of plastics are dubbed “number 7 plastics” and include large multi-gallon reusable water jugs, CDs, and baby bottles. Number 7 polycarbonates have been in the media spotlight in recent years due to the health concerns of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) used in the production of the plastic.

So what can recycled plastic containers be turned into? Recycled plastics can make a wide range of products that you and I rely on and use every single day:

* Recycled PETE plastic can be used to make “green” tote bags and carpet. Recycled water bottles and food containers are often made with PETE. You can also find recycled PETE in your winter clothes: it’s often turned into fleece jackets or fill for comforters and coats.

* Recycled HDPE is used in fencing and to make plastic crates and buckets. It’s also used in recycled bottles of shampoo, conditioner, detergent, or other household cleaners. Recycled HDPE can help beautify a home by being made into flower pots and picnic tables.

* Recycled PVC can be used to make a slew of homebuilding goods, such as fencing, decking, paneling, pipe, gutters, floor tiles, floor mats, and carpet backing. It is also used to make orange traffic cones and the mud flaps found on vehicles.

* Recycled LDPE is often turned into garbage cans and compost bins. It can also be made into floor tile, furniture around the house, and paneling.

* Recycled PP can have many outdoor uses. It is used to make ice scrapers, rakes, bicycle racks, brooms, and brushes. It also has applications for car maintenance. Recycled PP plastic products include car battery cases, signal lights, battery cables, and oil funnels.

* Recycled PS is found in thermal insulation and plastic moldings. It can be used to make rulers, desk trays, switch plates, camera or cassette casings, and license plate frames. It is used in the manufacturing of thermometers and egg shell cartons.

You can make better-informed decisions about what plastic containers to buy and which ones to ignore if you understand these different types of plastics. You can usually find the SPI code on plastic containers inside a triangle-like mark commonly used to signify recycling. Always check this classification code before recycling or reusing plastic containers.