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4 Steps to Understanding Recycling Logos on Plastic Containers

Interpreting the symbols and numbers on packaging can be confusing. Understanding recycling logos on plastic containers is essential to avoid mistakes. You may have noticed the numbers surrounded by arrows on the bottom of plastic containers. Additionally, there may be another logo on the label that looks completely different—this is called the ARL (Australasian Recycling Label) logo. While both are informative, they serve two very different purposes. The most critical thing to remember is this: The numbers on plastic containers do NOT mean the plastic is recyclable.

Let’s dive into what these codes really mean and how the ARL label is designed to guide us toward how to properly dispose of plastic containers.

1. What are the Numbers on the Bottom of Plastic Containers?

The numbers on plastic containers are part of the Plastic Identification Code (PIC), an international system designed to identify the plastic resin type used in an item. These codes range from 1 to 7, each corresponding to a specific plastic:

1 PET Plastics Identification Code
2 HDPE Plastic Identification Code
3 PVC Plastics Identification Code
4 LDPE Plastic Identification Code
5 PP Plastics Identification Code
6 PS EPS Plastics Identification Code
7 Other Plastics Identification Code

Here’s the essential point: the numbers only tell you what type of plastic an item is made from, not whether it can be recycled locally. Each resin type has different recycling processes and requirements; not all types can be recycled everywhere. Therefore, seeing a number with arrows around it doesn’t necessarily mean tossing it in your kerbside recycling bin is the right choice.

Check out the image to learn more about the Plastic Identification Codes

Plastic Identification Code on bottom of a bottle

2. The ARL Logo – The Real Guide to Recycling in Australia

The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) is your true guide for how to dispose of packaging. Unlike the plastic identification codes, the ARL logo is designed specifically for Australia and New Zealand to help consumers recycle correctly, with instructions based on local recycling systems.

The ARL logo breaks down each part of the packaging and tells you what to do with it:

ARL logos on label
Sample of ARL Bottle Recycling Logo

RECYCLABLE
Place this item in your recycling bin.

Sample CAP ARL Recycling Logo

NOT RECYCLABLE
Please dispose of it in your general waste bin. This is not recyclable.

Sample of Conditionally recycle ARL Logo

CONDITIONALLY RECYCLABLE
Follow the instructions below the symbol and place this item in your recycling bin. If you are unable to follow the instructions, please dispose in your general waste bin.

plastic ARL check locally logo

CHECK LOCALLY
This item may be recyclable. Use the interactive local recycling tool on arl.org.au to check for local recyclability options. If no options are available locally, you will be prompted to place the item in the general waste bin.

3. Key Differences: Plastic Identification Codes vs. the ARL

Plastic Identification Codes ARL Logos
PURPOSE Plastic Identification Codes tell us the resin type. The ARL guides us on correctly disposing of each item.
RECYCLABILITY Plastic identification codes don’t mean an item is recyclable; they simply classify the plastic. The ARL, on the other hand, offers clear guidance on recyclability.
LOCAL RECYCLABILITY Plastic identification codes are international and don't provide knowledge of local recyclability options. The ARL is tailored to local recycling facilities in Australia and New Zealand, which may differ significantly from international systems on which the plastic identification codes are based.

4. Why It Matters

Following the ARL logo helps prevent “wish-cycling”—the common mistake of placing non-recyclable items in the recycling bin, hoping they’ll be processed. Understanding recycling logos on plastic containers is key to avoiding this issue. Incorrect items can disrupt recycling systems, cause contamination, and even lead to entire batches being sent to landfill. 

These issues also drive up labour costs, making recycled plastic more expensive to produce than virgin plastic. However, the more we recycle correctly, the lower these costs become, encouraging businesses to use more recycled materials.

When in doubt, trust the ARL label—not the plastic identification codes—for accurate recycling guidance.

Visit our page on sustainable packaging to learn how we are working towards reducing single-use plastic. 

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