Terminology Reference | As of March 2026
Glossary and FAQs for Plastic Recycling Decisions
Use this page as an operating reference when drafting packaging claims, writing disposal instructions, or training teams on what belongs in recycling streams.
Who
Anyone writing, reviewing, or approving packaging and recycling claims should use this glossary to reduce communication and compliance errors.
What
This page translates high-impact recycling terms into plain language with references to U.S. regulatory and technical guidance.
Where
Most confusion happens at labels, bins, and product pages, where symbols and claims are often interpreted incorrectly.
Why
EPA reports plastics at an 8.7% recycling rate in its latest full national dataset, so clear sorting communication has outsized impact.
How
Use precise terms, pair each claim with disposal instructions, and update language whenever local acceptance or policy requirements change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the recycling symbol (#1-#7) mean the item is recyclable in my curbside program?
No. EPA states the symbol identifies resin type and does not guarantee that your local program accepts the item.
Can I recycle pizza boxes with grease stains?
Usually yes if food scraps are removed. EPA and AF&PA both indicate pizza boxes are broadly recyclable in paper systems.
Are compostable plastics recyclable?
No. EPA guidance says compostable plastics are not intended for recycling streams and should be routed to accepted compost programs if available.
Is any "biodegradable" claim automatically trustworthy?
No. FTC Green Guides treat unqualified degradable claims as deceptive when complete breakdown does not occur within one year after customary disposal.
What does FDA say about microplastics in food today?
FDA says current evidence does not indicate microplastic or nanoplastic levels in food create a human health risk, while research continues.
Core Terms in Plain Language
- Resin Identification Code (RIC)
- A numbering system (#1-#7) that identifies plastic resin type. It is a material identifier, not a universal recycling acceptance label.
- Wishcycling
- Placing uncertain items in recycling bins "just in case." This increases contamination risk and can reduce processing efficiency.
- Compostable Plastic
- Plastic designed for specific composting conditions. It should not be placed in conventional recycling streams.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
- A policy framework that assigns producers financial and operational responsibility for post-consumer packaging management.
- Degradable/Biodegradable Claim
- An environmental marketing claim regulated by FTC guidance; claims require substantiation aligned to real disposal conditions and timelines.
Resin Code Reference Table
EPA emphasizes that acceptance varies by local program, even when items share the same resin code.
| Code | Material | Common Examples | Operational Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) | Beverage bottles and clear food containers | Commonly accepted, but verify local list for caps, labels, and trays. |
| #2 | HDPE (High-density polyethylene) | Milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles | Commonly accepted in curbside programs. |
| #4 | LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) | Plastic bags and films | Usually not for curbside; often routed to store drop-off programs. |
| #5 | PP (Polypropylene) | Yogurt tubs, some food containers, caps | Acceptance varies by program and item shape. |
| #6 | PS (Polystyrene) | Foam cups, foam takeout containers | Frequently restricted or not accepted in curbside systems. |