Standard resin-code formPlastic resin identification
Plastic resin code 3 — PVC
3 PVC identifies Polyvinyl chloride. It does not by itself confirm that the item is accepted by a local recycling service.
3 PVCInternationalcode format standardised through ASTM in North America
At a glance
What this symbol means
The resin identification code identifies the predominant plastic resin family as Polyvinyl chloride. It is primarily a material-sorting code.
The resin number identifies polymer type. Local collection rules still determine whether the specific package or product is accepted.
Recognition
How to recognise it
- Look for the number 3 with PVC or V.
- The mark may be moulded into a rigid part or printed on packaging film.
Typical applications
Where it commonly appears
- pipes and profiles
- blister packs
- some bottles, films and flooring products
Practical decision
How to sort or dispose of it
- Check a local or specialist route; many household programs do not accept every PVC format.
- Keep construction PVC separate from packaging collections.
- Treat medicine blister packs according to pharmacy or local specialist guidance.
Before disposal or return
- Empty packaging and remove product residue.
- Do not burn PVC.
- Separate easy-to-remove paper or metal components only when local rules request it.
Avoid contamination
Common mistakes
Putting pipes or flooring in a packaging bin.
Assuming a blister pack is recyclable because it carries code 3.
Mixing PVC with garden or bulky-waste routes without checking.
Important limitation
What it does not mean
The triangular code is not a universal recycling approval, does not describe contamination, and does not tell you whether the local service accepts that product format.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does 3 PVC mean the item is recyclable?
No. It identifies the resin. Collection, sorting capacity, contamination and end markets determine whether the exact item is accepted.
Why can two items with the same code have different instructions?
Shape, size, colour, additives, labels, food residue and whether the item is packaging can change how a local facility handles it.
Should I follow the number or the local disposal label?
Use the number to identify material, then follow the product-specific and local disposal instruction.
Verification
Sources
ASTM D7611/D7611M — Resin Identification Coding SystemOpen source ↗U.S. EPA — How to recycle common materialsOpen source ↗
Sources checked 15 August 2026
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