Standard resin-code formPlastic resin identification
Resin code 5 — PP polypropylene
5 PP identifies Polypropylene. It does not by itself confirm that the item is accepted by a local recycling service.
5 PPInternationalcode 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 Polypropylene. 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 5 with PP.
- The code may appear on the base of a tub, cap or moulded component.
Typical applications
Where it commonly appears
- food tubs and takeaway containers
- caps and closures
- medicine pots, crates and woven sacks
Practical decision
How to sort or dispose of it
- Check whether the local service accepts pots, tubs, trays and closures.
- Do not assume woven PP sacks or durable household products use the same route.
- Separate metal springs or pumps when the local operator requests it.
Before disposal or return
- Empty food and liquid.
- Remove absorbent liners or non-packaging contents.
- Keep medical or hazardous contamination out of ordinary recycling.
Avoid contamination
Common mistakes
Assuming every PP item is accepted because tubs are accepted.
Putting full or food-soiled takeaway containers in recycling.
Confusing PP with polystyrene when the code is hard to read.
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 5 PP 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.
Direct answer
Open the matching question guide
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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