Plastic Recycling by Number: Why It's Misleading—And How Standardized Recycling Bin Labels Fix the Confusion
- Alexa Green
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 17
Update: Jul 17
Ever wonder what those little numbers (1 through 7) stamped inside the chasing arrows triangle on plastic containers mean. They're called Resin Identification Codes (RICs), and they were created in the 1980s by the plastics industry as a way to distinguish between different types of plastic.
But here’s the catch:
These numbers were never intended for the public.
Both the number and the chasing arrow symbol on packaging often don’t indicate whether something is recyclable where you live or where you're visiting.
Even if two containers share the same number (i.e. #1), they may be made of different materials and not universally accepted in recycling programs.
These days, the most consistently recycled plastics are plastic bottles with a neck.
#7, for example, is a vague catch-all category that includes many non-recyclable plastics.
If you came here to learn if your #3 plastic container is recyclable: When in doubt, throw it out. If the bin doesn't specifically show you, you risk contaminating the entire recycling load. When plastics are accepted, that typically only means plastic bottles with a "neck" (i.e. plastic water bottles, milk jugs, etc.).
In short: Recycling numbers tell you what type of plastic something is made of NOT whether your local recycling facility will accept it.
This confusion has had serious consequences:
Increased contamination in recycling streams
Higher costs to municipalities, businesses, and individuals
More recyclables in landfills, worsening emissions and climate impacts
Breakdown of the circular economy, driving more resource extraction and waste
Reduced public trust
Recycling fails when people are confused. Inconsistent and misleading packaging information in addition to inconsistent or non-exist recycling bin labels is a major reason why contamination rates are high, and recycling programs break down. Recycle Across America (RAA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded to fix this.
So, How Do We Fix The Confusion?
Recycle Across America's mission is to make it easy for every individual, school, business, and municipality to recycle right. And the way we do that? By standardizing the way recycling, compost, and trash bins are labeled nationwide.
The National Movement to Standardize Recycling Bin Labels
Imagine if every neighborhood had to create its own stop sign. Some signs may be blue. Some may show a skull and crossbones pictogram. Some communities may not develop a sign at all.
The result — driving would be confusing and dangerous.
That’s exactly what’s happening with recycling. Each bin looks different. Some have vague or outdated labels. Many don’t have a label at all. People are stuck relying on packaging labels that don’t apply to local rules.
The standardized recycling bin labels are like national traffic signs:
The methodology for how the information is presented stays the same.
The messaging is clear.
Even though information varies depending on local needs, the presentation is always familiar and easy to follow.
The standardized labels allow individuals, schools, businesses to apply the label that matches their municipality or recycling hauler’s actual recycling guidelines, but are designed using a consistent, easy-to-understand format that removes guesswork.
When adopted nationally, just like traffic signs, you won’t have to relearn the system when you go from one city to the next. There would be no need to Google, “is _______ recyclable” because the standardized label on the bin will show you what is accepted locally.
Proof the Standardized Labels Work
To date, there are over 10 million standardized labels displayed nationwide and those using the standardized labels report major improvements in recycling rates, contamination reduction, and cost savings:
Municipal Pilots:
In Miami Beach, a pilot in nine high-rise buildings dropped recycling contamination levels from 54% to just 6% (a nearly 90% reduction!).
Schools:
Orange County Public Schools saved over $369,000 in hauling fees in one year.
Clark County School District saved $6 million in two years.
National Parks:
Denali, Yosemite, and Grand Teton saw a 100% increase in recycling rates.
Contamination dropped to <3% in Denali and 8% in Yosemite.
States & Cities:
Rhode Island experienced a 20% drop in rejected truckloads after installing 100,000+ labels.
Winter Park, CO saw a 28% increase in recycling levels.
Events:
At the 2018 Super Bowl, 91% of the 69 tons of waste was successfully recycled after installing the standardized labels. It was the first zero waste Super Bowl in US history.
Airports:
Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport saw a 28% drop in contamination in just six months.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever...
In an age of greenwashing, confusing packaging, and misinformation, it's more important than ever to restore truth and trust in recycling. People need to know what to do at the bin quickly, clearly, and confidently.
This is not just a local solution. It’s a nationwide movement to fix a broken system and protect the planet.
By bringing standardized bin labels to every school, business, home, and public space, we can:
Reduce contamination
Increase recycling levels
Save taxpayer dollars
Create a circular economy
Help protect our planet
Bring truth to recycling
The Bottom Line
Plastic numbers were never meant to guide the public. Society-wide standardized bin labels are. Let’s Recycle Right!
To find the standardized label right for your community visit us at https://www.recycleacrossamerica.org/labels
And to learn more about how you can partner with Recycle Across America email us at info@recycleacrossamerica.org
