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Home > Recycle > Plastics #1 and #2 Recycling
Plastics 1 & 2  by: Shea Hazarian 	http://www.flickr.com/photos/sheasphotos/2833119425/

Most plastics #1 and #2 can be recycled in your commingled recycling container at your home, business, apartment, or school (see below for exceptions).

You can also recycle them at the locations listed at the bottom of this page.

Plastics #1 and #2 are the most common types of plastic containers and the most easily recyclable. They are also the most likely to have a California Redemption Value (CRV) associated with them. Check out our CRV page for more information.

What do the numbers mean?

Numbers identify what type of plastic it is, and they're important when the materials get recycled.

#1 - PET or PETE

  • Full Name: Polyethylene Terephthalate
  • Large bottles or containers that once held a liquid (recyclable if clean)
  • Salad dressing bottles and other food and drink containers (recyclable if clean)
  • Glossy, rigid containers (usually clear or green) that sink in water, such as clamshell containers that hold fruits and vegetables (not currently recyclable)

#2 - HDPE

  • Full Name: High Density Polyethylene
  • Rigid containers that usually have a milky or solid color
  • Milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, or any other large container that once held a liquid (recyclable if clean)
  • Plastic bags (not recyclable at curbsideread about other options)

Do I need to remove the caps?

For plastic bottles thrown into your curbside recycling bin, no, you don't need to remove the caps. If you bring your plastic bottles to a CRV redemption center though, you'll need to remove the caps to ensure that no liquids remain inside.

Where can I find more tips for recycling plastics #1 and #2?

Take a look at our Plastic Recycling page or the Recycling FAQ page for more information and tips.

How do I get the CRV?

The California Refund Value is available for beverage containers. Some of the sites below are buyback centers, but not all of them. Check out our CRV Page for details, but if you see "California Refund Value" on a location listed below, it should be a buyback center. Redeem away!

Where to go

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