Use a search engine. They are simple to use. Example, typing into the search bar on www.Google.com the words: plastic recycling codes returns MUCH info on the different codes.

Just a couple of the links are:

http://www.ides.com/resources/plastic-recycling-codes.asp

And one with photos:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/recycling-symbols-plastics-460321

Another link (out of 2,000,000 results) talks about the chemicals the different plastics are made of.

http://www.chemheritage.org/EducationalServices/faces/poly/readings/rec.htm

There are BILLIONS of webpages of answers on the www today. Get in the habit of using a search engine like Google to ask your questions, anytime of the day or night.

When you can't get an answer searching the www, then ask the question at CR4, there are people on here just waiting to expound eloquently THEIR version of the CORRECT answer! Most spout a little hot air once in a while, contributing to our global warming.

But, all in all, you will find belonging to CR4 an educational and fun (most of the time) forum to be a member of. Welcome!

Ken

Easier rule of thumb: If it's recyclable plastic, it was used for packaging. If not, not. For example PVC, as in plumbing supply,...not packaging and not recyclable usually.

I'm assuming you're speaking about consumer recycling.

Last I checked the only Non-recycle code was 6. If you see that number inside the recycle logo - it is NOT recyclable. But do not misunderstand toxity and recycalability are intertwinded in not always obvious ways. Some forms of PVC, for example can be recycled but PVC is toxic when it leaches into water or outgases from insulated containers. The letters you listed are chemical compound mix deliniations, are they not? They are industry specific and the only one that I know off hand is the last: PVC stands for Poly Vinyl Chloride; one of the most prolific of all the plastics and deadly to water table auquafers having a half life of 1000 years in state of the art landfills.

If you are looking for "safe" recyclable plastics you're going to have to expand your interest to corn based plastics, as I understand it.