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Recycling Symbols

PET Recycling Code (1)

PET Recycling Code (1)

What it means

The number 1 inside the chasing arrows identifies PET, commonly used for drinks bottles and food trays. PET is widely recycled into new bottles, fibres, and packaging when collected correctly.

Where you will see it

Plastic bottles, fruit punnets, and clear food packaging.

What you should do

Empty, rinse, and place in your kerbside recycling if accepted locally. Remove lids if your council requires it.

Common mistakes

  • Recycling bottles with liquid still inside, which contaminates the batch.
  • Assuming all plastic with a recycling symbol is accepted locally—check local rules.

Tags

  • recycling
  • plastic
  • PET
  • resin code

Frequently Asked Questions

This plastic is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), resin identification code 1. The number 1 inside the chasing arrows identifies PET, commonly used for drinks bottles and food trays. PET is widely recycled into new bottles, fibres, and packaging when collected correctly.

Empty, rinse, and place in your kerbside recycling if accepted locally. Remove lids if your council requires it.

The PET Recycling Code (1) is widely recognised, though labelling standards and local regulations can differ slightly by region. SymbolBuddy focuses on the most common version you are likely to see. If you spot a variation, compare it with the description and tags on this page for context.

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