What Is Code 5 Plastic? A Simple Guide to PP Plastic and How It's Used
Plastic Recycling Guide
Is Your Plastic Container Code 5?
This tool helps you determine if your plastic container is code 5 (polypropylene) and provides guidance on proper recycling.
Results
Ever looked at the bottom of a yogurt cup, a medicine bottle, or a reusable food container and seen a small number 5 inside a triangle? That’s code 5 plastic - also known as polypropylene, or PP. It’s one of the most common plastics you interact with every day, but most people don’t know what it is, why it matters, or whether it’s safe to reuse or recycle.
What Exactly Is Code 5 Plastic?
Code 5 plastic is made from polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer derived from propylene gas. It’s lightweight, tough, and resistant to heat, chemicals, and moisture. Unlike some other plastics, it doesn’t easily crack or break under stress. That’s why it’s used in things that need to survive daily use - like lunchboxes, bottle caps, and even car battery cases.
The recycling symbol with the number 5 inside it was created by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) to help sort plastics during recycling. Each number from 1 to 7 stands for a different plastic type. Code 5 is one of the few plastics that’s widely accepted for recycling in the UK and the US - but only if it’s clean and properly sorted.
Why Is Code 5 Plastic So Popular?
Manufacturers love polypropylene because it’s cheap to produce and works well in a variety of applications. Here’s where you’ll find it most often:
- Food containers - yogurt tubs, margarine tubs, takeout containers
- Medicine bottles - especially pill bottles with child-resistant caps
- Reusable water bottles and food storage containers
- Car parts - battery cases, bumpers, interior trim
- Household items - bottle caps, straws, kitchen utensils
- Medical devices - syringes, IV bags, lab equipment
One big reason it’s used for food packaging is its high melting point. While PET (code 1) starts to warp at around 70°C, polypropylene can handle temperatures up to 130°C. That means you can safely microwave food in a code 5 container - as long as it’s labeled microwave-safe.
Is Code 5 Plastic Safe?
Yes, code 5 plastic is considered one of the safest plastics for food contact. It doesn’t contain BPA (bisphenol A), which is found in some older polycarbonate plastics. The FDA and the European Food Safety Authority both approve polypropylene for direct food contact.
It’s also less likely to leach chemicals when exposed to heat or acidic foods. That’s why it’s the go-to material for baby bottles (before the shift to glass or silicone), infant formula containers, and hospital food trays.
That said, no plastic is 100% inert forever. If you’re reusing code 5 containers, avoid scratching them with metal utensils or putting them in the dishwasher too many times. Deep scratches can trap bacteria, and over time, even PP can break down from repeated heat cycles.
Can You Recycle Code 5 Plastic?
The short answer: yes - but it’s not always easy.
In the UK, over 70% of local councils now accept code 5 plastic for recycling, especially if it’s clean and empty. But acceptance varies. Some councils only take bottle caps, others take entire tubs. Always check your local council’s website - Birmingham, for example, accepts clean PP containers in kerbside recycling.
Here’s the catch: code 5 plastic is often collected but not always recycled locally. Many UK recycling facilities send PP to Europe or Asia for processing because there’s limited domestic demand for recycled polypropylene. That’s changing, though. Companies like Recovr and Plastic Bank are now turning recycled PP into new products like garden furniture, storage bins, and even automotive parts.
If your local council doesn’t take it, look for drop-off points at supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury’s. Many now have bins for soft plastics and hard plastics - including code 5.
Code 5 vs Other Plastics: A Quick Comparison
| Code | Plastic Type | Common Uses | Recyclable? | Heat Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PET | Water bottles, soda bottles | Yes (widely) | Low (70°C) |
| 2 | HDPE | Milk jugs, detergent bottles | Yes (widely) | Medium (120°C) |
| 5 | PP (Polypropylene) | Yogurt pots, medicine bottles, food containers | Yes (increasingly) | High (130°C) |
| 6 | PS (Polystyrene) | Takeout containers, foam cups | Rarely | Low (80°C) |
| 7 | Other (including BPA plastics) | Reusable bottles, large containers | Varies | Varies |
Notice how code 5 stands out? It’s one of the few plastics that’s both heat-resistant and widely recyclable. That makes it a preferred choice for companies aiming to reduce environmental impact while keeping products functional.
What Happens to Code 5 Plastic After Recycling?
When code 5 plastic is properly processed, it gets shredded, washed, melted, and turned into pellets. These pellets become raw material for new products. Here’s what recycled PP is commonly turned into:
- Landscaping timbers and garden furniture
- Storage bins and toolboxes
- Automotive parts like battery trays and interior panels
- Industrial strapping and rope
- Reusable shopping bags
Some manufacturers are even using recycled PP in new food containers - a process called “closed-loop recycling.” It’s still limited due to strict food safety rules, but companies like DS Smith and Tetra Pak are testing it in controlled environments.
How to Tell If a Container Is Code 5
Look for the recycling symbol - a triangle made of three arrows with a number inside. Code 5 will always have the number 5. Sometimes you’ll also see the letters “PP” printed nearby. That’s the resin identification code, and it’s required by law in many countries.
Not all code 5 containers are created equal. Some are thin and flimsy - these are often single-use. Others are thick and rigid - these are designed for reuse. If the container says “reusable” or “dishwasher safe,” it’s likely made from higher-grade PP.
What to Do With Code 5 Plastic
Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
- Reuse first. Use yogurt tubs for storing leftovers, spice jars, or craft supplies.
- Clean it. Rinse out food residue. Grease and sauce can contaminate recycling batches.
- Check local rules. Don’t assume all code 5 is accepted. Call your council or check their website.
- Drop it off. If curbside doesn’t take it, find a supermarket drop-off point.
- Don’t wishcycle. Don’t toss it in the bin hoping it’ll be recycled - if it’s not accepted, it ends up in landfill.
Every clean code 5 container you recycle helps reduce the need for new plastic made from oil. That’s a win for the environment - and for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is code 5 plastic microwave-safe?
Yes, code 5 plastic (polypropylene) is generally microwave-safe because it can withstand high temperatures up to 130°C. But always check the container for a microwave-safe symbol. Even if it’s PP, some designs aren’t meant for heating - especially if they have metal trim or thin walls.
Can you recycle code 5 plastic in the UK?
Most UK councils now accept code 5 plastic, especially clean containers like yogurt pots and medicine bottles. But acceptance varies by location. Birmingham, Manchester, and London typically accept it in kerbside bins. Smaller towns may require drop-off at recycling centres. Always check your local council’s guidelines.
Is code 5 plastic better than code 1 or 2?
It depends on the use. Code 1 (PET) is great for bottles and is highly recyclable. Code 2 (HDPE) is strong and used for milk jugs. Code 5 (PP) wins when you need heat resistance - like for microwavable food containers. It’s also more durable for reuse. For recycling, all three are good, but code 5 has seen faster improvements in recycling infrastructure over the last five years.
Does code 5 plastic contain BPA?
No, code 5 plastic (polypropylene) does not contain BPA. It’s made from propylene, not bisphenol A. That’s why it’s commonly used in baby bottles, food storage, and medical devices. If you’re avoiding BPA, code 5 is a safe choice.
What can I do with old code 5 containers if my council doesn’t recycle them?
Reuse them! Turn them into planters, craft storage, or tool organizers. You can also take them to supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury’s that have plastic recycling bins. Some charities collect clean plastic containers for reuse in community projects. Never just throw them away - even if recycling isn’t available locally, reuse still reduces waste.
Final Thoughts
Code 5 plastic isn’t perfect - nothing made from oil is. But it’s one of the most practical and safest plastics we use today. Its ability to handle heat, resist chemicals, and be recycled makes it a better choice than many alternatives. The real issue isn’t the plastic itself - it’s how we use it and what we do after.
By choosing reusable code 5 containers, cleaning them properly, and recycling them when you can, you’re helping close the loop. And that’s more than just recycling - it’s responsibility.