PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and V (vinyl) - 03

The identification codes show which type of plastic resin was used to make a product. That means it doesn’t necessarily indicate a product’s recyclability. To check if something is recyclable, either search for the individual item on our A-Z function (opens in a new window), or check on our recycling page (opens in a new window).

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and V (vinyl) are tough and hard-wearing, so it's commonly used for things like drainpipes and fascia or siding. PVC is also cheap, so it's found in plenty of products and packaging. Because chlorine is part of PVC, it can result in the release of highly dangerous dioxins during manufacturing. Remember to never burn PVC, because it releases toxins.

PVC can be found in cooking oil bottles, blister packaging, the plastic covering electric cables, windows, piping.

PVC cannot be recycled at home, but it's accepted as DIY waste at one of north London's reuse and recycling centres (opens in a new window).

PVC and Vinyl can be recycled into decking, panelling, mud-flaps for vehicles, roadway gutters, flooring, cabling, speed bumps, mats.