PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and V (vinyl) - 03
Guidance
You might be surprised to know that we don't use plastic resin identification codes to decide if something can be recycled. In fact, our recycling contract with the company that separates the recycling (Biffa) includes a long list of items that can be recycled, not a list of plastic types. Read more about this in our article Do plastic codes tell you if something is recyclable? (opens in a new window).
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.
