Plastic recycling codes, and what they mean for toys
The numbers on plastic packaging don't describe body-safe materials. Here is what recycling codes mean, and why they aren't a safety guide.
The Vibe On team 4 Oct 2026
1 min read
Recycling codes on plastic show how a material can be recycled. They say little about whether a material is safe for the body.
What they show
A number tells you the polymer type, which helps with recycling but not with safety or cleaning.
What to look for instead
Check the material statement from the maker, and whether the toy is made for body contact.