Resin reference · Resin code 2
HDPE High-density polyethylene
HDPE blow-moulded — Jerry cans, drums, oil bottles, milk bottles, gallon caps.
- Resin code
- 2
- Density (g/cm³)
- 0,95
- Water test
- Floats in water
- Accepted form
- Baled · Loose · Flake
What is HDPE
HDPE is the container plastic: jerry cans, drums, milk bottles, gallon caps. Its molecular chains are straight and tightly packed, so it is stiff without being brittle — an HDPE jerry can survives a fall off a truck bed. It is rarely truly clear, more often milky white or solid-coloured, and feels waxy to the touch.
How to identify it without equipment
- Floats in water. Density is around 0.95 g/cm³.
- Feels waxy and scratches white under a fingernail.
- Bends and whitens at the crease rather than cracking the way PS does.
Everyday items that carry it
- Jerry cans from 5–30 litres and food-grade drums
- Milk, shampoo and detergent bottles
- Gallon caps and screw closures
- Black HDPE pipe and cable duct
What it becomes after recycling
HDPE flake goes back into non-pressure pipe, pallets, crates, pails and non-food bottles. Solid colours are kept apart from natural, because the two price differently at the mill.
What gets a load of it turned away
- Jerry cans that held used oil, paint or pesticide.
- Containers with chemical residue that cannot be rinsed out.
- Drums with steel rings or metal handles still attached.
Holding material of this type?
This page covers how to identify and handle the resin. For questions about volume, form, or visiting the yard, get in touch directly.