This is just a brief list of the types of plastics you find in America. They are normally noted by a number on the bottom of the container, but are also usually accompanied by an acronym. The meanings of these plastic acronyms are listed below.

PETE - Polyethylene Terephthalate (#1 plastic)
HDPE - High-Density Polyethylene (#2 plastic)
PV - Polyvinyl Chloride (#3 plastic, also called PVC)
LDPE - Low-Density Polyethylene (#4 plastic)
PP - Polypropylene (#5 plastic)
PS - Polystyrene (#6 plastic)

Number 7 polycarbonate plastics are classified as "Other," so they have no acronym. But just so you know, #7 plastics, like Lexan, are toxic.

If you have some time, you might also like to read this article about recyclable plastics. It explains what each of these plastics is used for and what they are used for after they've been recycled.