The invention discloses a method for detecting a high-density or low-density polyethylene (PE) recycled material. The method includes the following steps: (1) a sample is taken, and it is determined that the sample is high-density PE or low-density PE; and (2) the sample is detected through at least one of a headspace gas chromatography analysis method, an element distribution analysis method, a halogen distribution analysis method, a thermal weight loss analysis method and an electron microscope analysis method, when at least one of the methods is adopted for detection, if it is determined that the sample is the high-density PE recycled material or the low-density PE recycled material through at least one of the methods, it is determined that the sample is the high-density PE recycled material or the low-density PE recycled material. According to the method for detecting the PE recycled material, the recycled material can be accurately distinguished from a raw material, operation is easy and convenient, excessive pre-treatment is not needed, and the analysis methods are high in selectivity, simple and easy to implement.