The Numbers on Plastic Bottles: What do Plastic Recycling Symbols Mean?
Mike Barrett
Natural Society /
News Report
Published: Wednesday 6 February 2013
While you may think nothing of these symbols, they can actually
offer a great deal of information regarding the toxic chemicals used
in the plastic, how likely the plastic is to leach, how
un-bio-degradable the plastic is, and ultimately the safety of the
plastic.
Have you ever wondered what the numbers, or recycling symbols
mean at the bottom of plastic bottles and containers? Did you know
that, while the use of all plastics should be limited if at all
possible, some are safer than others? It’s time to learn a little
bit about the various plastics you use and drink/eat from every
single day, and what impact they have not only on you, but also the
environment.
Every plastic container or bottle has a recycling symbol. The
symbol is a number, ranging from 1 to 7, within a triangle. While
you may think nothing of these symbols, they can actually offer a
great deal of information regarding the toxic chemicals used in the
plastic, how likely the plastic is to leach, how un-bio-degradable
the plastic is, and ultimately the safety of the plastic.
Here is some information on the various recycling symbols and
numbers:
The Recycling SymbolsPlastic #1 – PETE or PET (Polyethylene
Terephthalate)
- Picked up by most curbside recycling programs, plastic #1 is
usually clear and used to make soda and water bottles. Some
consider it safe, but this plastic is known to allow bacteria
and flavor to accumulate.
- It’s found mostly in soda bottles, water bottles, beer
bottles, salad dressing containers, mouthwash bottles, and
peanut butter containers.
- Plastic #1 is recycled into tote bags, furniture, carpet,
paneling, fiber, and polar fleece.
Plastic #2 – HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
- Plastic #2 is typically opaque and picked up by most
curbside recycling programs. This plastic is one of the 3
plastics considered to be safe, and has a lower risk of
leaching.
- It’s found mostly in milk jugs, household cleaner
containers, juice bottles, shampoo bottles, cereal box liners,
detergent bottles, motor oil bottles, yogurt tubs, and butter
tubs.ilk jugs, detergent bottles, juice bottles, butter tubs,
and toiletries bottles are made of this. It is usually opaque.
This plastic is considered safe and has low risk of leaching.
- Plastic #2 is recycled into pens, recycling containers,
picnic tables, lumber, benches, fencing, and detergent bottles,
to name a few.
Plastic #3 – V or PVC (Vinyl)
- Plastic #3 is used to make food wrap, plumbing pipes, and
detergent bottles, and is seldom accepted by curbside recycling
programs. These plastics
used to, and still may, contain phthalates, which are linked
to numerous health issues ranging from developmental problems to
miscarriages. They also contain DEHA, which can be
carcinogenic with long-term exposure. DEHA has also been linked
to loss of bone mass and liver problems. Don’t cook with or burn
this plastic.
- It’s found in shampoo bottles, clear food packaging, cooking
oil bottles, medical equipment, piping, and windows.
- This plastic is recycled into paneling, flooring, speed
bumps, decks, and roadway gutters.
Plastic #4 – LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
- Low density polyethylene is most found in squeezable
bottles, shopping bags, clothing, carpet, frozen food, bread
bags, and some food wraps. Curbside recycling programs haven’t
been known to pick up this plastic, but more are starting to
accept it. Plastic #4 rests among the recycling symbols
considered to be safe.
- This plastic is recycled into compost bins, paneling, trash
can liners and cans, floor tiles, and shipping envelopes.
Plastic #5 – PP (Polypropylene)
- Increasingly becoming accepted by curbside recycle programs,
plastic #5 is also one of the safer plastics to look for.
- It is typically found in yogurt containers, ketchup bottles,
syrup bottles, and medicine bottles.
- Polypropylene is recycled into brooms, auto battery cases,
bins, pallets, signal lights, ice scrapers, and bycycle racks.
Plastic #6 – PS (Polystyrene)
- Polystyrene is Styrofoam, which is notorious for being
difficult to recycle, and thus, bad for the environment. This
kind of plastic also poses a health risk, leaching potentially
toxic chemicals, especially when heated. Most recycling programs
won’t accept it.
- Plastic #6 is found in compact disc cases, egg cartons, meat
trays, and disposable plates and cups.
- It is recycled into egg cartons, vents, foam packing, and
insulation.
Plastic #7 – Other, Miscellaneous
- All of the plastic resins that don’t fit into the other
categories are placed in the number 7 category. It’s a mix bag
of plastics that includes polycarbonate, which contains the
toxic bisphenol-A (BPA).
These plastics should be avoided due to possibly containing
hormone disruptors like BPA, which has been linked to
infertility, hyperactivity, reproductive problems, and other
health issues.
- Plastic #7 is found in sunglasses, iPod cases, computer
cases, nylon, 3- and 5-gallon water bottles, and bullet-proof
materials.
- It is recycled into plastic lumber and other custom-made
products.
The Bottom Line: Which Recycling Numbers to Avoid, Which are
‘Safest’
In the end, it’s really best to avoid using all plastics if
you’re able. But at the very least:
- Avoid recycling symbols 3, 6, and 7. While Number 1
is considered safe, it is also best to avoid this plastic.
- Look for symbols 2, 4, and 5, as these plastics are
considered to be safest. These are the plastics to look for in
terms of human and animal consumption.
In the end, plastics will still be used, but you can certainly
limit your use of the product. Instead of buying plastic water
bottles or other plastic containers, choose glass or invest in a
high quality water filtration system to obtain your water from.
(This is best for your health anyway).
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