Maya Ellison
Plastic recycling symbols are important for ensuring that plastic is being properly recycled. The numbers 1–7 inside the recycling symbol are plastic recycling numbers, created by the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988, to help identify and sort various plastics for recycling. Plastic recycling codes 1, 2, 5, and 6 represent commonly recycled plastics, while #3 and #7 plastics are more difficult to recycle. #7 plastics are a catch-all for plastics that don't fit into the other categories, and while one #7 plastic contains Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound that has been used to make certain plastics since the 1960s, the rest are BPA-free.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic recycling codes 1, 2, 5, and 6 are commonly recycled
Plastic recycling codes, also known as SPI codes, resin codes, or resin identification codes, are numbers 1–7 that appear in the centre of the recycling symbol on most plastic items. They were created in 1988 by the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) to help identify and sort various plastics for recycling.
Plastic recycling codes 1, 2, 5, and 6 represent plastics that are commonly recycled and collected in residential and community recycling collection programs. Type 1 and 2 plastics may be tossed into standard recycling bins. Type 1 plastics are made of polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate (also known as PET or PETE), which is used for food containers, beverage bottles, and some fabrics. Type 1 plastics are safe and free of Bisphenol A (BPA). Type 2 plastics are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and are used for milk, detergent, and home cleaning containers. Similar to PET, HDPE is regarded as a safe choice because of its chemical resistance and durability, and it does not contain BPA. Type 5 plastics are made of polypropylene (PP), which has a high melting point and is often chosen for containers that hold hot liquids.
While plastic recycling codes 1, 2, 5, and 6 are commonly recycled, it is important to note that the specific rules and guidelines for recycling can vary depending on your municipality or local provider. It is always a good idea to check your local guidelines to ensure that you are properly recycling your plastic items.
On the other hand, plastic recycling codes 3 and 7 are more difficult to recycle and are generally not collected in public programs. Code 3 plastics are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are often used in flooring, pipelines, and packaging materials. Code 7 plastics are a catch-all category for plastics that don't fit into codes 1–6, and they may be made of multiple plastic types or other hard-to-recycle plastics. While not all #7 plastics contain BPA, some clear, hard #7 plastics, such as polycarbonate, have been found to contain BPA, a hormone disruptor.
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Number 7 plastics are harder to recycle
The recycling symbols on plastic items indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic. These symbols were created in 1988 by the Society of Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) to help identify and sort various plastics for recycling. The numbers, found inside a small triangle, range from 1 to 7, with each number corresponding to a different type of plastic.
Number 7 plastics also include polycarbonate, which contains Bisphenol A (BPA). There are concerns about the health effects of BPA, and some news outlets and health experts have advised people to avoid Number 7 plastics for this reason. However, not all Number 7 plastics contain BPA, and some manufacturers have transitioned to using BPA-free plastics.
The recyclability of plastics depends on the capabilities of local recycling facilities, which vary across municipalities. While some plastics, such as Number 1 and 2 plastics, are commonly recycled and collected in residential and community recycling programs, Number 7 plastics are generally not accepted in public programs. However, they can sometimes be recycled through specialized handling. Individuals should consult their municipality's guidelines to determine the specific recycling instructions for their area.
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Polycarbonate plastics often contain BPA
Polycarbonate plastics are frequently made with Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is a chemical component that is often included in several plastics and resin coatings. It is believed to be rapidly metabolized and eliminated. However, it has been linked to adverse health effects, including interference with reproductive development in animals and links to cardiovascular disease and diabetes in humans.
A study by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers found that participants who drank for a week from polycarbonate bottles showed a two-thirds increase in their urine of BPA. This suggests that drinking containers made with BPA release the chemical into the liquid in sufficient amounts to increase BPA levels excreted in human urine. The study is the first to demonstrate a link between drinking from polycarbonate bottles and increased urinary BPA levels.
Polycarbonate is one of the plastics that fall under the #7 plastic recycling symbol. Other #7 plastics include acrylic, SAN, Tritan, PLA compostable plastic blends, SAN and NAS blends, all of which are BPA-free. The #7 symbol is a catch-all for all plastics that don't fit into the #1-#6 categories. While not all #7 plastics contain BPA, it is advisable to avoid purchasing items made from polycarbonate plastic if you are concerned about BPA exposure.
You can determine the BPA concentration of a plastic item by understanding the resin identification code, often called the recycling symbol, printed on it. Products made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, or polypropylene, for example, are often devoid of BPA. Being able to identify the type of plastic an item is made from can help you make informed choices about your health and the environment.
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BPA-free products are often labelled as such
The recycling symbol on plastic products is a helpful tool for consumers to identify whether a product is BPA-free or not. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used in plastic manufacturing, often found in food containers, baby bottles, and plastic water bottles. Due to its possible negative health effects, there is increasing interest in BPA-free alternatives.
The recycling symbol, also known as the resin identification code, is usually found inside a triangle on the underside of plastic products. These codes range from 1 to 7, with each number representing a different type of plastic. While not all #7 plastics contain BPA, this category is a catch-all for plastics that don't fit into the previous categories (1-6). Therefore, it is advisable to check the labels carefully.
To identify if a product is BPA-free, consumers can look for the "BPA-free" label on the packaging or product description. This label indicates that the product does not contain the plasticizer, even if it is made of plastic. Many manufacturers have transitioned to BPA-free plastics, and they often advertise this feature. For example, brands like Nalgene, GSI, Klean Kanteen, and Wildo offer a range of BPA-free drinking bottles, containers, and tableware.
Additionally, consumers can determine the BPA concentration by understanding the type of plastic used in the product. For instance, products made from polypropylene ("5"), polyethylene ("1"), or polyethylene terephthalate ("1", also known as PET) are often devoid of BPA. These plastics are considered safe and recyclable, reducing the risk of chemical leaching.
It is important to note that while BPA-free alternatives are available, some substitutes like BPS and BPF may still pose potential health risks. Therefore, consumers concerned about BPA exposure should also consider plastic-free alternatives made from materials such as glass, porcelain, or stainless steel.
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HDPE plastic is considered one of the safest forms of plastic
The plastic recycling symbol, which is printed on most plastic items, helps identify and sort various plastics for recycling. The numbers 1-7 within the symbol are called SPI codes, created by the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is denoted by the number 2 within the SPI code. It is considered one of the safest forms of plastic due to its durability, chemical resistance, and strength. HDPE is commonly used for milk or water jugs, laundry detergents, shampoo bottles, and grocery bags. It is also used to produce plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, and plastic lumber.
HDPE is generally considered safe, especially in its final form as a food-safe container. However, it is important to note that not all HDPE is naturally food-safe, and its safety profile depends on the intended use and context. For example, the vapors released during the manufacturing process can be a health risk for workers, and proper safety gear is necessary to maintain their health.
HDPE is also known for its resistance to impacts, scratches, and dents, making it a long-lasting and versatile material. Its chemical resistance is particularly notable, as it is not easily damaged by chemicals, water, solvents, acids, or cleaning fluids. This chemical resistance contributes to its reputation as a safe plastic option.
While HDPE is considered safe for its intended uses, it is important to properly recycle it after single-use to reduce environmental impact. HDPE can be recycled into new containers or converted into plastic lumber, pipes, rope, or toys.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers 1-7 are plastic recycling numbers that were created by the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988 to help identify and sort plastics for recycling.
No, not all #7 plastics contain BPA. Polycarbonate is one of the many types of plastics in this category that contains BPA. Other types of #7 plastics such as acrylic, SAN/NAS, Tritan, and polypropylene are BPA-free.
Look for the recycling codes, sometimes called resin identification numbers, usually found inside the recycling triangle on the underside of plastic products. Products with recycling codes 1, 2, 5, and 6 are commonly recycled and do not contain BPA.
BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s, particularly for containers that store food and beverages. Research has shown that BPA can be transferred to food or drink, especially when heated, and has the potential to disrupt hormone levels in fetuses, babies, and children.
Manufacturers have transitioned to using BPA-free plastics such as acrylic, SAN/NAS, Tritan, polypropylene, melamine, and PLA compostable plastic blends.
