Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, from food containers and utensils to bags, toys, and cosmetics packaging. It is impossible to stop using plastic, but we can choose the right type of plastic to reduce its negative impact on our health and the environment. When buying food in plastic containers, always check whether the container is food-grade. The Society of the Plastic Industry (SPI) has introduced internationally accepted codes to help separate different types of plastics for recycling. These codes, known as plastic IDs or recycling codes, consist of three arrows in a clockwise triangle with a number inside. This number provides information about the plastic, including the chemicals used in its manufacture, heat resistance, leaching of chemicals, biodegradability, and suitability for specific purposes. For example, containers with the code #1 are made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) and are meant for single use, while those with codes #2, #4, and #5 are considered food-grade plastics safe for storing food. Understanding these codes is essential for making informed choices about the plastic containers we use and their potential health and environmental implications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic ID or recycling code | A triangle made of three arrows in a clockwise direction with a number inside |
| Number range | 1-7 |
| Information provided by the code | Chemical used in manufacture, heat resistance, leaching of chemicals, biodegradability, and suitability |
| Code #1 | Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE); safe for one-time use; recyclable |
| Code #2 | Opaque and thicker than #1; low chance of leaching chemicals; recyclable |
| Code #3 | Linked to BPA, a highly toxic chemical that can cause obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems |
| Code #7 | Linked to BPA, a highly toxic chemical that can cause obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems |
| LDPE | Reusable but not always recyclable; found in juice and milk cartons, grocery bags, and packaging material |
| HDPE | Safe and low risk of leaching; recyclable; used in milk jugs, detergent and oil bottles, and toiletries containers |
| PVC | Contains toxic chemicals and softening chemicals called phthalates; not considered safe for cooking or heating; rarely accepted by recycling programs |
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What You'll Learn
- Check the recycling code: Numbers 1-7 indicate different plastic types
- Avoid harmful chemicals: Steer clear of BPA, phthalates, and PVC
- Food-grade plastics: Use codes 2, 4, and 5 for food storage
- Safe plastics: Polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are safer
- Reusable plastics: LDPE is reusable but not always recyclable; check locally
Check the recycling code: Numbers 1-7 indicate different plastic types
The numbers 1-7, known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC), indicate different types of plastic. The RIC was introduced in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) to help identify different types of plastics. The recycling symbol we know today—the chasing arrows symbol—was originally designed in 1970 as a way to inform people that a product was recyclable. However, the RIC does not address the recyclability of the product.
- PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate): PET is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages because it is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to recycle. It is used for soft drink bottles, mineral water containers, fruit juice containers, and cooking oil containers.
- HDPE (high-density polyethylene): HDPE is a versatile plastic used for a variety of purposes, especially in packaging. It is commonly used for containers such as milk jugs, detergent bottles, and shampoo bottles.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride): PVC is a durable plastic that is not easily impacted by sunlight, water, or other harsh conditions. It is commonly used in construction, plumbing, and transport.
- LDPE (low-density polyethylene): LDPE is a soft, flexible plastic used for shopping bags, plastic wrap, and other packaging materials.
- PP (polypropylene): PP is a durable and lightweight plastic used for food containers, straws, rope, carpet, and bottle caps.
- PS (polystyrene): PS is commonly used for disposable cups, meat trays, packaging for electronics, and other products such as toys and cosmetic bags.
- OTHER: This category includes plastics that don't fit into the first six categories, such as acrylic, polycarbonate, polylactic fibers, nylon, and fiberglass. Products with a number 7 are often made from multiple types of plastic and can be difficult to recycle.
It is important to note that the presence of a recycling symbol or code on a plastic product does not necessarily mean that it can be recycled. Consumers should check with their local recycling facilities to understand the specific guidelines and restrictions for their area.
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Avoid harmful chemicals: Steer clear of BPA, phthalates, and PVC
Plastic is loaded with toxic chemicals that can leach into your food and drinks, increasing exposure to substances linked to health concerns. These chemicals may be intentionally added, for example, to make the plastic flexible or flame retardant, or they may be contaminants from recycled plastic feedstock.
Bisphenol-A, or BPA, is a well-known toxic chemical in plastics that acts as a hormone disruptor and is linked to a host of health problems. While the FDA banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and children's sippy cups in 2012, it is likely still present in many other plastics. Its replacement, BPS, may also be toxic and exhibit similar hormone-disrupting effects.
Phthalates are another common group of toxic chemicals found in plastics, acting as plasticizers that make the material more flexible and durable. They are not tightly bound to the plastic molecules and can easily migrate into our bodies. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive issues, developmental disorders, asthma, and increased allergic reactions.
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is widely recognized as one of the most toxic plastics for health and the environment. During its production, PVC releases dioxins, phthalates, vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, lead, cadmium, and other toxic substances.
To avoid exposure to these harmful chemicals, here are some essential guidelines:
- Avoid heating plastics in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. High temperatures accelerate the migration of chemicals from the plastic into your food. This includes avoiding the use of black plastic in the microwave or oven, as it often contains hazardous flame retardants.
- Do not place hot foods into plastic containers. Allow them to cool beforehand.
- Opt for storage containers made of glass, stainless steel, or lead-free ceramic. These materials are safer alternatives to plastic and do not leach harmful chemicals.
- Avoid plastic food packaging and storage containers when possible. Choose whole, unprocessed foods from farmers' markets, produce aisles, and bulk bins to minimize contact with plastic.
- If you must use plastic containers, avoid those labelled with recycling codes 3, 6, and 7. Code 3 plastics contain phthalates, code 7 contains bisphenols, and code 6 contains styrene, a probable carcinogen.
- For baby formula, use a non-plastic container, such as glass or stainless steel, and allow it to cool before transferring it to a sterilized plastic bottle.
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Food-grade plastics: Use codes 2, 4, and 5 for food storage
When it comes to food storage, it's important to use the right type of plastic to avoid any potential health hazards. Food-grade plastics are any BPA-free and less chemically concentrated materials that do not release harsh chemicals or toxins when consumed or in contact with food.
Food-grade plastic containers are usually marked with a recycling symbol and a number from 1 to 7, indicating their safety for food storage. Codes 2, 4, and 5 are considered the safest for food storage. Code 2 plastic, or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), is one of the most commonly used plastics for food storage due to its durability and lightweight feel. It is often used for milk jugs, grocery bags, and cutting boards. Code 4 plastic, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), is used for bread bags, six-pack rings, and produce bags. It is known for its chemical resistance, preventing toxins from leaching into food. Code 5 plastic, Polypropylene (PP), has excellent heat resistance, making it safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher.
While these plastics are generally safe for food storage, it's important to note that not all plastics are created equal. Some plastics may be marked as food-grade but are only safe for specific uses, such as dry food storage, and may not be suitable for storing hot liquids. Additionally, while plastic containers with codes 2, 4, and 5 are safer options, it's always a good idea to opt for alternative materials like metal or glass when possible, as all plastic products can potentially leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged.
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Safe plastics: Polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are safer
Polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are considered safer than other plastics for several reasons. Firstly, they are free of BPA, a chemical that has raised health concerns. Polypropylene, in particular, is considered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be safer than some other plastics. It is not known to cause cancer and is less flammable than fabrics like wool. Additionally, polypropylene is highly resistant to various chemicals, acids, and bases, making it suitable for applications where corrosion may occur.
When identifying polypropylene containers, look for the resin identification code, usually a number between 1 and 7, surrounded by arrows forming a triangle. Polypropylene's number is 5. You can also identify it through visual inspection, density testing (it will float in water due to its low density), and chemical tests. For instance, if you burn a piece of polypropylene, it will generate dirty engine oil and undertones of candle wax, or you can perform a solvent test using isopropyl alcohol or mineral spirits.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is also considered a safe plastic option. It is FDA-approved for food contact and is commonly used in food storage containers, bottles, and piping. HDPE is known for its high strength-to-density ratio and resistance to solvents. Its density ranges from 0.93 to 0.97 g/cm3, and it has stronger intermolecular forces and tensile strength compared to low-density polyethylene (LDPE). HDPE's high melting point makes it rigid and safe for hot liquids. It can be identified by its resin identification code, which is the number 2 surrounded by a triangle.
Both polypropylene and HDPE are easily recyclable, helping to reduce plastic waste. They are versatile materials with a wide range of applications, contributing to their popularity in various industries.
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Reusable plastics: LDPE is reusable but not always recyclable; check locally
LDPE, or Low-Density Polyethylene, is a commonly used plastic that can be found in grocery bags, plastic wrap, and some packaging materials. While LDPE products are reusable, they are not always accepted by local recycling programs. This is due to several reasons, including the tendency of plastic bags to tangle in recycling machinery, the cost of recycling LDPE, and the challenge of effectively decontaminating LDPE waste.
LDPE is similar to HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), which is a thicker and more durable type of plastic used in various containers and bags. HDPE is more commonly accepted by recyclers than LDPE. However, LDPE can be recycled and is a growing industry in the UK. Some companies, such as Miller Recycling, specialize in LDPE recycling and even offer competitive prices for recyclable LDPE waste.
To determine if your LDPE products can be recycled locally, check with your local collection service or municipality. Some areas may provide collection bins for customers to return used LDPE bags, and some grocery stores may also offer drop-off programs for LDPE recycling. Additionally, look for the plastic ID or recycling code on plastic products, which will provide information about the chemical composition, heat resistance, biodegradability, and suitable purposes of the plastic.
It is important to recycle LDPE products properly to reduce their environmental impact. LDPE waste can introduce chemicals into the groundwater and pose threats to marine life. By recycling LDPE, we can create new plastic products and reduce the amount of waste in incineration facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Look for a recycling symbol, usually on the bottom, side, or top of the container. Inside the symbol, there will be a number ranging from 1 to 7. This number is the resin identification code associated with the type of plastic used in the container.
Some of the most common types of plastics used in containers include:
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE), commonly used for disposable beverage bottles and food containers.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), used for milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, and toiletries containers.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), used for food wrap, cooking oil bottles, shower curtains, and plumbing pipes.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), used for grocery bags, food wraps, and squeezable bottles.
- Polypropylene (PP), used for yogurt cups, medicine and ketchup bottles, and "microwave-safe" containers.
The Society of the Plastic Industry (SPI) has introduced plastic identification codes or recycling codes to help identify the type of plastic. For food storage, it is recommended to use containers with codes 2, 4, and 5. Code 1 plastic is also considered safe for single use and can be recycled. Avoid using containers with codes 3 and 7 for food storage, as they may leach chemicals into the contents.
