Ethan Clarke
Plastic containers are marked with symbols that indicate the type of plastic they are made from. These symbols, known as resin identification codes, were implemented by the Society of the Plastics Industry in 1988 and are usually found on the bottom of containers within a triangle of arrows. There are seven types of plastic, each with a corresponding number and acronym, which help consumers identify the type of plastic and its intended purposes, especially for food storage. For example, PET or PETE plastic, marked with the number 1, is lightweight and commonly used for single-use food and drink packaging. On the other hand, polycarbonate, marked with the number 7, is a clear, hard plastic that has been linked to potential health risks. Understanding these symbols is crucial for making informed decisions about the suitability and safety of plastic containers for different storage needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To indicate the type of plastic used and its intended purposes |
| Plastic Identification | Numbers 1-7 indicate the type of plastic |
| Plastic Type | PET, HDPE, LDPE, PVC, PS, PP, Polycarbonate, Polystyrene, etc. |
| Safety | Food-grade plastic, chemical resistance, temperature tolerance, no harmful chemicals |
| Recyclability | Recyclable plastics are indicated by chasing arrows symbol; some plastics are not recyclable |
| Recycling Instructions | Rinse food containers, dispose of caps separately, no need to remove labels |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic recycling symbols and their meanings
Plastic recycling symbols are important as they help us identify how different types of plastic can be recycled. However, it is important to note that not all recycling facilities are the same, so acceptable items may vary based on your location and service provider.
Recycling symbols are not standardised across the world. While some countries and continents have legislation in place to standardise the use of recycling symbols, others follow a voluntary program. For example, the US has little in the way of legislation to ensure labels are clear and transparent to consumers. This has led to confusion for customers who want to increase their recycling rates.
In 1988, the Society of the Plastics Industry implemented the Resin Identification Coding system—a designated number that manufacturers could stamp on their product to indicate what type of plastic it was. These numbers are usually moulded at the bottom of the product. The numbers range from 1 to 7 and are surrounded by a "chasing arrows" symbol. The numbers help identify the type of plastic and determine the proper disposal or recycling methods.
- Symbol 1 (PETE/PET/PETG): This stands for polyethylene terephthalate, which is the most common thermoplastic polymer worldwide. It is a clear, strong, lightweight, and water-resistant plastic that is widely used for beverage bottles, food and drink packaging, and polyester for clothing. It is fully recyclable and the most widely recycled type of plastic.
- Symbol 2 (HDPE): This plastic has a variety of uses, from milk jugs to bleach bottles, and can be recycled into various goods. It is widely accepted by curbside recycling programs.
- Symbol 6 (PS): Polystyrene, often referred to as "Styrofoam" in the US, is lightweight and commonly disposed of after a single use. It is usually found in egg cartons, packaging, packing peanuts, disposable cups, and dinnerware.
- Symbol 7 (OTHER): This stands for "other plastics," which can include acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic, polylactic fibers, nylon, and fiberglass. Acrylic and polycarbonate can often be recycled and repurposed due to their thermoplastic properties.
It is important to note that not all plastic products with recycling symbols are accepted by your specific recycling service provider. Always check with your local recyclers to confirm which types of plastic they accept.
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How to identify the type of plastic
The first step in identifying the type of plastic is to locate the recycling symbol on the plastic container. The symbol typically consists of three arrows forming a triangle with a number in the middle, ranging from 1 to 7. These numbers correspond to different types of plastics with specific characteristics and uses. Here is how you can identify the type of plastic based on these numbers:
Plastic Number 1 (PET or PETE)
This plastic is commonly known as Polyethylene Terephthalate and is often used for single-use food and drink packaging, such as water bottles, salad dressing bottles, and peanut butter containers. It is usually clear in colour and is intended for one-time use only.
Plastic Number 2 (HDPE)
High-Density Polyethylene is a versatile plastic that is strong and resistant to acidic chemicals. It is commonly used for household products like milk jugs, cleaning containers, shampoo bottles, and detergent bottles. HDPE is widely accepted for recycling and can be recycled multiple times.
Plastic Number 3 (PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride, often referred to as "vinyl" or "PVC," is a versatile plastic that can be both rigid and flexible. It is commonly used for piping, medical equipment, plastic gloves, building products, water-resistant clothing, and some food packaging. PVC is one of the most hazardous kinds of plastic.
Plastic Number 4 (LDPE)
Low-Density Polyethylene is flexible and can change its shape without damage. It is commonly used for products like grocery bags, shrink wrap, and juice and milk cartons. LDPE is thin and flexible, and it may crumble in your hands or make a loud crackling noise.
Plastic Number 5 (PP)
Polypropylene is a rigid, tough plastic that is resistant to moisture, grease, and chemicals. It is commonly used for ketchup bottles, kitchen containers, straws, carpets, rope, and medicine bottles. PP is recyclable, but its market has decreased since China stopped buying America's recyclable waste in 2018.
Plastic Number 6 (PS)
Polystyrene is lightweight and often used for disposable cups, egg cartons, packing peanuts, and dinnerware. It can be made into rigid or foam products, with the latter known as Styrofoam. PS is difficult to recycle and potentially harmful, as it may leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen.
Plastic Number 7
Plastic Number 7 includes a variety of plastics that do not fit into the previous categories, such as new plastics, bioplastics, and items composed of multiple types of plastics. This category also includes Polycarbonate (PC), which contains Bisphenol A (BPA) and is considered toxic. Some compostable plastics made from bio-based polymers are also included in this category and are marked with "PLA."
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Choosing the right plastic for food storage
When choosing plastic containers for food storage, it is important to select the right type of plastic to ensure that your food remains safe for consumption and lasts longer. The bottom of a plastic container typically contains symbols that indicate the type of plastic used and its intended purposes. These symbols are represented by a number enclosed within a triangle of arrows, and they can guide your decision-making process. Here are some key factors to consider:
Chemical Resistance
Choose a plastic container that is resistant to the chemicals in the food items you intend to store. This prevents potential reactions that could degrade the container or contaminate its contents. Avoid plastics that are known to leach harmful chemicals, such as PVC and PS, especially when exposed to heat. Opt for plastics with a reputation for stability and safety, like HDPE or PP.
Temperature Tolerance
Consider the temperature conditions to which the plastic container will be subjected. Certain plastics may warp or release chemicals at high temperatures, making them unsuitable for storing hot foods or using in microwaves. Therefore, assess the intended temperature range for your food storage before selecting a plastic type.
Durability and Flexibility
Evaluate the physical demands of your storage usage. Depending on your specific needs, you may require more durable plastics that are crack-resistant or opt for materials that offer flexibility without breaking.
Food Safety
Ensure that the plastic container is food-grade and does not contain harmful chemicals, such as BPA or phthalates, which can leach into food and beverages. Prioritize containers with symbols indicating PET, HDPE, or PP to ensure the safety of your stored food items.
By considering these factors and understanding the symbols on plastic containers, you can make informed choices about which plastics are most suitable for your food storage needs, maintaining both the safety and quality of your stored goods.
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How to label plastic containers
Labelling plastic containers can be challenging due to the diversity in plastic materials, casting techniques, and surface textures. The type of plastic used for the container will determine the best method for labelling. For example, flexible plastic containers like PET bottles require labels that are also flexible and have low-temperature adhesives to maintain integrity.
When labelling plastic containers, it is important to consider the surface energy of the plastic. Low-surface energy plastics, such as polyethylene, present challenges in adhesive sticking and forming a strong bond. Choosing the right adhesive or using techniques like heat treatment can enhance wetting on these surfaces.
Another factor to consider is the presence of small voids or spaces within the material that can trap gases or chemicals during the manufacturing process. Over time, these trapped substances may slowly escape from the plastic, leading to off-gassing. To address this, permeable label materials and adhesives that allow gases to pass through can be used to maintain the integrity of the label and ensure a strong and durable bond.
Additionally, the shape of the container can impact the labelling process. Plastic bottle surfaces may have slight angles that can lead to label skewing. Tailoring the label shape to accommodate these angles and using front and back labels on steeply angled surfaces can minimize application challenges.
For clear plastic boxes, a label can be created on a sheet of paper and placed inside the box, facing out. It can be attached with tape if needed. Alternatively, a permanent marker can be used to write directly on the container. For long-term storage, some people use white cards with the contents marked and taped onto the boxes using heavy-duty clear packing tape. However, the texture of the plastic may affect the adhesion of the tape.
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How to recycle plastic containers
Plastic containers are usually labelled with a number from 1 to 7, indicating the type of plastic. This is known as the Resin Identification Coding system, implemented by the Society of the Plastics Industry in 1988. The numbers are usually moulded at the bottom of the container. Here is a guide on how to recycle plastic containers based on their labels:
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (No. 1 PETE / PET): PETE is a clear, strong, and lightweight plastic commonly used for single-use food and drink packaging, such as water bottles, salad dressing bottles, and peanut butter containers. It is fully recyclable and widely accepted by most curbside recycling programs. However, it is important to empty and rinse the containers of any food residue before recycling.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is a versatile plastic with a low risk of leaching and is readily recyclable into many types of goods.
- Polyvinyl chloride (No. 3 PVC): PVC contains hazardous chemicals and is difficult to recycle. It is not commonly accepted through curbside recycling. It is recommended to reuse or repurpose these plastics instead.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (No. 4 LDPE): LDPE is commonly used for shopping bags, squeezable bottles, clothing, and frozen food packaging due to its flexibility and low weight. However, it is challenging to recycle at most facilities.
- Polypropylene (No. 5 PP): PP plastic is commonly used for takeout food containers and has gained economic value due to the rising price of oil. While it is ideal to clean these containers before recycling, they will likely be washed again during the recycling process.
- Polystyrene (No. 6 PS): Polystyrene is widely used but rejected by most curbside recyclers. It is recommended to avoid using polystyrene products, but some businesses may collect them for recycling.
- "Other" (No. 7): This category includes various plastics that don't fit into the previous categories, such as polycarbonate, fiberglass, and nylon. These plastics often contain harmful chemicals like BPA, so it's important to avoid them whenever possible. Some drop-off centres or mail-in programs may accept these plastics for recycling.
In addition to understanding the labels, here are some general tips for recycling plastic containers:
- Check with your local waste management agency or recycling coordinator to confirm what types of plastic containers they accept for recycling.
- Clean your containers before recycling, especially if they have food residue. Soaking them in lukewarm water and soap, and then rinsing and wiping them down, can help remove oil and cloudiness.
- Avoid sending loose plastic bags or bagged recyclables for recycling.
- Reuse or donate plastic containers that are still in good condition to thrift stores, local charities, or schools.
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Frequently asked questions
Food-grade plastic containers do not contain harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates, which can leach into food and beverages. Containers made from PVC and certain types of polycarbonate often contain these harmful chemicals, especially when heated or scratched. Look out for containers with symbols indicating PET, HDPE, or PP when safety is a priority.
The number enclosed by a triangle of arrows, also known as the "chasing arrows" symbol, indicates the type of plastic used for the product. For example, the number 1 with the acronym PETE/PET indicates that the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly used for soft drink bottles, mineral water containers, and food packaging. Understanding these symbols helps consumers make informed decisions about the suitability of different plastics for their needs.
Labelling plastic containers can be challenging due to the variety of plastic materials, casting techniques, and surface textures. Understanding the surface energy of the plastic is important, as adhesives behave differently based on this property. Rough surfaces offer more adhesion points, but on high-energy plastics, this may reduce the effective surface area. Additionally, choosing permeable label materials and adhesives can help address off-gassing concerns, ensuring a strong and durable bond between the label and the container.
