Maya Ellison
Plastic waste is a significant environmental concern, and while almost all plastic can be recycled in principle, various economic and technical barriers make it challenging to recycle certain types of plastic. To determine if a plastic item is reusable, it's essential to understand the different types of plastic and their safety for reuse. Plastic products are labelled with a Resin Identifying Code (RIC), usually found at the bottom of the item, to indicate the type of plastic resin used. While RIC labels don't specify if an item can be reused, certain types of plastic are generally considered safe for reuse, such as those with the RIC numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5. These plastics have low levels of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP). However, it's important to note that bacterial growth and chemical leaching can occur in reused plastic bottles, so thorough cleaning is crucial to minimise health risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Number | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Plastic Type | Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP) |
| Safety | Numbers 2, 4, and 5 are safe to reuse. Number 1 is safe for single-use. Numbers 3 and 6 are unsafe. |
| Recyclability | PET, HDPE, and PP are recyclable, but recycling PP is difficult and expensive. |
| Bacterial Growth | Plastic water bottles are prone to bacterial growth and difficult to clean. |
| Chemical Leaching | PET bottles stored at room temperature have a low risk of chemical leaching. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the plastic type
When it comes to plastic, it is important to know which type you are dealing with, as this will determine if it is safe to reuse or not. Plastics are labelled with a Resin Identifying Code (RIC), usually found at the bottom of the item. These RIC labels are usually a number from 1 to 7, printed inside a triangle or surrounded by three triangles. While these labels tell you what plastic the item is made from, they do not indicate whether the plastic can be recycled or reused.
#1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) - This type of plastic is considered safe and healthy for use as a drinking water bottle and is usually BPA-free. PET is the most widely recycled plastic globally and is also used in construction materials.
#2: High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) - This plastic is commonly used for juice bottles, milk jars, and other beverages. It is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is accepted at most recycling centres worldwide.
#3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - This type of plastic is considered unsafe for cooking or direct contact with food when heated. It is often used for food wraps and plumbing materials.
#4 and #5: These plastics are considered fairly safe to reuse and contain low levels of polyethylene thermoplastic and polypropylene, respectively.
#6 and #7: Plastics with these labels are not recommended for reuse. #6 plastics may contain polystyrene, which is found in Styrofoam, while #7 plastics are a catch-all category that may contain a mix of different plastics.
In addition to these specific types, it is important to note that some plastics may contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has been used in plastic development for many years. While the FDA states that low levels of BPA are safe, there is limited research on its long-term effects on human health. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid plastics containing BPA when possible.
When reusing plastic items, it is crucial to wash them thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth, which can occur quickly due to ordinary use or unfinished beverages left at room temperature. Reusable glass or stainless-steel bottles are recommended as they are easier to clean and do not pose the same risk of bacterial overgrowth or chemical leaching.
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Avoid harmful chemicals
Plastics are everywhere, and it is nearly impossible to avoid them. They are convenient and cheap, but they come with hidden costs. Many plastics contain harmful 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.
- Avoid heating plastics: Do not microwave or wash plastic items in the dishwasher. Higher temperatures increase the likelihood of chemicals leaching from the plastic. Avoid putting hot foods into plastic containers.
- Avoid storing certain foods in plastic: Fatty or acidic foods can absorb harmful chemicals more easily.
- Avoid plastic wrap: Plastic wrap is known to contain phthalates. When storing leftovers, opt for reusable glass or metal containers, beeswax wraps, aluminium foil or parchment paper.
- Avoid black plastic: Black plastics can contain unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals such as phthalates and flame retardants, as well as heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, nickel, chromium, and mercury.
- Avoid polystyrene: Polystyrene, sometimes called Styrofoam, can leach styrene—a neurotoxin and probable carcinogen.
- Avoid vinyl (PVC): Vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), often contains phthalates and releases toxic chemicals throughout its lifespan.
- Avoid plastics with recycling codes 3, 6, and 7: Plastics marked with recycling code 3 contain phthalates, while those with code 7 contain bisphenols. Plastics labelled with code 6 contain styrene, a probable carcinogen.
- Choose safer alternatives: Opt for storage containers made of glass, stainless steel, or lead-free ceramic. For kitchen utensils, choose wood, bamboo, or stainless steel. For drink containers, choose glass or unlined stainless steel.
- Buy whole, unprocessed foods: Minimise plastic packaging by buying whole, unprocessed foods, which are less likely to be contaminated with chemicals during processing and storage.
- Check the food-grade rating: Plastic containers have a food-grade rating on the bottom, ranging from 1 to 7, indicating their safety for food storage. Grades 2, 4, and 5 are the safest for food storage, preventing accidental toxin ingestion.
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Reuse with caution
Plastic bottles are one of the biggest contributors to plastic pollution. While it is commendable to want to reuse them, not all plastic bottles can be reused. Some types of plastic are unsafe for reuse, and it is important to know which ones to avoid.
Plastics are labelled with a Resin Identifying Code (RIC), usually found at the bottom of the container. These RIC labels are numbers from 1 to 7, surrounded by the three triangles of the recycling logo. The numbers indicate the type of plastic the bottle is made of, but not whether it is safe for reuse.
#2, #4, and #5 plastics are generally considered safe for reuse. These plastics contain low levels of polyethylene thermoplastic, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene (PP). PP is one of the most popular plastic packaging materials in the world, but only a small percentage of it is recycled.
On the other hand, #3 and #6 plastics should be avoided. These plastics may contain polystyrene, which is found in styrofoam, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is safe for use in cleaning gloves but not for storing consumables. It should not be used in the heat or for direct contact with food, as it can be harmful to health.
It is also important to consider the potential for bacterial growth and chemical leaching when reusing plastic bottles. Bacterial growth can occur quickly, even from ordinary use, and can be a bigger concern than chemical leaching. To minimise this risk, it is crucial to wash plastic bottles thoroughly before reuse. However, the wear and tear of plastic bottles can create cracks and scratches that harbour bacteria, so it may be safer to opt for reusable glass or stainless-steel bottles instead.
While it is possible to reuse some plastic bottles, it is important to exercise caution and be mindful of the potential risks to your health and the environment.
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Understand recycling symbols
Recycling symbols are used to help identify different types of packaging and whether they can be recycled. They are often found on soft drink cans, bread bags, and plastic toiletry bottles. The symbols can also indicate how to dispose of the item, or if it's made from recycled materials.
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. The system uses what is commonly known as the "'chasing arrows' symbol" with a number in the middle, ranging from 1 to 7, to identify the type of plastic resin used.
- PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate): This plastic is lightweight and easily recyclable. It is commonly used for single-use bottled beverages, food and drink packaging, and cooking oil containers. Recycled PET can be used to make new containers, carpets, and furniture.
- HDPE (high-density polyethylene): HDPE is a commonly used plastic in the United States for containers like milk jugs, cleaning agents, detergents, and shampoo bottles. It is lightweight yet strong. HDPE can be easily recycled into pipes, oil bottles, pens, toys, and detergent bottles.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride): PVC is versatile and used in a wide range of products, including piping, medical equipment, plastic gloves, and food packaging. However, it is not widely collected and is difficult to recycle.
- LDPE (low-density polyethylene): LDPE is a flexible plastic used for plastic bags, wrapping, shopping bags, and crushed bottles. It is not commonly recycled but can be converted into floor tiles and shipping envelopes.
- PP (polypropylene): PP is used for some tubs and trays and is widely recycled.
- PS (polystyrene): PS is used for takeaway boxes and disposable cutlery. It is not easily recyclable.
- Other: This category includes plastics like polycarbonate, which may contain harmful chemicals like BPA. These plastics are not typically accepted curbside but may be accepted by drop-off centres or mail-in programs.
It's important to note that the recyclability of these plastics may vary depending on your local recycling programs and regulations. Always check with your local waste management provider or use online tools to understand your region's specific recycling guidelines. Additionally, some packaging may require separating different components before disposal, as indicated by certain symbols.
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Choose alternatives
If you're concerned about the environment and want to move away from single-use plastics, choosing alternatives is a great way to start.
One of the most widely recycled plastics globally is PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). It is relatively easy to recycle, and recycled PET is used in various innovative ways, such as creating construction materials in developing countries. Filled with sand and cemented together, plastic bottles form walls for houses. In other cases, PET is recycled into flakes, spun into yarn, and used for fashion items like polar fleece clothing, backpacks, and carpets.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is another plastic that is widely accepted at recycling centres and is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. Recycled HDPE is used for non-food application bottles, like detergent, motor oil, and household cleaners, as well as film packaging.
PP, or polypropylene, is one of the most popular plastic packaging materials globally. However, only a small percentage of it is recycled, and it is challenging and expensive to recycle due to issues like residual smells and undesirable colours. Recycled PP is used for industrial applications like plastic lumber, park benches, auto parts, and speed bumps.
If you're looking for alternatives to single-use plastic bottles, consider investing in a reusable stainless-steel or glass bottle. These alternatives are easy to clean, reducing the risk of bacterial growth, and they eliminate concerns about chemicals leaching into your water. Reusing plastic water bottles can be risky due to bacterial growth and the potential for chemical leaching, especially if the bottles are exposed to high temperatures.
You can also get creative and upcycle plastic items yourself. For example, you can cut the bottom off a plastic bottle, smooth out the edges, and use it as a pen or crayon holder.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bottles are labelled with a Resin Identifying Code (RIC), usually moulded or printed in raised type on the bottom of the bottle. The number will be surrounded by the three triangles of the recycling logo. If the bottle has a #2, #4, or #5, these are fairly safe to reuse. #3 and #6 plastics are extremely unsafe.
Bacterial growth is a concern when reusing plastic bottles. Germs can spread quickly, especially if the bottle is not washed properly. Wear and tear on the bottle can also create cracks and scratches where bacteria can grow. Some plastics contain chemicals such as BPA and antimony, which can leach into the contents of the bottle, especially at high temperatures.
Reusable glass or stainless-steel bottles are recommended as alternatives to plastic bottles. They are easier to clean and do not have the same concerns regarding bacterial overgrowth or chemical leaching.
Plastic bottles can be cut and used as storage containers for items such as pens or crayons. They can also be filled with sand and used in construction as an alternative to bricks.
