Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, and it's hard to escape in the modern world. Plastics are numbered 1 to 7, with each number indicating a different type of plastic. These numbers are part of the ASTM International Resin Identification Coding System, commonly known as RIC, which helps consumers and recycling centres identify the type of plastic and how it can be recycled. So, which is worse, plastic 1 or 7? Plastic 1 is considered safer and is widely recycled, whereas plastic 7 is harder to recycle and potentially more harmful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic 1 | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET/PETE) |
| One of the most common types of plastic | |
| Least complicated chemical composition | |
| Accepted in most curbside bins and collection centers nationwide | |
| Used in water and beverages bottles, food jars and containers, salad dressing and oil bottles, clothes fiber, mouthwash bottles | |
| Plastic 7 | Miscellaneous |
| Umbrella category for all other kinds of plastics that don't fit into the other six categories | |
| Includes silicone spatulas, children's toys, baby bottles, automotive parts | |
| Difficult to recycle | |
| Can often be reused, or "upcycled" |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic #1 is recyclable and relatively safe, but it should be stored in a cool environment and not reused
- Plastic #7 is difficult to recycle and is an umbrella category for all other kinds of plastics
- Plastic #6 is hard to recycle and should be avoided, especially around food and drink
- Plastic #2, #4, and #5 are considered safe, but should not be heated or put in the microwave
- Plastic #3 should be rarely used, especially with food and drinks
Plastic #1 is recyclable and relatively safe, but it should be stored in a cool environment and not reused
Plastic #1, also known as PET or PETE, is one of the most common types of plastic. It is used in beverage bottles, food jars, containers, salad dressing and oil bottles, clothes fibres, and mouthwash bottles. It is generally considered safe and can be recycled using standard recycling bins. However, it should be stored in a cool environment and not reused.
The numbers 1-7 on plastic items indicate the type of plastic and are part of the ASTM International Resin Identification Coding System, commonly known as RIC. Plastic #1 has the least complicated chemical composition compared to the other types, making it easier to recycle. It is accepted in most curbside bins and collection centres across the nation.
While Plastic #1 is recyclable and relatively safe, it is important to handle it properly. Storing it in a cool environment is crucial because all plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using plastic containers in the microwave, even if they are labelled "microwave-safe".
Additionally, Plastic #1 should not be reused. This is because plastics are artificial materials made from natural resources such as natural gas and oil. These resources are refined into chemical compounds, which are then converted into monomers that form polymers to create plastic products. Due to their chemical composition, plastics can pose potential health and environmental risks, especially when reused or not properly recycled.
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Plastic #7 is difficult to recycle and is an umbrella category for all other kinds of plastics
Plastic #7 is a catch-all category for "other" plastics and is perhaps the most difficult to define and recycle. It is a category for any plastic that does not fit into the first six categories. Products stamped with a 7 are often made of multiple plastic types or other types of plastic that cannot be easily recycled. Plastic #7 can be challenging to identify, especially if it does not have a recycling number, and most recycling programs don't accept it.
The presence of a resin code on a plastic product does not necessarily mean that it can be recycled. It is the number inside the triangle that matters because each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. Plastic #7, being an umbrella category, can include a wide range of plastic types, making it challenging to recycle effectively.
While some curbside recycling programs may accept #7 plastic items, it is not common. It is crucial to check with your local solid waste management or recycling office to determine their specific policies and guidelines. Plastic #7 can be identified by looking for a recycling symbol, typically on the bottom, side, or top of the product, with the number 7 inside it.
Plastic #7 containers, especially rigid polycarbonate plastics, are often made with bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical linked to various health issues and environmental degradation. Due to the potential health and environmental risks associated with BPA, it is essential to dispose of any food or drink-related products known to contain this chemical.
Overall, Plastic #7 is a challenging category to recycle due to its diverse and undefined nature. It encompasses a wide range of plastic types, and its identification and processing vary across different regions.
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Plastic #6 is hard to recycle and should be avoided, especially around food and drink
Plastic #6 is difficult to recycle and is only accepted by specific recycling facilities. It is composed of bioplastics and new plastics, and could also be made up of a combination of different types of plastics. This means that its chemical composition is uncertain, and it may contain highly toxic chemicals such as BPA, which is linked to obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems in children and fetuses. Therefore, it is best to avoid plastic #6 as much as possible, especially around food and drink.
Plastic #6 is commonly found in products such as baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, CDs, DVDs, and some computer and technology parts. It is important to dispose of any food or drink-related products that are known to contain BPA.
While recycling is a good step to take when one cannot reuse or avoid plastic items, it can be challenging to do properly. Less than 10% of plastic waste generated worldwide has ever been recycled, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. One of the main barriers to recycling plastic is a lack of awareness about the seven plastic recycling symbols and their distinct recycling instructions.
It is important to note that not all plastics are equally safe to use, even if they can be recycled. All plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged. Therefore, it is recommended to transition to other materials such as glass, metal, bamboo, and other reusable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
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Plastic #2, #4, and #5 are considered safe, but should not be heated or put in the microwave
Plastic #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE), and #5 (PP) are considered relatively safe for use and can be recycled. However, it is important to note that they should not be heated or placed in the microwave, even if they are labelled "microwave-safe".
Plastics with these recycling codes can still release toxic chemicals when heated or damaged, which can be absorbed by food. Therefore, it is recommended to transfer food to glass, ceramic, or metal containers before heating, as these materials are safer alternatives.
HDPE (plastic #2) has a maximum temperature tolerance of 266°F (130°C), while PP (plastic #5) can withstand temperatures up to 230°F (110°C). Using lower power settings and shorter heating times in the microwave can help prevent exceeding these limits.
While plastic #4 (LDPE) is also considered safe, it is less heat-tolerant. Most bioplastics, while generally safe, also perform poorly when heated. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid heating or microwaving plastics, even those labelled as "microwave-safe", to eliminate any potential risks.
To summarise, it is best to avoid plastics whenever possible and opt for reusable and environmentally friendly alternatives like glass, metal, or bamboo.
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Plastic #3 should be rarely used, especially with food and drinks
Plastic #3, also known as polyvinyl chloride or PVC, is found in consumer products like shower curtains, toys, and packaging. It often contains phthalates and releases toxic chemicals throughout its lifespan. Safer alternatives are widely available. Therefore, it should be rarely used, especially with food and drinks.
PVC is a soft, flexible plastic that is used for a wide range of household products. It is not considered safe for cooking or heating as it contains softening chemicals called phthalates that interfere with hormonal development. It is important to check the labels of products, especially those used by infants, to ensure they are free of PVC and phthalates.
Plastic #3 is also difficult to recycle and is rarely accepted by recycling programs. This contributes to long-lasting environmental pollution. Even when recycled, all plastic products, including #3, can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged. Therefore, it is crucial to reduce the use of plastic, especially in the kitchen, and choose safer alternatives like glass, stainless steel, or lead-free ceramic.
While plastic #1 is relatively safe for food and drinks, it should be stored in cool environments and not reused. It is important to keep it out of heat to prevent the leaching of toxic chemicals. Overall, it is best to avoid plastics as much as possible and opt for reusable and environmentally friendly materials like glass, metal, bamboo, and stainless steel.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic 1, or Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET), is one of the most commonly used plastics. It is used in beverage bottles, food jars, containers, salad dressing, and oil bottles. Plastic 7 is a miscellaneous category for plastics that don't fit into the other six categories.
Plastic 1 is considered relatively safe, but it should be kept away from heat to prevent the leaching of toxic chemicals. Plastic 7's safety depends on the specific type of plastic. Some studies have shown that BPA can leach into food and beverages from plastic 7, while other studies have found no evidence of this.
Plastic 1 is accepted by most curbside recycling programs. Plastic 7 is difficult to recycle and most curbside recycling programs won't accept it. The recyclability of plastic 7 depends on the specific type of plastic.
Plastic 7 is considered worse than plastic 1 due to its potential safety hazards and difficulty in recycling. However, both plastics should be used with caution, especially around food and drink.
It can be challenging to avoid plastics completely in today's world, but you can minimize their use by choosing reusable and environmentally friendly alternatives such as glass, metal, or bamboo. Always check the recycling symbol on plastic products to make an informed choice.
