Chloe Zhang
Plastic recycling numbers 1-7 help consumers identify the type of plastic used for a product and whether it is safe and recyclable. While plastics with the recycling codes 1, 2, 4, and 5 are considered safe and BPA-free, code 3 plastics are believed to contain BPA and should be avoided for children's products. Code 6 plastics are usually safe, but excessive heat may cause problems, and code 7 plastics need closer examination as they are a broad category with varying safety levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | #4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) |
| Common uses | Plastic grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, shrink wraps, bread bags |
| How to recycle | Many grocery stores have grocery bag recycling containers, but these items aren't typically collected in residential and community recycling programs |
| Recycled uses | Plastic lumber, commercial floor tiles, trash can liners |
| Safety | Believed to contain phthalates, so best to avoid in children's products |
| BPA-free | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic recycling codes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are commonly recycled and BPA-free
- Code 3 plastics may contain BPA and should be avoided for children's products
- Code 7 plastics are difficult to recycle and may contain BPA
- HDPE plastic is commonly used for milk jugs and detergent bottles and is considered safe
- Polycarbonate plastics are frequently made with BPA and are marked with a 7
Plastic recycling codes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are commonly recycled and BPA-free
Plastic recycling codes are numbers between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. They are also known as resin codes or Plastic Resin Identification Codes. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic, indicating the type of plastic used for a product.
Plastic recycling codes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are commonly recycled and collected in residential and community recycling programs.
Code 1 plastic is commonly used for single-use disposable items, including water bottles, takeout and grocery containers, beverage bottles, and condiment containers. Code 1 plastic is made of PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), which is lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to recycle.
Code 2 plastic, or HDPE, is used to make items like milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and some plastic bags. It is considered one of the safest forms of plastic and is the most commonly recycled plastic.
Code 4 plastic is used for items like plastic bags, including grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, stretch and shrink wraps, and bread bags. These bags are not typically collected in residential or community recycling programs but can be recycled through grocery store collection bins.
Code 5 plastic is a tough and versatile plastic used for both disposable and reusable items, including food containers, tableware, cups, straws, buckets, and bottle tops.
Code 6 plastic is commonly recycled, although it is not specified where it is used.
While these plastic recycling codes are commonly recycled and BPA-free, it is important to note that not all municipalities accept the same types of plastic for recycling, so it is advisable to check your local guidelines.
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Code 3 plastics may contain BPA and should be avoided for children's products
Plastic products are labelled with numbers 1–7 to help identify the type of plastic used. These numbers are found within a small triangle of arrows, known as a chasing arrows triangle, and are used to help with sorting plastics for recycling and reuse.
Code 3 plastics are made from polyvinyl chloride and are often used for clear disposable food bottles, food wrap, soft plastic children's toys, and plumbing products. While Code 3 plastics are considered BPA-free, they are believed to contain phthalates, which can interfere with hormonal development. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using Code 3 plastics for children's products.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a highly toxic chemical found in some plastics, such as polycarbonate, which falls under Code 7. BPA has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems, especially in children and fetuses.
Code 7 plastics are a catch-all category for various types of plastics that don't fit into Codes 1–6. Only one type of Code 7 plastic contains BPA—polycarbonate, which is often used for food containers and water bottles. Other types of Code 7 plastics, such as acrylic, SAN, Tritan, and PLA compostable blends, are BPA-free.
It is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable or reusable. Code 3 plastics, for example, are more difficult to recycle and are not typically collected in public recycling programs. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), on the other hand, is considered one of the safest and most commonly recycled plastics. It is used for items like milk jugs, detergent bottles, and toys, and is known for its durability and weather resistance.
To summarise, when choosing plastic products for children, it is best to avoid Code 3 plastics due to their potential phthalate content and opt for plastics with labels #1, #2, or #4, which are considered safer and BPA-free.
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Code 7 plastics are difficult to recycle and may contain BPA
Plastic recycling codes 1–7 help consumers identify the type of plastic used for a product and sort plastics for recycling. Code 7 plastics are a catch-all category for all plastics that do not fit into codes 1–6. These include acrylic, SAN, Tritan, PLA compostable plastic blends, SAN and NAS blends, and polycarbonate.
Code 7 plastics are difficult to recycle and are generally not collected in public recycling programs. They are also not standardised for reuse or recycling protocols. While some Code 7 plastics are BPA-free, one type of Code 7 plastic does contain BPA: polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a plastic used for food containers, baby bottles, sippy cups, water cooler bottles, and car parts. It is often marked with the letters "PC" by the recycling label #7. Some polycarbonate water bottles are marketed as "non-leaching" to minimise plastic taste or odour. However, there is still a possibility that trace amounts of BPA will migrate from these containers, especially if used to heat liquids.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make polycarbonate. While the health and scientific communities have questioned the safety of BPA, the issue has not been settled after more than a decade of study. It is best to avoid #7 plastics, especially for children's food, due to the potential for chemical leaching into food or drink products.
Plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2, and #4 are safer choices that do not contain BPA. HDPE plastic, marked with #2, is considered one of the safest forms of plastic and is commonly used for milk jugs, detergent and oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags. It is hard-wearing and does not break down under sunlight or temperature extremes.
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HDPE plastic is commonly used for milk jugs and detergent bottles and is considered safe
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a type of plastic commonly used for milk jugs and detergent bottles. It is known for its strength, durability, and weather resistance, making it an ideal material for a variety of applications. HDPE is considered safe and is easily recyclable, helping to reduce plastic waste in landfills.
HDPE is a petroleum-based thermoplastic polymer that can be molded into almost any shape. It has high malleability, rigid strength, and corrosion resistance, making it a versatile and cost-effective material. This quality of withstanding corrosion from chemicals, water, solvents, acids, and cleaning fluids makes it ideal for containers that store edible products.
The versatility of HDPE plastic makes it suitable for various applications beyond milk jugs and detergent bottles. It is often used for food and beverage containers, as it can be sterilized by boiling. HDPE is also used for cutting boards, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, plastic lumber, and toys. Its durability and weather resistance make it a popular choice for outdoor furniture, such as picnic tables and park benches.
While HDPE is considered safe for these applications, it is important to note that not all HDPE plastic is recycled. In the United States, only about 30-35% of HDPE plastic is recycled each year, highlighting the importance of reducing plastic consumption whenever possible.
When it comes to BPA-free plastics, HDPE falls under recycling code #2, which is believed to be safer and BPA-free. On the other hand, plastics with recycling code #7, which includes polycarbonate, are often associated with BPA. However, not all #7 plastics contain BPA, and some are specifically marked as BPA-free. It is always important to check the labels and recycling codes to make informed choices.
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Polycarbonate plastics are frequently made with BPA and are marked with a 7
Plastic recycling numbers 1–7 help to sort plastics, with #7 being a catch-all for all plastics that don't fit into types 1–6. Polycarbonate plastics are frequently made with Bisphenol A (BPA) and are marked with a #7. BPA is a chemical used primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is found in various products, including shatterproof windows, eyewear, water bottles, and epoxy resins that coat some metal food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes. The primary source of exposure to BPA for most people is through their diet. While air, dust, and water are other possible sources of exposure, the majority of daily human exposure to BPA comes from food and beverages.
BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic food containers often marked on the bottom with the letters "PC" by the recycling label #7. Polycarbonate bottles may also be unmarked. Some polycarbonate water bottles are marketed as "non-leaching" to minimize plastic taste or odor. However, there is still a possibility that trace amounts of BPA will migrate from these containers, particularly if used to heat liquids. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from overuse at high temperatures. When possible, it is best to avoid #7 plastics, especially for children's food.
Some articles claim that all #7 plastics contain BPA, but this is misleading. While some plastics marked with recycle code #7 may be made with BPA, others are and have always been BPA-free. A new generation of compostable plastics, made from bio-based polymers like corn starch, is being developed to replace polycarbonates. These are also included in category #7, which can be confusing to consumers. These compostable plastics have the initials "PLA" on the bottom near the recycling symbol and may also be marked "Compostable."
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Frequently asked questions
Each plastic object has a resin identification code, or recycling symbol, printed on it. This is usually found on the bottom of the object. Plastics with the code "'3' (polyvinyl chloride, or PVC) and "'7' (OTHER, frequently mixed plastics) often contain BPA. However, not all plastics with a "7" contain BPA. "BPA-free" labels are often displayed on items by manufacturers.
BPA stands for Bisphenol A. It is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. It is often found in containers that store food and beverages. It is considered a highly toxic chemical and has been linked to obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems in fetuses and children.
Plastics with the recycling codes 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), and 5 (PP) are considered BPA-free.
