Sofia Martinez
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin identification code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number corresponds to a different type of plastic and indicates whether the product is safe and can be recycled. For example, PET or PETE plastic, used for soda and water bottles, is recyclable but should not be reused, refilled, or heated. HDPE plastic, used for milk jugs and shampoo bottles, is considered safe and is one of the most commonly recycled plastics. On the other hand, PVC plastic, used for food wrap and teething rings, contains toxic chemicals and is not considered safe for cooking or heating. It is important to understand these plastic codes to make informed choices about the plastics we use and recycle.
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What You'll Learn
- PET/PETE plastic is used for soda and water bottles, cooking oil containers, and peanut butter jars. It can be recycled but should not be reused
- HDPE plastic is used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent containers, and plastic bags. It is considered safe and can be recycled
- PVC is a soft, flexible plastic used for household products like teething rings and sandwich bags. It is not considered safe and should be avoided
- LDPE plastic is used for grocery bags, plastic wrap, and garbage bags. It is considered relatively safe but is not easily recyclable
- PP plastic is used for food containers like yogurt cups and straws. It can sometimes be recycled and is considered safe unless heated
PET/PETE plastic is used for soda and water bottles, cooking oil containers, and peanut butter jars. It can be recycled but should not be reused
PET, or PETE, is a type of plastic known for its clarity, durability, and versatility. It is denoted with a "1" on plastic products and is one of the most commonly recycled plastics worldwide. PET plastic is used for manufacturing soda and water bottles, accounting for 70% of soft drinks packaging, and is also used for cooking oil containers and peanut butter jars.
While PET plastic is safe for food and beverages and is deemed safe by the FDA, it is designed for single-use purposes. However, it can be reused multiple times as a storage container for non-food items or as a watering can for plants, provided it is properly cleaned and sanitized to remove any harmful chemicals that may leach from the plastic over time or when exposed to high temperatures.
Recycling PET plastic is highly beneficial for the environment as it can be turned into a variety of products, including clothing, insulation, furniture, playground equipment, and more. Recycling PET reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to using new plastic, helping to keep trash out of landfills and protecting natural resources.
PET plastic is also being used to create food-safe packaging from recycled plastics in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, further reducing the environmental impact of this plastic. While it is important to properly recycle and reuse PET, it is not recommended for reuse with food or beverages if it was initially sold as a single-use bottle.
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HDPE plastic is used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent containers, and plastic bags. It is considered safe and can be recycled
Plastic is everywhere, and it is important to know which types are considered safe and can be recycled. One of the most widely recycled plastics in the world is PET. Clear PET, in particular, has one of the highest recycling market values. However, HDPE is another commonly recycled plastic, and it is one of the few plastics with a high likelihood of an onshore recycling centre.
HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is a stiff plastic that is considered one of the safest plastics. Its sturdiness and durability make it a versatile material that is often used in packaging. It is resistant to corrosive chemicals, making it suitable for storing cleaning products such as bleach, detergents, and shampoos. It is also a food-grade plastic, meaning it is safe for storing perishable goods for short periods. HDPE can be recycled into laundry detergent bottles, pens, lumber, benches, and fencing. It is also used for milk jugs, juice bottles, and shampoo bottles.
HDPE is widely accepted at recycling centres worldwide and is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. It can be recycled multiple times, with a 2018 study finding that non-contaminated HDPE can be recycled up to 10 times. This is impressive and contributes to its high market value. However, it is important to note that most HDPE bottles are designed for single use and should be recycled accordingly.
While HDPE is considered safe, it is still plastic, and there are some concerns about its environmental impact. The recycling process for HDPE can vary by location, and some areas may not have the infrastructure to recycle it effectively. Additionally, plastic bags, which can be made of a similar material, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), can cause tangling issues in recycling machinery, affecting the process. Despite this, recycled HDPE has found new uses, such as in laundry detergent bottles, and there are efforts to recycle HDPE milk bottles back into food-grade recycled HDPE for use in new milk bottles, creating a sustainable loop.
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PVC is a soft, flexible plastic used for household products like teething rings and sandwich bags. It is not considered safe and should be avoided
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a common plastic found in many household items, from upholstery to toys. Notably, PVC is used in several products for children and infants, such as teething rings, paddling pools, and armbands. While it is soft and flexible, PVC is not considered safe due to its composition and the potential health and environmental risks associated with its use and disposal.
PVC is composed of several chemicals, including a group known as phthalates, which are added to make the plastic soft and pliable. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with the body's hormones and have been linked to various health issues. For instance, exposure to phthalates has been associated with developmental problems, liver damage, and reproductive issues. In recognition of these dangers, the UK government implemented an overnight ban on phthalates in children's toys in 1999.
Despite this ban, phthalates continue to be present in many household items containing PVC, such as inflatable toys, camp beds, skincare products, and soap. Some manufacturers have started producing "phthalate-free PVC," but these products often replace phthalates with other chemicals that may also pose health risks and currently evade regulatory oversight.
In addition to the health concerns associated with PVC, there are environmental considerations. The manufacturing, burning, or landfilling of PVC releases dioxins, a highly toxic chemical group. Exposure to dioxins can cause reproductive and fertility issues, liver damage, and developmental problems in children.
Due to these health and environmental concerns, some organizations, such as Pure Earth Collection, actively advocate against the use of PVC in children's products and are working to create safer alternatives. Consumers are encouraged to minimize their exposure to PVC and choose alternative materials, such as glass containers instead of plastic ones, to reduce potential health risks.
When it comes to plastics that are considered "good," this typically refers to plastics that are widely recycled and have a lower environmental impact. For example, PET (or rPET) and HDPE plastics are widely recycled and have a higher market value due to their durability and ability to be recycled multiple times. Clear or natural plastics are generally easier to recycle, and some countries and industries are moving towards using more recyclable packaging to reduce confusion and contamination in the recycling process.
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LDPE plastic is used for grocery bags, plastic wrap, and garbage bags. It is considered relatively safe but is not easily recyclable
LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a type of thermoplastic made from ethylene monomer. It is commonly used in the packaging industry, especially for plastic bags, films, and containers, due to its flexibility, lightweight nature, and low cost. LDPE is also used in the manufacture of various household items, such as squeeze bottles, toys, and disposable gloves, as well as in the medical field for equipment and packaging.
LDPE is considered relatively safe, especially when compared to other plastics such as PS and PVC. It is non-toxic, chemically stable, and does not leach styrene, making it a safer choice for food applications. LDPE is also widely used in food packaging and containers, as well as in the medical product sector, where it helps safeguard medical safety. For example, LDPE resin can be used to create medical bags that can withstand sterilization heat treatments, ensuring they meet hygiene and safety standards.
However, LDPE is not easily recyclable in all regions. While LDPE can be recycled and used to create new products, reducing waste and promoting sustainability, some areas lack the resources to effectively recycle it. This can lead to potential disposal in landfills or incineration. Additionally, LDPE's raw material, ethylene, is derived from refining petroleum or natural gas, which generates a significant amount of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
LDPE products can be identified by a number four enclosed in a triangle, usually found on the bottom or side of the item. It is important to note that clear or natural plastic is generally the most valuable and easiest type of LDPE to recycle.
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PP plastic is used for food containers like yogurt cups and straws. It can sometimes be recycled and is considered safe unless heated
Plastic containers are a significant part of modern life, especially for food storage. Plastics are marked with resin identification codes to help consumers understand their recyclability. These codes are numbers from 1 to 7, with 1 being safe for single use and 2, 4, and 5 being safe for food storage.
PP (Polypropylene) plastic is used for food containers like yoghurt cups and straws. It has low toxicity and is considered safe for food storage. It has high heat tolerance and excellent thermal resistance, making it safe for use in microwaves and dishwashers. However, it is important to note that PP plastic should not be heated as it can leak toxic gases when heated, and the migration of PP contaminants into food increases with temperature extremes.
PP plastic can sometimes be recycled. However, recycling plastics increases the risk of contamination, and recycled plastics are not recommended for use in food containers. The FDA has outlined specific considerations for the use of recycled plastics in food packaging, addressing concerns about contamination and compliance with regulations for food-contact use.
To summarise, PP plastic is generally considered safe for food storage unless heated, and it can be recycled, but its use in food containers after recycling is not advised due to potential contamination risks.
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Frequently asked questions
The good plastic numbers are 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7. Number 1 plastic, or PET/PETE, is used for water bottles, soda bottles, and cooking oil containers. Number 2 plastic, or HDPE, is used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and some plastic bags. Number 4 plastic, or LDPE, is used for grocery bags, bread bags, and food wraps. It sometimes can be recycled. Number 5 plastic is polypropylene (PP), which is used for yoghurt cups, medicine and ketchup bottles, and kitchenware. PP sometimes can be recycled. Number 7 plastic is a catch-all category for multiple types of plastic, including polycarbonate (PC).
A resin code is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. The presence of a resin code doesn't necessarily mean that the product can be recycled—it's the number inside the triangle that counts.
Number 3 plastic, or PVC, is considered "poison plastic" due to its toxic chemicals, including lead and phthalates. Number 6 plastic, or polystyrene (PS), is also considered unsafe due to its potential to leach toxic chemicals, especially when heated.
To reduce plastic consumption, it is recommended to use reusable straws, reusable water bottles, and reusable food containers instead of disposable plastic ones. For example, collapsible food-grade silicone containers can be used instead of Styrofoam containers, and reusable totes can replace plastic grocery bags.
