Maya Ellison
Plastic safety codes, also known as resin identification codes, are numbers ranging from 1 to 7 that indicate the type of plastic used in a product. These codes are typically found within a triangle of chasing arrows on plastic items. Understanding these codes is essential for making informed choices about the safety and recyclability of plastics. Some plastics are considered safer and more environmentally friendly, while others may contain toxic chemicals or be difficult to recycle. By familiarizing ourselves with these codes, we can make better choices to protect our health and the environment.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic resin identification codes range from 1 to 7
Plastic resin identification codes, also known as RICs, are a technical standard with a set of symbols that appear on plastic products to identify the type of resin used in their manufacture. They were developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States. RICs range from 1 to 7 and are found on the 299 million tons of plastic that is produced annually to make water bottles, sports equipment, medical devices, DVDs, and other plastic items.
The purpose of RICs is to facilitate the collection, disposal, and recycling of plastic products. They help consumers and waste operators distinguish between different types of plastics, allowing for more efficient sorting and separation of items according to their resin type. This is important because plastics must be recycled separately, with other like materials, to preserve the value of the recycled material and enable its reuse.
- Code 1: This code typically represents polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), which is used for clear plastic bottles, beverage and food containers, and household cleaning product containers. It is one of the most widely recycled plastics and can be turned into polyester fabric and filling for fleeces, carpets, and cushions.
- Code 2: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is another form of widely recycled plastic. It is often used for milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries containers. HDPE is considered safe and has a low risk of leaching.
- Code 3: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a dangerous and difficult-to-recycle plastic. It contains softening chemicals called phthalates, which can interfere with hormonal development. PVC is used in food wrap, bottles for cooking oil, shower curtains, inflatable mattresses, and plumbing pipes.
- Code 5: Polypropylene (PP) is recyclable and has a satin finish with excellent chemical compatibility. It is found in packing tape, plastic straws, ketchup bottles, microwavable meal trays, and butter tubs.
- Code 6: Polystyrene (PS) or styrofoam is challenging to recycle and should be avoided or reused. It is lightweight, cheap to produce, and easily formed, commonly used in packaging and insulation.
- Code 7: This code represents 'other plastics' that do not fall into the previous categories. These plastics are typically not recyclable in normal collections.
It is important to note that the presence of an RIC on a plastic product does not necessarily indicate that it is recyclable. The code primarily serves to identify the type of resin used, and the recyclability depends on various factors, including economic feasibility and local recycling infrastructure.
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Code 1 is relatively safe, but avoid heat
Plastic is everywhere, from our fridge to our closets. It is almost impossible to escape plastic in the modern consumer world. However, we can make better choices by opting for safer types of plastic for our health and the environment.
The recycle symbol on plastic items, which is a triangle of chasing pointers with a number from 1 to 7 inside it, provides important data about the type of resin used and the recyclability of the item. Plastic #1, also known as PET or PETE, is relatively safe. It is used in most water and soda bottles and some packaging. It is also found in household cleaning product containers. However, it is important to keep plastic #1 out of heat, as it could cause carcinogens (like the flame retardant antimony trioxide) to leach into your liquids. Therefore, avoid microwaving plastic #1 or putting it in the dishwasher. The porous nature of its surface also allows bacteria and flavor to accumulate, so avoid reusing these bottles as makeshift containers.
While plastic #1 can be recycled, it is not meant to be reused. To use less PET plastic, switch to reusable beverage containers and replace disposable food packaging with reusable alternatives. Most curbside recycling programs accept plastic #1.
It is worth noting that while plastic #1 is relatively safe, some other types of plastic are considered safer. For example, high-density polyethylene, or HDPE (#2), is considered one of the safest forms of plastic. It is used to make milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries containers. HDPE is usually opaque in color and has a low risk of leaching. It is also picked up by most recycling programs.
In summary, while plastic #1 is relatively safe, it is important to avoid exposing it to heat and to avoid reusing the containers for storing liquids or food due to the risk of bacterial growth. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives where possible and choose safer types of plastic, such as HDPE (#2), to minimize health and environmental risks.
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Code 3 is dangerous and rarely recycled
Plastic products are labelled with a number inside a recycling symbol, ranging from 1 to 7. These numbers are called resin identification codes and are associated with the type of plastic used in the product. Some plastics are less toxic and more environmentally friendly than others, and some are easier to recycle.
Code 3 plastic, also known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is dangerous and rarely recycled. PVC contains softening chemicals called phthalates that interfere with hormonal development. These chemicals cause problems with the hormonal system and can lead to endocrine problems in children and fetuses. Other highly toxic chemicals like DEHA can also be produced during the lifecycle of plastic #3, affecting children's development and the immune and endocrine systems. These harmful chemicals have also been linked to cancer.
Products made with code 3 plastic include shower curtains, cleaner bottles, pipes, cooking oil bottles, window and door frames, floors, and clear food wrap. It is important to note that PVC is not considered safe for cooking or heating. When heated, PVC can release toxic chemicals, so it is important to avoid using it in the microwave or for cooking.
Code 3 plastic is one of the least recyclable plastics. It is rarely accepted by recycling programs, and even if it is recycled, the total percentage of recycled code 3 plastic is very low. This means that products made from code 3 plastic often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution.
It is crucial to check product labels and avoid purchasing items made with code 3 plastic, especially those that come into contact with food and drinks, such as cooking oil bottles and food wrap. By choosing safer types of plastic, we can reduce our exposure to toxic chemicals and minimize the negative impact on our health and the environment.
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Code 6 is hard to recycle and contains styrene
Plastic recycling codes are indicated by a number enclosed within a triangle of chasing arrows, also known as a resin identification code. These codes are important as they provide information about the resin used and the recyclability of the item. However, it is important to note that the presence of a recycling code on an object does not guarantee that it can be reprocessed.
Number 6 plastic, or polystyrene (PS), is one of the plastic recycling codes that is particularly problematic. PS is often found in foam packaging and food containers, and while it can be recycled, it is challenging and not as widely practiced as with other plastics. PS is hard to recycle because it breaks up easily, leading to environmental contamination. Its lightweight and fragile nature means it can be easily transported by wind or water, ultimately ending up in the environment. This is evident from the presence of tiny pieces of PS found on beaches and even inside marine creatures.
The difficulty in recycling PS also stems from its chemical composition. PS contains styrene, a substance that can leach when heated, posing significant health risks. Styrene is harmful to human health and has been linked to carcinogenic effects. Due to these concerns, it is recommended to avoid or at least minimize the use of PS products.
Despite the challenges, there are specialist recyclers that accept PS for recycling. However, they typically only take clean, white polystyrene, and it needs to be separated from other recyclables to prevent contamination. PS must be cut into small pieces and any tape, plastic film, labels, loose parts, or glued-on cardboard must be removed. These additional steps and requirements make recycling PS a more complex process than with other plastics.
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Code 7 is a residual category, burnt, not recycled
Plastic products are labelled with numbers 1 to 7 inside a triangle of chasing pointers, also known as the resin identification code. These numbers indicate the seven different types of plastics available in the market and provide important data about the used resin and recyclability of the item.
Code 7 plastic is a residual category for plastics that don't fit into the other six categories. It includes new plastics, bioplastics, and items composed of different types of plastics. Some of the materials that fall under Code 7 are polycarbonate (PC), which contains the highly dangerous chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), as well as acrylic, nylon, polylactic acid (PLA), and more. The properties of these plastics vary as they are made from different materials and can be rigid or flexible, clear or opaque, and heat-resistant or not.
Due to the wide variety of materials that Code 7 plastic encompasses, there are no standard protocols for using and reusing this plastic. It is generally hard to recycle, and most factories do not accept it. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for recycling numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 instead.
While some types of PLA, such as polylactic acid, can be recycled, others, like polystyrene (PS), cannot. The safety and recyclability of Code 7 plastic ultimately depend on the specific type of plastic. For example, PLA is often used for multi-layer packaging, such as milk cartons and juice containers, but it is also found in hard-to-recycle products like three-ring binders and CD cases.
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