Chloe Zhang
Plastic numbers, also known as resin identification codes, are numbers ranging from 1 to 7 enclosed in a triangle of chasing arrows, imprinted on plastic products. These numbers indicate the type of resin or plastic used in the product and help identify its recyclability and potential harm. For instance, Number 3 plastic, or PVC, is used in shower curtains, bottles, and pipes, but is not suitable for cooking due to the presence of toxic chemicals. Number 7 plastics are a catch-all category that includes new plastics, bioplastics, and items made from multiple plastic types, which are challenging to recycle and may contain harmful chemicals. Understanding these plastic numbers empowers consumers to make informed choices about the types of plastics they use, reducing potential health and environmental risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of plastic types | 7 |
| Purpose of the numbers | To identify the type of plastic used for the product |
| Recyclability | Not all plastics are recyclable or reusable |
| Plastic Number 1 | PETE or PET, used for beverage and food containers, household cleaning product containers, recyclable |
| Plastic Number 2 | HDPE, used for milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, toiletries containers, recyclable |
| Plastic Number 3 | PVC, used for food wrap, bottles for cooking oil, shower curtains, inflatable mattresses, plumbing pipes, rarely recycled |
| Plastic Number 4 | LDPE, used for grocery bags, food wraps, squeezable bottles, bread bags, rarely recycled |
| Plastic Number 5 | Polypropylene, used for food containers, straws, rope, carpet, bottle caps, sometimes recycled |
| Plastic Number 6 | Polystyrene, used for disposable cups, food containers, egg cartons, plastic cutlery, foam packaging, sometimes recycled |
| Plastic Number 7 | Polycarbonate, used for baby bottles, water bottles, sports equipment, medical devices, contains BPA, difficult to recycle |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic numbers are resin identification codes
Plastic numbers refer to resin identification codes (RICs), which are a set of symbols that appear on plastic products to identify the type of resin used to make them. These codes were developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States and have been administered by ASTM International since 2008. The purpose of RICs is to facilitate the identification of plastic types, as well as their collection, disposal, and recycling. While RICs help consumers and waste operators distinguish between different materials, they do not always indicate whether a product is recyclable.
The numbers in RICs range from 1 to 7 and are often surrounded by the chasing arrows recycling symbol or a solid triangle. Each number corresponds to a specific type of plastic resin. For example, number 1 (PET) plastic is used for water and soda bottles, while number 3 plastic, made from polyvinyl chloride, is found in shower curtains, cleaner bottles, and food wrap. Number 4 or LDPE (low-density polyethylene) is one of the oldest grades of polyethylene and is considered relatively safe, although it is not environmentally friendly due to low recycling rates. Number 6 plastic, made from polystyrene, is lightweight and easily formed, commonly used for disposable cups, food containers, and packaging. Number 7 plastic includes new plastics, bioplastics, and items composed of multiple types of plastics.
While RICs provide valuable information about the type of plastic, they do not always indicate recyclability. For example, some number 3 plastics cannot be recycled due to the presence of additives. Similarly, while number 6 plastic can be recycled, it is not practised everywhere. Number 7 plastics, which may contain BPA (Bisphenol A), pose concerns about potential chemical leaching into food or drink products. Therefore, it is important to check with local recycling facilities to understand their specific capabilities and accepted plastic types.
Overall, understanding RICs helps consumers make informed choices about the types of plastic they use and facilitates proper recycling and disposal practices. However, it is crucial to recognise that the presence of an RIC on a product does not guarantee its recyclability, and consumers should refer to additional resources and guidelines for comprehensive information on recycling specific plastic items.
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They indicate the type of plastic used
The numbers on plastic products, ranging from 1 to 7, are called Resin Identification Codes. They indicate the type of resin or plastic used to make the product.
Number 1
Polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PETE or PET, is a clear plastic that is used for most disposable beverage and food containers and bottles, as well as household cleaning product containers. It is relatively safe, but it should be kept away from heat to prevent the leaching of carcinogens. It is recyclable and picked up by most curbside recycling programs.
Number 2
High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is used to make most milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries containers. It is usually opaque in color and is considered safe, with a low risk of leaching. It is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is accepted by most recycling programs worldwide.
Number 3
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is used for food wrap, bottles for cooking oil, shower curtains, inflatable mattresses, and plumbing pipes. It is tough but not considered safe for cooking or heating as it contains softening chemicals called phthalates that interfere with hormonal development. It is difficult to recycle due to the presence of different additives.
Number 4
Low-density polyethylene, or LDPE, is used for grocery bags, some food wraps, squeezable bottles, and bread bags. It is believed to be relatively safe, but it is not environmentally friendly as only a small percentage of LDPE plastic is recycled. However, many recycling centers are moving towards accepting this type of plastic.
Number 5
PP is a tough and lightweight plastic with high heat resistance. It is commonly used for food containers like yogurt pots, sour cream, and margarine tubs, as well as straws, rope, carpet, and bottle caps. It can be recycled, but only a small percentage of PP products are actually recycled.
Number 6
Polystyrene (PS) is an inexpensive, lightweight, and easily formed plastic. It is often used for disposable foam drinking cups, takeout food containers, egg cartons, plastic picnic cutlery, and foam packaging. It can be recycled, but not everywhere.
Number 7
Number 7 plastic is an all-encompassing category that includes polycarbonate (PC), bioplastics, and items composed of multiple types of plastics. It is difficult to recycle, and most recycling programs do not accept it. Products in this category may contain concerning chemicals that can leach into food or drink, such as BPA, which is linked to obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems.
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Not all plastics are recyclable or reusable
The numbers 1 to 7 found on plastic products are called the Resin Identification Code, indicating the type of resin used in the product. However, not all plastics are recyclable or reusable, and understanding these codes can help consumers make better choices for their health and the environment.
Plastics with the codes #1 (PETE or PET) and #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled types. PET, or Polyethylene terephthalate, is the type of plastic used for most disposable beverage bottles and food containers. It is recyclable, but it is important to keep it out of heat, as it could cause carcinogens to leach into liquids. Due to the porous nature of its surface, bacteria and flavour can accumulate, so these containers should not be reused.
HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is accepted worldwide. It is considered safe and has a low risk of leaching. Most milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries containers are made of HDPE.
Plastics with the codes #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not as widely accepted in local recycling programs. #3 plastic, or PVC, is used for shower curtains, cleaner bottles, pipes, cooking oil bottles, and food wrap. It is not considered safe for cooking or heating and should be avoided for these purposes. PVC contains softening chemicals called phthalates, which can interfere with hormonal development.
#4 plastic, or LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), is one of the oldest types of polyethylene. It is believed to be relatively safe, but it is not environmentally friendly, as only a small percentage of it is recycled. #6 plastic, or PS, is polystyrene, which is lightweight, easily formed, and inexpensive. It is often used for disposable cups, food containers, and packaging. While it can be recycled, it is not practised everywhere.
#7 plastic is an all-encompassing category that includes bioplastics and new plastics, as well as items composed of multiple types of plastics. It is difficult to recycle #7 plastic, and most recycling programs do not accept it. Products in this category may contain concerning chemicals, such as BPA (Bisphenol A), a xenoestrogen known to disrupt the endocrine system. These chemicals can leach into food or drink products, especially when heated, so it is best to avoid using #7 plastic products when possible.
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Some plastics are safer and more environmentally friendly
Plastic is everywhere, from our appliances to our clothing. However, not all plastics are equal, and some are safer and more environmentally friendly than others.
The recycling symbol on plastic items, usually a triangle of chasing arrows with a number from 1 to 7 inside, indicates the type of plastic used and its recyclability. Understanding these plastic codes can help consumers make better choices for their health and the environment.
For example, Number 3 plastic, or PVC, is found in various household items and should be avoided for cooking and food storage as it can leach toxic chemicals when heated. Number 4 plastic, or LDPE, is believed to be relatively safe, but it is not environmentally friendly due to low recycling rates. Number 6 plastic, or PS, is widely used for disposable food packaging and breaks up easily, ending up in the natural environment and posing risks to marine life and human health. Number 7 plastic, often polycarbonate, is of particular concern due to the potential for chemical leaching, especially Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor.
To reduce the environmental and health risks associated with plastics, consumers can make conscious choices. This includes reducing plastic use, choosing plastic products carefully, and reusing items whenever possible. Switching to reusable bags, containers, cups, and cutlery can significantly impact the environment. Avoiding single-use plastics, such as disposable bottles, plates, and cutlery, is also crucial. Consumers can opt for glass, metal, or paper packaging whenever possible and choose unpackaged items to minimize plastic waste. Additionally, consumers can support the development of eco-friendly alternatives, such as bioplastics made from corn starch, to replace conventional plastics.
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Plastic numbers 1 and 2 are the most commonly recycled
Plastic is everywhere, from our fridge to our daily use items. The numbers 1 to 7 surrounded by arrows in a triangle on plastic products are called the Resin Identification Code. These numbers indicate the type of resin used in the plastic product and help us understand the plastic type's makeup and its potential harm.
Number 2 plastic, or HDPE, is usually opaque in colour and is considered safe with a low risk of leaching. It is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is accepted worldwide. Most recycling companies collect HDPE material and take it to large facilities to be processed. It is used to make milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, toys, and some plastic bags.
While plastic numbers 1 and 2 are the most commonly recycled, other plastic types are more challenging to recycle and are not as widely accepted in local recycling programs. For example, plastic number 3, made of PVC, is toxic when heated and should be avoided for cooking or storing food. PVC plastic recycling is almost impractical due to different additives, and it is rarely accepted by recycling programs. Number 4 plastic, or LDPE, is believed to be relatively safe, but it is not environmentally friendly as only a small percentage of it is recycled. Number 6 plastic, or PS, is widely used for disposable foam drinking cups, takeout food containers, and plastic cutlery. While it is possible to recycle number 6 plastic, it is not available and practised everywhere. Number 7 plastic includes bioplastics and new plastics composed of different types of plastics. It is challenging to recycle number 7 plastic, and most recycling programs do not accept it.
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Frequently asked questions
Number 1 plastic, or PETE/PET, is usually clear in colour and is used for most disposable beverage and food containers and bottles, as well as household cleaning products. It is relatively safe but should be kept out of heat to avoid the leaching of carcinogens. Number 2 plastic, or HDPE, is usually opaque and is considered safe with a low risk of leaching. It is used for milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries containers. Both types of plastic are the most commonly recycled plastics and are accepted by most recycling programs.
Number 3 plastic, or PVC, is used for shower curtains, cleaner bottles, pipes, cooking oil bottles, window and door frames, floors, and clear food wrap. It is not considered safe for cooking or heating due to the presence of phthalates, which interfere with hormonal development. Number 4 plastic, or LDPE, is a thermoplastic and one of the oldest grades of polyethylene. It is considered safe and is used for grocery bags, some food wraps, squeezable bottles, and bread bags. LDPE can sometimes be recycled, and more recycling centres are moving towards accepting this type of plastic.
Number 6 plastic, or PS, is made from polystyrene, which is an inexpensive, lightweight, and easily formed plastic. It is often used for disposable foam drinking cups, takeout food containers, egg cartons, and plastic picnic cutlery. Polystyrene breaks up easily and can be dispersed throughout the natural environment, leading to ingestion by marine species. Number 7 plastic includes new plastics, bioplastics, and items composed of different types of plastics. It is mainly associated with polycarbonate (PC) plastic, which contains highly dangerous BPA (Bisphenol A). Number 7 plastic is difficult to recycle, and most recycling programs do not accept it.
