Maya Ellison
The numbers on plastic items are resin identification codes, ranging from 1 to 7, that indicate the type of plastic the product is made from. These numbers are found within a small triangle, known as the chasing arrows symbol, which was originally designed in 1970 to inform people that a product was recyclable. However, the presence of these numbers or symbols does not necessarily mean that a product is recyclable or has been recycled. The numbers help identify the type of plastic used, with some types being more commonly recycled than others. For example, plastics No. 1, 2, 4, and 5 are considered generally safe for food storage, while No. 3 plastics, also known as PVC, are associated with harmful byproducts and are difficult to recycle. Understanding these plastic codes is essential for making informed choices about the types of plastic we use and their potential impact on our health and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic #1 | Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET) |
| Plastic #2 | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Plastic #3 | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) |
| Plastic #4 | Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) |
| Plastic #5 | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Plastic #6 | Polystyrene |
| Plastic #7 | Polycarbonate (PC) and "other" plastics |
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What You'll Learn
The number denotes the type of plastic
The number on plastic items is part of the Resin Identification Code (RIC) or resin code, also known as the recycling symbol. This code denotes the type of plastic the item is made from and its recyclability. The numbers range from 1 to 7, with each number corresponding to a specific type of plastic.
Plastic #1, or PET/PETE, is one of the most commonly used plastics. It is often found in beverage bottles, food containers, and clothing fibres. This type of plastic is generally safe for food and drink packaging but is usually intended for single use.
Plastic #2, or HDPE, is considered one of the safest types of plastic. It has high durability and resistance to wear and can withstand various weather conditions. HDPE is commonly used in the manufacture of sturdy bottles for cosmetics and household cleaners. It is also one of the most commonly recycled plastics and can be efficiently recycled up to 10 times.
Plastic #3, or PVC, is considered one of the least safe and least recyclable types of plastic. It is often found in shower curtains, cleaner bottles, pipes, and window and door frames. PVC is toxic when heated, so it is important to avoid using it for cooking or storing food.
Plastic #4, or LDPE, is one of the oldest types of polyethylene. It is considered relatively safe for use but is not very environmentally friendly due to low recycling rates. LDPE is used to create most soft plastic products and is known for its lightweight and flimsy nature, making it suitable for single-use applications.
Plastic #5 is made of polypropylene, which is commonly used in takeaway containers due to its excellent heat resistance. It is considered safe for reuse, as it is unlikely to leach chemicals or break down over time.
Plastic #6 is polystyrene, a lightweight and easily formed plastic. It is often used for disposable foam drinking cups, takeaway containers, and packaging materials. Polystyrene breaks up easily and is dispersed throughout the natural environment, leading to ingestion by marine species.
Plastic #7 is a catch-all category for polycarbonate (PC) and "other" plastics. This category includes plastics made with Bisphenol A (BPA), which is a potential endocrine disruptor. While #7 plastics can be reused and recycled, there are concerns about the potential for chemical leaching into food and drink products.
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Numbers 1, 2, 4, 5 are considered safe
Plastic products are often stamped with a number inside a small triangle made of arrows, ranging from 1 to 7. These numbers are not random and indicate the type of plastic the product is made from and its recyclability.
Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are considered safe for food storage and have no known health issues, according to Sea Studios Foundation. Number 1 plastic, or PETE/PET, is one of the most commonly used plastics and is frequently used for water and beverage bottles, food jars and containers, and mouthwash bottles. It is safe for food and drinks packaging but should be stored in a cool, dry environment and not reused. Number 2 plastic, or HDPE, is one of the safest plastics due to its high strength-to-density ratio, making it wear-resistant. It can be reused without any harm and is widely accepted for recycling. Number 4 plastic, or LDPE, is one of the oldest grades of polyethylene and is believed to be safe for use. However, it is not very environmentally friendly as only a small percentage of LDPE plastic is recycled. Number 5 plastic is also considered safe for food storage.
It is important to note that while these plastics are considered safe, it is still recommended to minimize the use of plastic around food and opt for glass or other alternatives whenever possible to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Additionally, plastic products should not be heated or reused, even if they are labelled "microwave-safe".
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Numbers don't indicate recyclability
The numbers on plastic items are resin identification codes that indicate what type of plastic the material is made from. They do not necessarily indicate that the product is recyclable or recycled.
Plastics with the numbers #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics. These plastics are considered generally safe for food storage and have no known health issues. HDPE is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is accepted worldwide. It can be recycled up to 10 times and is often used for non-food items such as shampoo bottles, soaps, and household cleaners.
On the other hand, plastics #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not as widely collected in local recycling programs. Number #3 plastic, or PVC, is considered very dangerous and one of the least recyclable plastics due to its high chlorine content and hazardous additives. Number #4 plastic, or LDPE, is one of the oldest grades of polyethylene and is not very environmentally friendly as only a small percentage of it is recycled.
Products stamped with a #7 are often made of multiple plastic types or other hard-to-recycle plastics. It is important to note that just because a plastic type can be recycled doesn't mean it is accepted by local recycling programs. For example, grocery bags made of type #4 plastic should not be put into recycling bins as they can get tangled in recycling equipment.
Therefore, while the numbers on plastic products provide information about the type of plastic and its potential recyclability, they do not guarantee that the item can be recycled or accepted by local recycling programs.
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Number 3 plastics are toxic, avoid heating
Plastics are everywhere, from shower curtains to toys and food packaging. They are convenient and cheap, but they also come with hidden costs. Most plastic products contain potentially toxic chemicals, and heating them can increase the rate at which these chemicals are released.
Number 3 plastics, also known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), are among the least recyclable types of plastic. They are commonly found in shower curtains, cleaner bottles, pipes, cooking oil bottles, window and door frames, floors, and clear food wrap. PVC has a high chlorine content (around 56% of its weight) and often contains additives and toxic chemicals like phthalates and styrene, which can leach out over time and when heated. Exposure to styrene may affect the respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems.
It is essential to avoid heating or cooking food in number 3 plastics. Instead, opt for glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or silicone containers for food storage and heating. These materials are safer alternatives that do not release toxins when heated.
To reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, it is advisable to minimise your use of plastic, especially around food. When possible, choose products not packaged in plastic and opt for storage containers made from glass, stainless steel, or ceramic. Additionally, hand wash plastics to reduce wear and tear, and discard any plastic items that are scratched or damaged.
By taking these simple steps, you can protect your health and minimise your impact on the environment.
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Number 7 plastics, a wide range, may leach chemicals
Plastic products are labelled with numbers ranging from 1 to 7 inside a small triangle, indicating the type of plastic and its recyclability. Number 7 plastics, which include polycarbonate containers made using Bisphenol A (BPA), cover a wide range of products and may leach chemicals into food or drink. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor and potential carcinogen, with potentially harmful effects on the immune, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Number 7 plastics are used in various products such as baby bottles, sippy cups, water cooler bottles, and car parts. While some polycarbonate water bottles are marketed as "non-leaching", trace amounts of BPA may still migrate into liquids, especially when heated.
To minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, it is recommended to avoid using plastic containers for storing or heating food and beverages. Glass, stainless steel, or ceramic alternatives are generally safer options for food storage and reheating. Additionally, when using plastic products, it is important to avoid heating, microwaving, or scratching them, as this can increase the risk of chemical leaching.
Plastics with recycling labels #1, #2, and #4 are safer choices and do not contain BPA. These plastics are more widely accepted for recycling and can be reused multiple times without harm. However, it is important to check with local waste recycling facilities, as not all facilities recycle all types of plastic.
Overall, while plastic is convenient and prevalent in our daily lives, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with certain types of plastic, especially when used for food and beverage storage. By understanding the different types of plastic and their potential hazards, we can make more informed choices to protect our health and the environment.
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