Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, and it's essential to know which types are reusable and which aren't. The numbers 1-7 on plastic items indicate the type of plastic and its potential for recycling or reuse. While some types, like #2 HDPE, are widely accepted for recycling and considered safe for reuse, others, such as #1 PET, are not recommended for refilling due to potential chemical leaching. It's crucial to understand these plastic codes to make informed choices and minimise potential health and environmental risks associated with certain plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safest plastic numbers | 2, 4, 5 |
| Plastic numbers to be avoided | 1, 3, 6, 7 |
| Plastic numbers generally accepted by recyclers | 1, 2 |
| Plastic numbers that are recyclable but not reusable | 1 |
| Plastic numbers that are both recyclable and reusable | 2, 20, 21 |
| Plastic number that is not recyclable but can be reused | 20 |
| Plastic number that is not commonly recycled but can be reused | 8, 20 |
| Plastic number that is safe to repurpose | 4 |
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What You'll Learn
Numbers 2, 4 and 5 are the safest plastics to reuse
Plastic is everywhere, and it is almost impossible to escape it in the modern consumer world. However, not all plastics are created equal when it comes to reusability and safety. The numbers on plastic products, typically found within a triangle of chasing arrows, indicate the type of plastic and its recyclability. While these numbers are a helpful guide, it's important to remember that all plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged. Therefore, it is best to transition to materials like metal and glass when possible.
Numbers 2, 4, and 5 plastics are generally considered the safest for reuse. Number 2 plastic, also known as HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), is highly durable and reliable. It has a high strength-to-density ratio, making it wear-resistant and suitable for various weather conditions. HDPE products can withstand heating and freezing, and they are easily and efficiently recyclable up to 10 times. This type of plastic is commonly used in sturdy bottles for cosmetics and household cleaners, milk jugs, detergent and oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags.
Number 4 plastic, LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), is another safe option for reuse. It is a soft plastic that can be found in clear food wrapping, certain cooking bottles, toys, and blister packaging for pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. LDPE is also used in margarine and yogurt containers, potato chip bags, cereal bags, and more. This type of plastic is considered safe for reuse and is recyclable, although many recyclers do not accept it.
Number 5 plastic, Polypropylene (PP), is a durable yet lightweight material. It is used in a wide range of products, including disposable diapers, straws, food containers, bags, packing tape, and rope. Polypropylene is safe for reuse, but it is not commonly recycled. However, if accepted by your local recycling program, it can be transformed into new products such as battery cases, brooms, or bins.
While numbers 2, 4, and 5 plastics are considered the safest for reuse, it is still important to minimise the use of single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible.
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Number 1 plastics are not recommended for reuse
Plastic is everywhere, and it is almost impossible to escape it in the modern consumer world. However, not all plastics are created equal, and some are safer and more environmentally friendly than others.
The numbers 1-7 on plastic items indicate the type of resin used to produce the plastic and provide information about its recyclability. Number 1 plastic, or PET (also known as PETE or PETE plastic), is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products. It is often found in water and beverage bottles, food jars and containers, salad dressing and oil bottles, mouthwash bottles, and clothes fibres.
While Number 1 plastic is recyclable and accepted at most recycling plants, it is not recommended for reuse. Repeated use of Number 1 plastic increases the risk of leaching and bacterial growth, as it is challenging to remove harmful chemicals and carcinogens. These chemicals can interfere with human hormonal messaging and have been linked to health issues, including reproductive system dysfunction.
To reduce your consumption of Number 1 plastic, consider switching to reusable alternatives, such as stainless steel or glass bottles for water and beverages. Additionally, opt for reusable straws, cloth diapers, and replace disposable food packaging with reusable containers. These simple choices can help minimise the potential harm to your health and the environment.
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Number 7 plastics are a miscellaneous category, some are reusable
Plastic products are labelled with numbers ranging from 1 to 7 inside a triangle, which indicate the type of resin used and the recyclability of the item. Number 7 plastics are a miscellaneous category that includes all types of plastics that do not fit into numbers 1 through 6. This category has become more extensive and diverse over time due to innovations and developments in the plastics industry. Number 7 plastics can be recyclable, non-recyclable, or biodegradable, and they may also have multi-layer or mixed resin types.
Number 7 plastics are considered a catch-all category for "other" plastics, and as such, there are no standard reuse and recycling protocols within this group. This lack of standardisation can make it challenging to determine how to handle these plastics responsibly. Some number 7 plastics are known to contain bisphenol A (BPA), a xenoestrogen and known endocrine disruptor, which can leach into food or drink products. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid products with the "PC" label, indicating polycarbonate plastic.
However, not all number 7 plastics contain BPA, and some items made from these plastics can be reused or repaired instead of being discarded. Examples of everyday items made from number 7 plastics include baby bottles, sippy cups, water cooler bottles, car parts, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, and exterior lighting fixtures. While these items may not be accepted in your curbside recycling bin, there may be other ways to recycle or repurpose them responsibly.
It is important to note that the presence of a recycling symbol on a plastic product does not guarantee that it can be recycled. The symbol only indicates the possibility of recycling, and it is essential to check with local waste recycling facilities to understand their specific capabilities. Additionally, all plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged, so it is advisable to prioritise alternative materials like metal and glass whenever possible.
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Number 3 plastics are not accepted by most public recycling centres
Plastic is a material that is widely used in our daily lives. From food packaging to household items, it is almost impossible to escape plastic in the modern consumer world. However, not all plastics are created equal when it comes to their recyclability and impact on the environment.
The numbers on plastic items, which are known as resin codes, range from 1 to 7 and indicate the type of plastic resin used. These numbers are a helpful guide to understanding the potential harm and recyclability of different plastics. Number 3 plastics, also known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are a type of plastic that is not accepted by most public recycling centres.
PVC is a soft and flexible plastic that is commonly used for a wide range of household products, such as plastic tubing, kids' toys, plastic trays, and furniture. While PVC products are convenient and widely used, they pose challenges when it comes to recycling. Most public recycling centres do not accept PVC because it is difficult to recycle and can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
The recyclability of plastics depends on various factors, including the availability of specialised recycling facilities and the economic viability of the process. In some cases, the recycling of certain plastics may not be financially feasible due to the complexity and cost of the recycling process. Additionally, the environmental impact of recycling certain plastics, such as PVC, needs to be considered.
It is important to note that the presence of a resin code on a plastic item does not guarantee its recyclability. Consumers should be mindful of the types of plastics they use and dispose of them responsibly. By reducing the use of non-recyclable plastics, such as PVC, and opting for reusable alternatives, we can minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to more sustainable waste management practices.
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Number 2 plastics can be recycled up to 10 times
Plastic is everywhere, and while almost all plastic can be recycled in principle, there are various barriers to doing so in practice. For example, some plastics are harder to recycle than others, and different recycling facilities have different capabilities.
The number inside the triangle on plastic items, known as a resin code, indicates the type of resin or plastic used to produce the item. This number ranges from one to seven and helps consumers and recyclers identify which types of plastic can be recycled and which should be avoided.
Number 2 plastics, also known as HDPE (high-density polyethylene), are one of the safest and most widely recycled types of plastic. They are accepted at most recycling plants and can be recycled up to 10 times. HDPE has a high strength-to-density ratio, resulting in superb wear resistance, and can withstand heating and freezing. It is often used for sturdy bottles for cosmetics and household cleaners, milk jugs, detergent and oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags.
To recycle number 2 plastics, the items are shredded into tiny pallets and reprocessed into new bottles or other products. Recycled HDPE can also be turned into polyester fibre, which is used for textiles such as fleece clothing, carpets, and stuffing for pillows and life jackets.
While number 2 plastics are considered safe, it is important to note that all plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged. Therefore, it is recommended to use alternative materials like metal and glass where possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Numbers 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), and 5 (polypropylene) are considered safe for reuse. Number 7 plastics are considered a "catch-all" category, but some are reusable.
Number 2 plastics are commonly used for sturdy bottles for cosmetics and household cleaners. They are also used for milk jugs, detergent and oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags.
Number 7 plastics are used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, water cooler bottles, and car parts.
