Alexei Volkov
Plastic items are labelled with recycling numbers 1–7, which indicate the type of plastic used and help identify and sort plastics for recycling. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound that is sometimes found in plastic items and can leach into drinks. It is important to understand the potential harm caused by different types of plastic. While some sources advise avoiding #7 plastics due to concerns about BPA, this is not always accurate. Only one type of #7 plastic contains BPA – polycarbonate plastic. To identify BPA-free products, look for a `BPA-free` label or choose products made from acrylic, SAN/NAS, Tritan, polypropylene, and melamine plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Recycling Numbers with BPA | 7 (Polycarbonate) |
| Plastic Recycling Numbers without BPA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and many 7 items |
| Plastic Number 1 | Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET) |
| Plastic Number 2 | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Plastic Number 3 | Polyvinyl chloride |
| Plastic Number 4 | N/A |
| Plastic Number 5 | Polypropylene |
| Plastic Number 6 | Polystyrene |
| Plastic Number 7 | Polycarbonate or Other Plastic |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic recycling numbers 1-6 are BPA-free
- Number 7 plastics are often advised against, due to possible BPA content
- Polycarbonate is the type of plastic in number 7 that contains BPA
- Number 1 plastics are commonly used for single-use disposable items
- Number 2 plastics are used for more durable disposable items
Plastic recycling numbers 1-6 are BPA-free
Plastic items are typically labelled with a number from 1 to 7 inside a triangle of chasing arrows, commonly known as the plastic resin identification code or recycling code. This code is used to identify the type of plastic used for the product and whether it can be recycled. While not all plastics are recyclable or reusable, understanding these codes can help consumers make better decisions about the types of plastic they use and ensure they are recycling correctly.
Plastic recycling numbers 1–6 are BPA-free. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic compound with the molecular formula C15H16O2. It is a colourless solid substance that is soluble in organic solvents but insoluble in water. When placed in hot or cold drinks, BPA can leach chemicals into the drink. Therefore, it is important to check whether a plastic item is BPA-free before using it for food or drink.
Plastic recycling numbers 1, 2, and 4 are considered safer choices and are commonly used for disposable plastic items. Number 1 plastic, or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), is frequently used for single-use disposable items such as water bottles, food containers, and condiment containers. Number 2 plastic, or HDPE (high-density polyethylene), is commonly used for more durable disposable items such as milk jugs, detergent bottles, and food containers. It is one of the safest and most durable types of plastic, making it suitable for various weather conditions and multiple uses. Number 4 plastic, or LDPE (low-density polyethylene), is used for items such as plastic bags, film, and squeeze bottles.
Number 3 plastic, or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and number 7 plastic, which includes polycarbonate plastic, are not considered BPA-safe and are not recommended for food or drink contact. However, it is important to note that not all number 7 plastics contain BPA, and some sources recommend checking the outer packaging or manufacturer's description to determine if a product is BPA-free.
By understanding the different types of plastic and their associated recycling numbers, consumers can make more informed choices about the plastic products they use and ensure they are recycling them correctly.
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Number 7 plastics are often advised against, due to possible BPA content
The numbers 1–7 that appear in the centre of the recycling symbol on most plastic items are plastic recycling numbers. These numbers are used to identify the type of plastic used for the product and have been in use since 1988. They also indicate the possibility of recycling the item, but they do not necessarily mean that the item can be reprocessed.
Number 7 plastics are often advised against due to the possibility of BPA content. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic compound with the molecular formula C15H16O2. It is a colourless solid substance that is soluble in organic solvents but insoluble in water. When placed in a hot or cold drink, chemicals can leach from the plastic into the drink. However, it is important to note that not all #7 plastics contain BPA. Polycarbonate is just one of the many types of plastics in this category. Other types of #7 plastics that are BPA-free include acrylic, SAN/NAS, Tritan, polypropylene, and melamine plastics.
If you want to avoid BPA, it is recommended to look for products with recycling labels #1, #2, #4, #5, or #6, as these can be safely assumed to be BPA-free. These plastics are commonly recycled and collected in residential and community recycling programs. However, it is always a good idea to check the outer packaging of a product, as this usually states whether the product is BPA-free, and most manufacturers clearly label BPA-free products.
To avoid chemicals leaching into your food from any type of plastic packaging, you can opt for homemade food and store your leftovers in platinum silicone or stainless steel containers.
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Polycarbonate is the type of plastic in number 7 that contains BPA
The plastic recycling numbers 1–7, also known as SPI codes, were created by the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988. These numbers are found in the centre of the recycling symbol on most plastic items and are used to identify and sort plastics for recycling.
In recent years, some news outlets and health experts have advised people to avoid #7 plastics due to concerns that they contain the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA). However, it is important to note that not all #7 plastics contain BPA. Only one type of #7 plastic contains BPA – polycarbonate plastic.
Polycarbonate is a strong plastic that has been used for nearly 100 years to make a variety of products, including unbreakable tableware, water storage containers, and even bulletproof glass. It falls into the other category of plastics, which includes any new plastics and could be comprised of different types of plastics. As such, it is important to exercise caution when using products made from polycarbonate or other #7 plastics, as you may not know exactly what they contain.
If you are concerned about BPA, the best way to avoid it is to not purchase items made from polycarbonate plastic. Look for BPA-free labels on products or choose items made from other types of #7 plastics that are known to be BPA-free, such as acrylic, SAN/NAS, Tritan, polypropylene, and melamine plastics.
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Number 1 plastics are commonly used for single-use disposable items
The recycling symbol with numbers 1-7 was created in 1988 by the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) to help identify and sort plastics for recycling. These numbers are called SPI codes and are found within the recycling triangle on plastic items. Number 1 plastics are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and are one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products.
While Number 1 plastics are widely used for single-use disposable items, there are concerns about their environmental impact. Single-use plastics are designed to be thrown away after one use, often within minutes. They contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution, with an estimated eight million metric tons of plastic entering waterways each year. Additionally, single-use plastics often end up as litter in the environment, with food wrappers, bottles, shopping bags, and straws being the most common types of plastic waste found.
To address the issue of plastic pollution, some jurisdictions have implemented regulations and labelling requirements for single-use plastic products. The EU, for example, is tackling the 10 single-use plastic items most commonly found on European beaches and promoting sustainable alternatives. It is important for consumers to understand the different types of plastics and their recycling codes to make informed choices and reduce the environmental impact of single-use disposable items.
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Number 2 plastics are used for more durable disposable items
The recycling numbers 1-7 were introduced by the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988. These numbers are found within the recycling symbol on most plastic items and are designed to help identify and sort plastics for recycling. Number 1 plastics, for instance, are typically used for single-use disposable items such as water bottles, takeout containers, and condiment containers. These are commonly collected through residential and community recycling programs and are widely recycled and collected.
Number 2 plastics, on the other hand, are designed for more durable disposable items that can be used multiple times before disposal. This category includes milk jugs, which are a notable example of the shift from glass to plastic containers. Other items in this category include detergent bottles, cleaning products, and motor oil. These products benefit from the durability, flexibility, and lightweight nature of plastic while still being disposable.
The concern around BPA has led to increased awareness of plastic types and their potential health and environmental impacts. While not all #7 plastics contain BPA, polycarbonate plastic, often used for tableware, glasses, and food containers, does. Consumers are advised to look for BPA-free labels or opt for products made from acrylic, SAN/NAS, Tritan, polypropylene, and melamine plastics, which are all BPA-free.
Understanding the different types of plastics and their specific uses and disposal methods is essential for making informed choices and reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste. The durability of plastic, which makes it useful for certain applications, also contributes to its persistence in the environment, leading to pollution and health concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers 1-7 that appear in the centre of the recycling symbol on most plastic items are plastic recycling numbers. These numbers were created in 1988 by the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) to help identify and sort various plastics for recycling.
Plastic recycling numbers 1-6 are self-explanatory, but number 7 is a catch-all category for "other" plastics. Number 1 plastics, for instance, are used for single-use disposable plastic items including plastic water bottles, takeout and grocery food containers, and condiment containers. Number 2 plastics are used for more durable disposable plastic items, including milk jugs, detergent bottles, and cleaning products.
Recycling codes 3 and 7 are frequently found to contain Bisphenol A (BPA). However, not all plastics with a "7" designation contain BPA; this is a broad category that includes a variety of materials.
The easiest way to avoid BPA is to not purchase items made from polycarbonate plastic, which is one type of plastic with a "7" designation. Most manufacturers clearly label BPA-free products, so look for these labels when shopping.
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