Recycling symbol on plastic bottles and containers

Have you ever wondered what the recycling symbols (Those made of chasing arrows and a number inside it) mean at the bottom of plastic bottles and containers? Did you know that, while the use of all plastics should be limited if at all possible, some are safer than others?So let us learn a little bit about the various plastics we use and drink/eat from every single day, and what impact they have not only on us, but also the environment.

In 1988, to assist recycling of disposable items, the Plastic Bottle Institute of the Society of the Plastics Industry devised a now-familiar scheme to mark plastic bottles by plastic type. A plastic container using this scheme is marked with a triangle of three "chasing arrows", which encloses a number giving the plastic type:

-[PETE Or PET] - Polyethylene terephthalate. PET is the most well known member of the polyester family of plastic polymers. It is usually clear and used to make soda and water bottles. Some consider it safe, but this plastic is known to allow bacteria to accumulate.

• It’s found mostly in soda bottles, water bottles, beer bottles, salad dressing containers, detergent and cleaner containers etc.
  
• It is recycled into tote bags, furniture, carpet, paneling, fiber, and polar fleece.

HDPE

 

-[HDPE] - high-density polyethylene. Polyethylene are the most widely used family of plastics in the world. This plastic is one of the 3 plastics considered to be safe, and has a lower risk of leaching.

• It’s found mostly in milk jugs, household cleaner containers, juice bottles, shampoo bottles, cereal box liners, detergent bottles, motor oil bottles, yogurt tubs, and butter tubs.ilk jugs, detergent bottles, juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries bottles are made of this. 
• It is recycled into pens, recycling containers, picnic tables, lumber, benches, fencing, and detergent bottles, to name a few.

 

-[PVC] - Poly vinyl chloride.Long the second most widely used plastic resin in the world (after polyethylene), PVC (or vinyl) use has decreased because of serious health and environmental pollution issues associated with its manufacture, use and disposal -- it's whole life cycle is toxic. But it is still popular and in common use because of its cost-effective versatility.

• It’s found in shampoo bottles, clear food packaging, cooking oil bottles, medical equipment, piping, and windows. It is also used to make food wrap, plumbing pipes, and detergent bottles.
• This plastic is recycled into paneling, flooring, speed bumps, decks, and roadway gutters.
• These plastics used to, and still may, contain phthalates, which are linked to numerous health issues ranging from developmental problems to miscarriages. They also contain DEHA (Diethylhydroxylamine), which can be carcinogenic with long-term exposure. DEHA has also been linked to loss of bone mass and liver problems. Don’t cook with or burn this plastic.

-[LDPE] -  low-density polyethylene. They are another version of polythene. Being relatively stable they are considered a little safer for food or drink purpose. Also they are easy to process hence are popular for recycling.

• Low density polyethylene is most found in squeezable bottles, shopping bags, clothing, carpet, frozen food, bread bags, and some food wraps. This rests among the recycling symbols considered to be safe.
• This plastic is recycled into compost bins, paneling, trash can liners and cans, floor tiles, and shipping envelopes.

-[PP] - polypropylene.  Polypropylene is used for similar applications as polyethylenes, but is generally stiffer and more heat resistant - so is often used for containers filled with hot food.

• It is also one of the safer plastics to look for.It is typically found in yogurt containers, ketchup bottles, syrup bottles, and medicine bottles.
• Polypropylene is recycled into brooms, auto battery cases, bins, pallets, signal lights, ice scrapers, and bicycle racks.

-[PS] - polystyrene. Polystyrene is Styrofoam, which is notorious for being difficult to recycle, and thus, bad for the environment. This kind of plastic also poses a health risk, leaching potentially toxic chemicals, especially when heated. 

• It is found in compact disc cases, egg cartons, meat trays, and disposable plates and cups.
• It is recycled into egg cartons, vents, foam packing, and insulation.

-[OTHER] -All of the plastic resins that don’t fit into the other categories are placed in the number 7 category. It’s a mix bag of plastics that includes polycarbonate, which contains the toxic bisphenol-A (BPA). These plastics should be avoided due to possibly containing hormone disruptors like BPA, which has been linked to infertility, hyperactivity, reproductive problems, and other health issues.

• It is found in sunglasses, iPod cases, computer cases, nylon, 3- and 5-gallon water bottles, and bullet-proof materials.
• It is recycled into plastic lumber and other custom-made products.

The Bottom Line: Which Recycling Numbers to Avoid, Which are ‘Safest’
In the end, it’s really best to avoid using all plastics if you’re able. But at the very least:

• Avoid recycling symbols 3, 6, and 7. While Number 1 is considered safe, it is also best to avoid this plastic
• Look for symbols 2, 4, and 5, as these plastics are considered to be safest. These are the plastics to look for in terms of human and animal consumption.

DISCLAIMER:

While I strive to provide as accurate and balanced information as possible on my Blog, This blog cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness because there is always more research to do, and more up-to-date research studies emerging -- and this is especially the case regarding research on the health and environmental effects of plastics. Therefore I do not hold any responsibility for the damage caused by using this information.