Everything You Need To Know About The Symbols On Our Plastic Containers
They tell you if it’s recyclable, safe to reuse, and if there’s a risk of it leaching chemicals
There are numbers between 1 and 7 in the triangle recycling logo under or on all plastic materials such as pet bottles, carboys and drums. These numbers represent what material the product is made of. The plastic symbols were developed back in the 1980s for use within the plastics industry.
Understanding the different types of plastic can help consumers like us to make more informed decisions about their health and environment.
‘’ If everyone in America recycled just one plastic bottle, those materials could make more than 54 million T-shirts or about 6.5 million fleece jackets, according to Repreve data.’’
It is important to be familiar with the code of a substance, also known as a resin identification number, which is used to classify different types of plastic. This information will help you sort of plastic materials for recycling more effectively.
According to the Food Standards Institute, carboys with the number 3 or 7 in the triangle recycling logo are health-hazardous. These figures show that they contaion high levels of chemicals.
The plastic types, with the associated code, are:
# 1 — PET or PETE — can be recycled
Used in the manufacture of beverage and water bottles, plastic food containers, and pens, this plastic has the most common usage rate. However, since they are designed for single-use, heavy metals and various chemicals can mix into the water when you refill and use it. These bottles are hardly soluble in nature.
# 2 — HDPE or HDP — can be recycled
HDPE or HDP, which is mostly used in the production of milk, detergent, oil containers, toys, and plastic bags, does not mix a chemical in water and is shown as the most preferred plastic by experts when it comes to water.
# 3 — PVC or V can be recycled, but contact your recycler
This plastic is used for CDs, sanitary ware, doors, furniture, food containers, soft materials, and toys. This plastic, which can mix two toxic materials into water, is not recommended for use in bottles.
Efficient recycling practices could save companies millions. In Apple’s latest Environmental Responsibility Report, the company said it recovered more than a ton of gold from recycled devices — that’s an estimated worth of $40 million.
# 4 — LDPE — recyclable, but contact your recycler
This plastic is forbidden to be used as a water bottle, although it does not mix any chemicals into the water. It has the possibility of contaminating chemicals that it does not mix with water to foods.
# 5 — PP — not recyclable
Standing out with its hardness and lightness, PP has a high resistance to heat. So much so that when heated, unlike other plastics, it does not melt. This makes it a good preservative for the product it preserves.
# 6 — PS — not recyclable
PS, which is a cheap and light plastic type used for many different purposes, is generally used in disposable style cups and containers, egg containers, etc. used for. When heated, it can emit carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, it is not recommended for long-term use.
# 7 — Other plastics like nylon and styrene — not recyclable
We should take care of our environment and ourselves; it is our planet, so being ‘selfish’ should not be applicable when it comes to mother nature.
Please think again when you’re about to buy an item which is ‘single-use’ plastic. You can start by buying a 100% plastic-free reusable coffee cup :) ☕🌱
