The Recycling Symbols
Have you ever wondered what the numbers, or recycling symbols 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?
It’s time to learn a little bit about the various plastics you use and
drink/eat from every single day, and what impact they have not only on you, but
also the environment.
Every plastic container or bottle has a recycling symbol. The symbol is a
number, ranging from 1 to 7, within a triangle. While you may think nothing of
these symbols, they can actually offer a great deal of information regarding
the toxic chemicals used in the plastic, how likely the plastic is to leach,
how biodegradable the plastic is, and ultimately the safety of the plastic.
Here is some information on
the various recycling symbols and numbers:
The Recycling Symbols
·
Picked up by most
curbside recycling programs, plastic #1 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,
mouthwash bottles, and peanut butter containers.
·
Plastic #1 is
recycled into tote bags, furniture, carpet, paneling, fiber, and polar fleece.
Plastic #2 – HDPE
(High Density Polyethylene)
·
Plastic #2 is
typically opaque and picked up by most curbside recycling programs. 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 usually opaque. This plastic
is considered safe and has low risk of leaching.
·
Plastic #2 is
recycled into pens, recycling containers, picnic tables, lumber, benches,
fencing, and detergent bottles, to name a few.
Plastic #3 – V or
PVC (Vinyl)
·
Plastic #3 is used
to make food wrap, plumbing pipes, and detergent bottles, and is seldom
accepted by curbside recycling programs. 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, 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.
·
It’s found in
shampoo bottles, clear food packaging, cooking oil bottles, medical equipment,
piping, and windows.
·
This plastic is
recycled into paneling, flooring, speed bumps, decks, and roadway gutters.
Plastic #4 –
LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
·
Low density
polyethylene is most found in squeezable bottles, shopping bags, clothing,
carpet, frozen food, bread bags, and some food wraps. Curbside recycling
programs haven’t been known to pick up this plastic, but more are starting to
accept it. Plastic #4 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.
Plastic #5 –
PP (Polypropylene)
·
Increasingly
becoming accepted by curbside recycle programs, plastic #5 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 bycycle racks.
Plastic #6 –
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. Most recycling programs
won’t accept it.
·
Plastic #6 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.
Plastic #7 –
Other, Miscellaneous
·
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.
·
Plastic #7 is
found in sunglasses, iPod cases, computer cases, nylon, 3- and 5-gallon water
bottles, and bullet-proof materials.
Do you know Biodegradable Product
Thank for your valuable time///......
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