Q&A: What do the numbers mean on plastic recycle-ables?
Posted by James on November 6, 2012 · 2 Comments
Question by Merit Servus: What do the numbers mean on plastic recycle-ables?
what is the difference between all the numbers and why do some take them and some don’t?
Best answer:
Answer by oikos
The numbers tell the type of plastic used, from 1 (PETE) to 7 (Other). The ones easiest to recycle are numbers 1 & 2 (HDPE). The others (3-7) can be used for plastic lumber but there are few facilities that manufacture it.
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http://ecovillagegreen.com/2009/04/what-do-the-plastic-recycling-numbers-mean/
The number associated with plastics both explain the origin of the plastic and it’s safety in regards to food storage.
1 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) – used for clear water bottles, juice and soda bottles, etc. Leaches trioxide and pthalate, known carcinogens and endocrine disrupters (see note at bottom).
2 High density polyethylene (HDPE) – used for opaque plastics like milk jugs, cereal bags, shampoo bottles. Considered SAFE for food and beverage storage.
3 Polyvinyl chloride (V or Vinyl or PVC) – used for plastic food wrap, toys, food containers, medical and plumbing tubing. Has been described as one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created. Leaches various kinds of pthalates, including those that are illegal in other parts of the world.
4 Low density polyethylene (LDPE) – used in bread bags, dry cleaning bags, etc. Considered SAFE.
5 Polypropylene (PP) – used for baby bottles, yogurt containers, straws, ketchup bottles, etc. Considered SAFE.
6 Polystyrene (PS) – Styrofoam… take out containers, egg cartons, meat trays, plastic utensils, CD cases. Leaches styrene, a known endocrine disrupter.
7 Other – the catch-all category that includes both the newer, safer plastics that are still uncategorized and older, dangerous polycarbonate items. Polycarbonates leach Bisphenol-A (BPA), the cause of the recent baby bottle recall across the US and Canada. BPA is another known endocrine disrupter.