Is it safe to reuse plastic bottles for water?
Posted by James on May 20, 2013 · 4 Comments
Question by Generic Person: Is it safe to reuse plastic bottles for water?
I know about plastic containing carcinogens, but I recall hearing that it only applied for things under high or low temperatures. Is it safe to keep a bottle around to refill with water when I get thirsty? It is going to be left out on my desk, so no refrigeration or heat to really worry about.
Best answer:
Answer by SuperVibrationalEscrow
As safe as re-using a plastic cup. It is good to wash them out with hot water and dish soap from time to time just to prevent bacteria.
What do you think? Answer below!
It’s important to keep it clean to avoid bacteria growing that may make you sick.
Since you’re up to date on the recent talk on plastic and it’s safety, I won’t go into a speech on that. Make sure your plastic is approved for food, at least! 🙂
When consumers choose to refill and reuse convenience-size plastic bottles, should they be concerned about potentially harmful bacteria?
Not if they clean their plastic bottles between uses just as they would other drinking containers. Plastics are by nature extremely sanitary materials, and plastic bottles are no more likely to harbor bacteria than other kinds of packaging or drinking containers. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments. Once bacteria have been introduced, virtually any drinking container (coffee mugs, drinking glasses, serving pitchers, etc.) becomes a suitable environment for bacterial growth.
Consumers should clean any drinking container with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly between uses. Bottles specifically designed for extended reuse are often made with wide openings that allow consumers to use cleaning instruments and easily dry them.
If the bottom says P.E.T. then wash it well and re use it.
“Leeching” is the term used to describe the chemical absorption in water from plastic water bottles.
Every plastic container including water bottles are classified by what is called “a resin identification code”. This is any number from #1 to #7 that represents a different type of resin. If you flip your container upside down you will usually find a number imprinted on the bottom of the product inside a recycling triangle.
I would check your plastic container for a number and read up on whether or not it’s safe to reuse.
Here’s a great source to find out what each number represents
http://www.thegreenguide.com/buying-guide/plastic-containers
I wish you well.