Do you know what the numbers on plastic items mean?
Most plastic containers have a number on them ranging from 1-7. They tell us what chemicals are used in the plastic and how recyclable it is. The three point arrow does not actually mean its recyclable, The number is what you need to pay attention to.
It is still best to limit or eliminate plastics but my goal with this post is to educate you with the types of plastics there are and their effect on us, the recycling system and the environment.
Let’s break it down…
#1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
One of the most commonly used plastics in household products. It is intended for single use only. It is difficult to properly clean these items for reuse without harsh chemicals. If you do reuse #1 plastics it can cause leaching and have increased bacterial growth.
Polyethylene terephthalates may leach carcinogens.
√ Curb side recycle
× Not reusable
Found in: soft drinks, water bottles, condiment containers, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter containers, salad dressing, take out trays and vegetable oil containers etc
#2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
This is considered the safest of the plastics. recycling these plastics are fairly simple and cost effective. HDPE plastic is very sturdy and does not break down when exposed to sunlight or temperature extremes such as heating or freezing.
√ Curb side recycle*
√ Reusable
*very few places recycle grocery bags, please check first.
Found in: milk jugs, juice bottles, bleach, detergent, household cleaner bottles, shampoo bottles, trash and shopping bags, motor oil bottles, butter tubs, yogurt tubs, cereal box liners etc
#3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
This flexible plastic contains quite a few toxins which can leach throughout its entire life cycle. PVC plastic products can be repurposed they are not recyclable.
× Curb side recycle
× Not reusable
Found in: some shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles, blister packaging, wire jacketing, siding, windows, piping, clear food cling wrap, lawn chairs, shower curtains etc
#4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
A less toxic plastic that is relatively safe for use. The items made of this kind of plastic can easily be be reused but rarely recycled.
√ Curb side recycle*
√ Reusable
*very few places recycle these, please check first.
Found in: Bread, frozen food, dry cleaning, and shopping bags; squeezable bottles, furniture, 6 pack rings etc
#5 PP (Polypropylene)
This is a tough and lightweight plastic that can be heat resistant. It can be used as a barrier against moisture, grease and chemicals.
√ Curb side recycle*
√ Reusable
*very few places recycle these, please check first.
Found in: some yogurt containers, syrup containers, medicine bottles, caps, straws packing tape etc
#6 PS (Polystyrene)
An inexpensive, lightweight and easily-formed plastic. It has a very weak structure and because of this it breaks up easily and its small bits are contaminating the environment at a faster rate.
Polystyrene may also leach a carcinogen ,styrene, into food products especially when heated.
Avoid this type of plastic at all cost
× Curb side recycle
× Not reusable
Found in: Disposable plates and cups, meat trays, carry-out containers, CD cases styrofoam etc
#7 Other (BPA, Polycarbonate and LEXAN)
This category is a catch-all for “other” plastics, so recycling protocols are not standardized. These plastics are not for reuse, unless they have the PLA compostable code.
It is best to avoid these plastics, especially for food.
√ Curb side recycle*
× Reusable
*very few places recycle these, please check first. Items with PLA compostable code cannot be recycled or thrown into home compost. They need a very specific facility to be able to breakdown. Please check if your city accepts these items.
Found in: 3 & 5 gallon water bottles, bullet-proof materials, sunglasses, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs and displays, certain food containers, nylon etc
The city of ottawa had a search engine where you can type an item in the search bar and it will tell you where to put it.
I find this very helpful. Every city program differs so if you’re not in the Ottawa area please check out your city’s website.
*Click here to access this resource*
Theres a lot of information here about all 7 categories of plastics.
I have included an infographic cheat sheet you can print or save to your phone for easier reference day to day. As I mentioned at the beginning, I strongly suggest you work towards eliminating as much plastic and single use items as possible and this is more for educating you with the types of plastics.
I challenge you to check out what numbers are on the plastics you do buy and see if you can do without or find an alternative.
Share your journey with me on instagram (tag me @simplysarahoxox & use #BusyMomsGoEco, Facebook, or even on our busy moms go eco facebook group.
I look forward to hearing all about it.
Save this photo for quick reference
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