Behind the Numbers: Recycling and Using Plastics

By: Morgan Olsen

Decoding the numbers and letters on the bottom of plastic and glass containers can be confusing. Added to this confusion are concerns about what kind of chemicals make up these materials and how they may affect our health. Learning how to use and dispose of all types of plastic and glass will not only benefit the environment, but can also keep you healthy. Here is a simple guide to help you decode the numbers on materials you use daily.

#1 PETE: this kind of plastic contains polyethylene terephthalate. This type of plastic should be familiar; it is used to make soda and water bottles, simple plastic containers, and plastic condiment jars. These plastics are often clear or semi-clear.
Although there have been some rumors that PET contains a human carcinogen, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not found any evidence of this. When this type of plastic is recycled, it can be melted down into a new type of fiber that can be reused. This is one of the most recycled plastics and can be made into dozens of other useful plastic based materials.

#2 HDPE: or high density polyethylene can be found in milk containers, shampoo and bath product bottles and even makeup cases. Unlike PETEs, HDPEs are usually solid colors or barely clear. You will notice that this kind of plastic is heavier and more solid. Although this plastic is also widely recycled, recycling centers may have more restrictions on what kinds of HDPEs you can recycle. Call ahead to your local center to find out exactly what they can and will accept.

When recycled, HDPE can be made into drain pipes, other bottles, pens, and even lumber.

#3 PVC: Plastics marked with a 3 contain polyvinyl chloride or vinyl. Examples of this type of plastic are food wrapping, shower curtains and binders. Unlike 1’s and 2’s, 3’s are known as toxic plastics that can be harmful to the consumer and the environment. Dioxin, a cancer causing chemical, is released when PVCs are made and disposed of. For this reason, PVCs are dangerous to recycle and are not often accepted at recycling centers.

Many companies, especially those who make children’s toys and common household items have committed to eliminating these chemicals from their products.

#4 LDPE: Low density polyethylene makes up flimsy plastic shopping bags, some food bottles, dry cleaning bags and jewel cases for CDs and DVDs. Although this type of plastic does not have a threatening chemical makeup, there is a lot of concern about how people are recycling this material.

You may also see LLDPE or low low density polyethylene, which has an even lower density than LDPEs.

Because many communities do not recycle these products, they can be reused in daily living.

#5 PP: Polypropylene can be found in sturdier plastics, such as prescription bottles, Tupperware, some diapers, and some lab equipment. This material is very easily recycled but many communities don’t recycle enough of it to be collected. For this reason, it is mostly recycled by larger companies that can recycle and reuse the material.

#6 PS: polystyrene, more commonly known as Styrofoam is used to make many different types of containers. Many companies have realized the harm that Styrofoam does to the environment and have since eliminated it from their products. Polystyrene or Styrofoam is particularly dangerous not only to the environment, but also your health. The material is made from petroleum and releases potentially dangerous products when it is broken down. The EPA has named Styrene, an ingredient of Styrofoam, as a possible human carcinogen.

#7: If you find a 7 when you flip over a container it means that this type of material does not fit within the other categories previously mentioned. Some baby bottles and other sturdy water bottles have this marking and are made with polycarbonate. Unfortunately, it has be discovered that this type of material can cause serious health risks because it is made with bisphenol-A.

Keep in mind that this is just one type of #7 plastic. There are many other types that are made of natural bases and are completely safe for you. If you are confused about how to recycle these products, call the manufacturer and get more information about what the material is made of and how it is to be disposed of.

All these numbers and codes can be confusing, but in the end- they will make life easier. By labeling plastic materials, the public can become more aware of how to properly use them. It is important to always check the bottom of any container before throwing it in a bin with other recyclables. To get a better understanding of what kinds of materials are accepted at a recycling center near you, call and get information.