Plastic Containers Rating System Explained
The System
Plastic #1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
This plastic is one of the most widely/ generally used plastic, it is also known as PETE or PET plastic. This type of plastic is mostly used in beverage bottles, food containers, oil bottles, mouthwash bottles, clothes fibers, seasoning packaging, and the list goes on.
These plastic bottles should NOT be reused because cleaning detergents and high temperatures causes chemicals to leach out of the plastic.
Recycling plastic number 1 is easy, it is excepted at most recycling plants and can be reused to make more one time use containers, it can also be turned into polyester fiber.
Plastic #2: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)This plastic is one of the a safest plastics to use. It can withstand heat and freezing, so it can be reused many times and has a high wear resistance. This type of plastic is mostly used for laundry detergent containers, folding chairs and tables, some plastic bags, toys and playground equipment, and rope.
Recycling plastic number 2 is also very easy and it can be reused up to 10 times.
Plastic #3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
This is one of the most dangerous plastics and should be avoided. This plastic is still widely used, like plastic number 1. This plastic is used in shower curtains, cleaner bottles, pipes, cooking oil bottles, floors, clear food wrap, inflatable structures, and pool toys.
There are many dangers that come with the use of this plastic including hormonal system issues, children's development, the immune system and endocrine system, and cancer. It is toxic when heated as well.
This plastic should not be recycled and should be used as little as possible.
Plastic #4: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)This plastic is more flexible and is used in squeezable bottles, shopping bags, packing foam, and plastic wraps.
Plastic #5: Polypropylene (PP)
This plastic is the second most common/used plastic. It is used in yogurt containers, liner of cereal, disposable diapers, disposable cutlery, and kitchenware. This plastic claims to be heat resistant, light, and sturdy.
Some containers, that are plastic 5, claim to be microwave safe, but are they? Claiming to be microwave safe simply means that the heated product won't be deformed in the microwave. Some studies have found that microwave safe plastics cause asthma and hormone disruption, so just to be safe you should stay away from microwavable plastics.
This plastic is not very recyclable, and most plants won't accept it.
Plastic #6: Polystyrene (PS)This plastic may be more widely known as Styrofoam. It is found in disposable drinking cups, CD and DVD cases, egg cartons, to-go food containers, and insulation.
This plastic should be avoided. It breaks up into tiny pieces and goes into the environment. It also contains styrene which can be leached when heated.
It is cheap to produce and easily formed, but it is not easy to recycle.
Plastic #7: Other (Polycarbonate or PC)This is all other plastics that are not mentioned above. This includes bioplastic, new plastics, and items composed of different plastics. PC is included in this which contains highly dangerous BPA (Bisphenol A). Plastic 7 is found in sports bottles and equipment, car parts, baby bottles, medical and dental equipment, electrical wiring, and lids.
This plastic should be avoided and is extremally hard to recycle as most plants won't accept it.
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