Many plastics can be readily recycled, but with all the different rules and symbols, it can be confusing for consumers to figure out exactly what each plastic recycling symbol means.
Understanding the seven plastic codes will make it easier to choose plastics and to know which plastics to recycle. The symbols themselves need explaining. Here’s what each plastic recycling symbol means.
1. PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PET or PETE is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages, usually used for plastic bottles, clear/transparent/translucent colors such as mineral water bottles, juice bottles, food containers and almost all other beverage bottles. This type of PET or PETE bottle is recommended for ONE USE ONLY. If it is used too often, especially when it is used to store warm water, let alone hot, it will cause the polymer layer in the bottle to melt and release carcinogenic substances (which can cause cancer) in the long run.
2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is a versatile plastic with many uses, especially when it comes to packaging. It carries a low risk of leaching and is readily recyclable into many types of goods. Usually used for white milk bottles, Tupperware, gallons of drinking water, folding chairs, and others. HDPE type plastic bottles have material properties that are stronger, harder, opaque, and longer resistant to high temperatures. It is a plastic material that is safe to use because of its ability to prevent chemical reactions between HDPE plastic packaging and the food/beverage it packs. Just like PET, HDPE is also recommended for ONE USE ONLY.
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
This can be found on plastic wrap (Cling Wrap), and bottles. The reaction that occurs between PVC and food packed with plastic is potentially dangerous for the kidneys, liver, and body weight. This material contains chlorine and will release toxins if burned. PVC MUST NOT BE USED in food preparation or food packaging. PVC contains DEHA (Diethylhydroxylamine) which is harmful to the body, usually, this material reacts with food that is packaged with this PVC-made plastic. DEHA can melt at a temperature of -15 °C. Remember to never burn PVC, because it releases toxins.
4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
LDPE is a brown type plastic (thermoplastic / made from petroleum), commonly used for food containers, plastic packaging, soft bottles, clothing, furniture, etc. The mechanical properties of this type of LDPE are strong, transparent, flexible, and slightly fatty surface, at 60 degrees it is very resistant to chemical reactions, has good protection against water vapor, can be recycled, and is good for items that require flexibility but is strong. This LDPE material is difficult to destroy, but it is still good for food containers because it is difficult to react chemically with foods packaged with this material.
5. PP (Polypropylene)
Its characteristic is ordinary transparent bottles that are not clear or cloud. PP is stronger and lighter with low vapor permeability, good resistance to grease, stable to high temperatures, and quite shiny. This type of PP is the best choice of plastic material, especially for food and beverage containers such as food storage, drinking bottles, and most importantly drinking bottles for babies. Look for the code number 5 when buying plastic items to store packaging for various foods and beverages.
6. PS (Polystyrene)
Usually used as a place to eat or drink which is disposable like Styrofoam box, disposable drink, and others. PS is an aromatic polymer that can release styrene material into food when the food comes into contact. Apart from food containers, styrene can also be obtained from cigarette smoke, vehicle fumes, and building construction materials.
This material should be avoided because in addition to being dangerous for the health of the brain, the hormone estrogen, reproduction, growth, and the nervous system. Even if recycled, this material requires a very long and long process. This material can be identified by code number 6, but if the code number is not written on the plastic packaging, this material can be recognized by burning. When burned, this material will give off a yellow-orange flame, leaving soot.
7. OTHER
A wide variety of plastic resins that don’t fit into the previous categories are lumped into this one. There are 4 kinds of materials for this plastic-type, namely: SAN (Acrylonitrile Styrene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PC (Polycarbonate), and Nylon. This can be found in food and beverage containers such as sports drinking bottles, auto parts, household appliances, computers, electronic devices, and plastic packaging.
The recycled plastics symbol is basically designed to assist the staff at the recycling center to properly separate materials for processing. This basic knowledge of symbols can also help us determine whether plastic items in the home are safe for us and our children.
Be careful when using plastics, especially codes 1, 3, 6, and 7 (PC), because they all have chemical hazards.
Quite safe when using plastics with codes 2, 4, 5, and 7 (SAN or ABS).
To cut down on the amount of plastics that you consume, consider swithcing to reusable beverage containers and replacing disposable food packaging with reusable alternatives, try replacing your plastic grocery bags with fabric alternatives and taking a cloth bag to your local bakery the next time you buy a loaf of bread. You can also replace plastic sandwich bags with platinum silicone alternatives, which are heat safe.
Thank you.