What do the symbols on the bottom of plastic bottle mean?
At the bottom of most plastic containers you can find a small number inside the three arrow triangle recycling symbol. This number is a reference to what type of plastic the container is made of. The most widely accepted plastics for recycling are number 1 and 2, also most of plastic containers are type 1 and 2.
What does the #1 mean on the bottom of a plastic bottle?
Most clear bottles (soda, water, etc.) have the No. 1 in the triangle. The No. 1 stands for PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). These items can be recycled into fiberfill for winter coats, sleeping bags and bean bags.
What does the 2 mean on the bottom of a plastic bottle?
High-density polyethylene
High-density polyethylene is designated “2,” a sturdier plastic that can accommodate heavier products like a gallon of milk or laundry detergent. Low-density polyethylene (“4”), in contrast, is pretty flimsy, and you’ll typically find it used for grocery bags or shrink-wrap.
What do symbols on plastic mean?
The series of recycling symbols on plastic items—a triangle with a number from 1 to 7 inside—can often tell you which kind of plastic the item is made of and how recyclable it is. Each number represents a type of plastic, and different types of plastics are generally used in the same types of packaging.
How do you read plastic codes?
Plastics by the Numbers
- #1 – PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
- #2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- #3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- #4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- #5 – PP (Polypropylene)
- #6 – PS (Polystyrene)
- #7 – Other (BPA, Polycarbonate and LEXAN)
What do the 3 arrows on plastic bottles or containers stand for?
Each of the three arrows can represent one step in a three-step process that forms a closed loop, the recycling loop. The first step represents collection of materials to be recycled. The third step is the actual purchase and use of the products made from the recycled materials. The loop is now complete.
Is Number 3 plastic safe?
#3 Plastic: Polyvinyl Chloride Plastic 3 is not going to be among safe recycling codes. Known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), this is very dangerous and one of the least recyclable plastic. Still, plastic number 3 is as widely spread as PET plastic. So never use #3 plastic for cooking and try not to store food in it.
What numbers should you avoid on plastic?
To make a long story short: plastic recycling numbers 2, 4 and 5 are the safest. Whereas plastic numbers 1, 3, 6 and 7 must be avoided. But it does not indicate that you can fearlessly use safer plastic. All plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged.
How many times can you reuse a plastic water bottle?
Health advocates advise against reusing bottles made from plastic #1 (polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET or PETE), including most disposable water, soda, and juice bottles. 3 Such bottles may be safe for one-time use but reuse should be avoided.
What are the bad plastic numbers?
What does the chasing arrow symbol on plastic mean?
plastic resin
It is an unregulated symbol anyone can use. The chasing arrows symbol with the number in it identifies the type of plastic resin used in the product. That is it. This helps determine the appropriate management route for plastics. With our increasing use of plastics in our lives, much of it is not recyclable at all.
What do the symbols on plastic bottles mean?
Every plastic container or bottle has a recycling symbol. The symbol is a number, ranging from 1 to 7, within a triangle. While you may think nothing of these symbols, they can actually offer a great deal of information regarding the toxic chemicals used in the plastic, how likely the plastic is to leach,…
What are the numbers on a plastic bottle?
It’s time to learn a little bit about the various plastics you use and drink/eat from every single day, and what impact they have not only on you, but also the environment. Every plastic container or bottle has a recycling symbol. The symbol is a number, ranging from 1 to 7, within a triangle.
What are the different symbols for recycling plastic?
The Recycling Symbols Plastic #1 – PETE or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Plastic #2 – HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) Plastic #3 – V or PVC (Vinyl) Plastic #4 – LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) Plastic #5 – PP (Polypropylene) Plastic #6 – PS (Polystyrene) Plastic #7 – Other, Miscellaneous
What kind of plastic is a water bottle made of?
If the triangle has the number ‘1’ inside it, the plastic used to manufacture that bottle is made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). Commonly used for bottled water or soft drinks, it’s safe for a single use and should never be heated.