Reading the bottom of a plastic container can mean the world of difference when it comes to personal health and the environment. While the reading plastic codes doesn’t make for great reading, it will identify itself as being safe for food storage, or if it’s a potential toxin.
Plastic ID Codes
The bottom of most plastic items – whether it’s a toy, a storage container or food – have a recycling code. This indicates whether the item can be put in with domestic recycling, or whether it should be avoided in the first place.
Many toys sold in Canada are still made with PVC, though it is an item that has been banned by various countries in the EU. Many more items that are sold in dollar stores contain phthalates, and Bisphenol A – elements that leech toxins into the air, water and ground as they degrade.
Recyclable Plastics
- #1 - PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate): This plastic is usually found in water and mouthwash bottles, disposable drinking cups, peanut butter jars, and frozen food trays. It is not known to leach any toxic by-products, and can be placed in household recycling.
- #2 - HDPE (high-density polyethylene): Used to make margarine tubs, juice jugs, some household cleaners, and shampoo bottles. These also low risk of leaching. Some cities may not recycle shampoo bottles, and suggest you bring them to a local hair salon, where they can dispose of them.
- #4 - LDPE (low-density polyethylene): This type of plastic is used to create squeezable bottles and thin, plastic bags, like bread bags, dry cleaning and shopping bags; and some forms of carpet. While bags can be recycled in some communities, carpeting and tote bags made from this plastic cannot be recycled.
Type 4 plastic isn’t frequently used in items other than bags, but it also has a low risk of leaching. It can be recycled along with other plastic bags in Toronto’s recycling program, where it is recycled into trash can liners and cans, compost bins, shipping envelopes, paneling, lumber, landscaping ties and floor tile.
- #5 - PP (polypropylene): Used to make straws, yogurt containers, syrup, ketchup, and medicine bottles. It is a low risk of leaching. Can be disposed of in most community recycling programs.
Unsafe Plastics to Avoid
- #3 - PVC (polyvinyl chloride) - cooking oil bottles, food packaging, and plastic wrap; some 3s can leach phthalates, which can cause reproductive abnormalities. It has been linked to cancer and other health problems. Many countries around the world have banned this from of plastic from being used in manufacturing, or being recycled or burned in incinerators, as it leaches toxins into the air and soil.
- #6 - PS (polystyrene) - egg cartons, meat trays, and Styrofoam; when heated, some 6s can release styrene, a suspected carcinogen. Egg cartons and meat trays can be recycled in some cities: Check to see if your area accepts polystyrene in the recycling bin.
- #7 - "Other" or Type O: This type of plastic is often a form of acrylic or include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, fiberglass, nylon, polycarbonate, and polylactic acid. It is used to make gallon-size water bottles, and baby bottles. Some 7s are safe, but some are polycarbonates and may leach Bisphenol A (BPA) as it breaks down. BPA has been linked to various health concerns.
Further resources:
The Daily Green features a short list with photographs of types of plastics, and the substances used to make them. Generally, avoiding some forms of plastic altogether may reduce your garbage output, as well as make for a healthier home. Switching from disposable sandwich bags to a reusable plastic container not only prevents a sandwich from getting smooshed, but it also reduces the amount of toxins being leached into the ground after it’s discarded in a local landfill.
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