What do those numbers mean?

Look around you...how many things to you see that are made of plastic? Plastic is everywhere. Have you ever flipped a plastic bottle or Tupperware over and wondered what the number on the bottom mean? We know that some plastics have a higher toxicity level than others...but how do you know which is which? Keep reading to find out! :)

The numbers on the bottom of plastic bottles or Tupperware are also known as "Resin Numbers". These numbers go in order from 1 to 7 and are surrounded by three arrows making a triangular shape. You may also notice that under the numbers are different letters, those letters stand for the name of the chemical or type of plastic that was used to make the object. I will start in order:

1 PET- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE)
What kinds of things are recycled with things labeled 1 PET?
>Fleece jackets
>Filling inside of a comforter
>Food containers
>Bottles
>Strapping
>Film and sheet

2 HDPE- High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
What kinds of things are recycled with things labeled 2 HDPE?
>Shampoo and conditioner bottles
>Liquid detergent bottles
>Antifreeze bottles
>Motor oil bottles
>Plastic outdoor lumber pieces used for decking, fencing, and picnic tables
>Film and sheet
>flowering pots
>Gardening edging

3 PVC- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, Vinyl)
What kind of things are recycled with things labeled 3 PVC?
>Pipes
>Paneling
>Gutters
>Floor tiles and mats
>Electrical boxes
>Packaging
>Garden hoses

4 LDPE- Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
What kind of things are recycled with things labeled 4 LDPE?
>Shipping envelopes
>Floor tile
>Furniture
>Compost bins
>Trash cans
>Outdoor lumber


5 PP- Polypropylene (PP)
What kind of things are recycled with things labeled 5 PP?
>Automobile battery cases
>Signal lights
>Battery cables
>Oil funnels
>Shipping pallets
>Storage bins
>Garden rakes


6 PS-Polystyrene (PS)
What kind of things are recycled with things labeled 6 PS?
>Thermal insulators
>Thermometers
>Light switch plates
>Vents
>License plate holders
>Cameras
>Video cassette casings
>Foam containers
>Plastic moldings

7 OTHER-This code means that there is more than 1 resin that was used to make this plastic or it was made with a type of resin not listed above.
What kind of things are recycled with things labeled 7 OTHER?
Plastic lumber applications and bottles.


SO which ones are bad?

3 PVC- can release toxins including pthalates into your food or drinks. The risk is highest when plastic are heated, or very worn out.

6 PS- these are your typical Styrofoam containers that release toxic chemicals into your food or drinks. You should avoid number 6 items as much as possible.

7 OTHER- can leach Bisphenol A (BPA)- a hormone disruptor into liquids. The government has had concerns about Bisphenol A (BPA) causing neurological and behavioral issues in children.

Play it safe. Flip those bottles over and check numbers. Some plastics don't even label with a number so just be safe and not use it. Always check to make sure things that you are giving to your children are BPA FREE. You could always try something like shatter proof glass or plastics labeled 1 & 5.




Sources: http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics