PLASTIC SYMBOLS: WHAT DO THEY ACTUALLY MEAN?
- Safe Use Instruction
- Food Safe It’s a no-brainer that the container made for storing food must be safe. ...
- Dishwasher Safe The thing about the dishwasher safe symbol is that it can take many different forms. ...
- Freezer Safe Snowflake-looking symbol? ...
- Microwave Safe For meal-prep buffs, this should be the symbol to look out for! ...
- Recycling Information #1 PETE for Polyethylene terephthalate ...
What do the symbols on plastic recyclables mean?
The triangle made of arrows refers to recycling, and the different numbers inside that triangle indicate the type of plastic and whether it’s easily recycled or not. Sometimes, you will also see letters beneath the triangle emphasizing the material. Cup and fork. This symbol indicates that the material is safe to contact food.
What do the symbols on the bottom of plastic containers mean?
Having a few inspections for your plastic, you will notice the embossed symbols on the bottom of each container. You will see squiggly-looking lines or one with a snowflake shape or triangular arrows with different numbers located. Either way, these symbols are used to categorize plastic according to its safety and its means of recycling.
What do the numbers on plastic products mean?
Plastics by the Numbers. The little number inside the triangle tells the real story. Within each chasing arrows triangle, there is a number which ranges from one to seven. The purpose of the number is to identify the type of plastic used for the product, and not all plastics are recyclable or even reusable.
What is the meaning of the symbol 7 on a plastic?
Symbol 7 including the word “OTHER” stands for “other plastics,” which include, but are not limited to, acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic, polylactic fibers, nylon, and fiberglass. Not every plastic can be recycled. However, both acrylic and polycarbonate can be recycled and can be repurposed for future projects.
What do the symbols on plastic containers mean?
This is what they really mean: Triangle with arrows and a number. The triangle made of arrows refers to recycling, and the different numbers inside that triangle indicate the type of plastic and whether it's easily recycled or not.
What are the symbols on plastic?
Almost all plastic products bear the general recycling symbol: a triangle formed by three circling arrows. The number in the triangle indicates the type of plastic. There are six common types of plastic and one miscellaneous category with the number 7.
What do plastic codes mean?
Officially, the symbol embedded on most plastics is called a “resin identification code” and it's numbers, 1 to 7, help us to identify the type of plastic it is made from. It does not indicate the recyclability of a product.
What plastic symbols can be recycled?
How to know what plastics can be recycledPlastic Recycling Symbol #1: PET or PETE. ... Plastic Recycling Symbol #2: HDPE. ... Plastic Recycling Symbol #3: PVC or V. ... Plastic Recycling Symbol #4: LDPE. ... Plastic Recycling Symbols #5: PP. ... Plastic Recycling Symbol #6: PS. ... Plastic Recycling Symbol #7: Miscellaneous.
What plastic Cannot be recycled?
Examples of non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper and polycarbonate. Well known non-recyclable plastics include cling film and blister packaging.
What plastic numbers are safe?
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 can I tell what kind of plastic this is?
Polyethylene (PE) - Drips, smells like candlewax. Polypropylene (PP) - Drips, smells mostly of dirty engine oil and undertones of candlewax. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, "Perspex") - Bubbles, crackles, sweet aromatic smell. Polyvinylchloride (PVC-U, Unplasticised) - Self extinguishing flame.
What are the 7 types of plastic?
The Basics On 7 Common Types of Plastic1) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) This is one of the most commonly used plastics. ... 2) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) ... 3) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl) ... 4) Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) ... 5) Polypropylene (PP) ... 6) Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam) ... 7) Other.
What is the BPA free symbol?
Look on the bottom of the product for a number from one to seven (1-7) surrounded by a triangle made of three arrows (commonly known as the "recycling symbol"). Items with numbers 3, 6, and especially 7 are most likely to contain BPA. Items with 1, 2, 4, or 5 generally do not contain BPA.
What does 7 in a triangle mean?
Any plastic that does not fall under one of those six types has a 7 inside the triangle. These plastics include nylon and polycarbonate and are found in certain food containers, signs and displays, computers and electronic devices, DVDs, sunglasses, and bulletproof materials.
Why is black plastic not recyclable?
The majority of conventional black plastic packaging is coloured using carbon black pigments which do not enable the pack to be sorted using Near Infra-Red (NIR) technology widely used in plastics recycling. As a result, black plastic packaging commonly ends up as residue and is disposed of in landfill or incinerated.
How do you know if plastic is food safe?
The easiest way to check is to look for the Resin Identification Code—i.e., recycling number—which identifies the type of plastic material. The code consists of a triangle of arrows surrounding a number between 1 and 7. Generally, numbers 1 through 7 indicate food grade plastic.
What are the 7 plastic symbols?
Your Guide to Plastic Recycling SymbolsThe “Chasing Arrows” Symbol. The “chasing arrows” symbol we see on plastic containers and products does not necessarily mean the product is recyclable. ... Symbol 1: PETG or PETE. ... Symbol 2: HDPE. ... Symbol 3: PVC or Vinyl. ... Symbol 4: LDPE. ... Symbol 5: PP. ... Symbol 6: Styrene, or PS. ... Symbol 7: Other.More items...•
How do I know what plastic I have?
How can I easily identify a plastic?Polyethylene (PE) - Drips, smells like candlewax.Polypropylene (PP) - Drips, smells mostly of dirty engine oil and undertones of candlewax.Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, "Perspex") - Bubbles, crackles, sweet aromatic smell.More items...
What are the 7 types of plastic?
The Basics On 7 Common Types of Plastic1) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) This is one of the most commonly used plastics. ... 2) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) ... 3) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl) ... 4) Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) ... 5) Polypropylene (PP) ... 6) Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam) ... 7) Other.
What is the 5 symbol for recycling?
polypropyleneThe number 5 with the recycling symbol indicates polypropylene, often just shortened to PP. This plastic type is particularly hard and heat resistant.
What is the plastics number code for?
The plastic symbols are the Resin Identification Coding System (RICS). This plastic identification system was launched by the Society of the Plastics Industry in the US in 1988, who are now known as the Plastics Industry Association. According to Chemistry Australia, the use of the code was introduced into Australia in 1990.
Why are plastic codes confusing?
These plastic codes are often referred to as recycling symbols, which is confusing for consumers because the plastic coding symbols are there for the plastic recyclers to identify the plastic type. It was not intended to inform the consumer about recycling.
What plastic can go into council recycling bins?
The plastic which can be put in your kerbside or council recycling bin, is the hard plastic packaging.
What is hard plastic used for?
As a hard plastic it used for sauce bottles, black irrigation tubing, foam packaging and other moulded equipment. Which can be recycled via council kerbside collections.
What is clear PET made of?
Clear PET bottles are recycled back into bottles, or even into polyester clothing. If you see rPET this means it’s made from recycled plastic.
What is polypropylene used for?
Polypropylene as a textile is called polypro, it’s commonly used in warm weather, and protective clothing. It ’s commonly used in woven plastic bags.
What is the Australian recycling label?
For a simply way to understand what can be recycled, it’s best to use the Australian recycling label (ARL) which explains if, and how or where, packaging can be recycled.
Why do plastics have symbols?
Either way, these symbols are used to categorize plastic according to its safety and its means of recycling. International laws require these plastic manufacturers to indicate these symbols for their users to know what materials were used on their plastic. There are risks of including toxic substances.
What do the symbols on plastic containers mean?
What Do the Symbols on Plastic Food Containers Mean? Reusable plastic containers are safe vessels for storing food like pack lunch, takeaways, or even leftovers. Having a few inspections for your plastic, you will notice the embossed symbols on the bottom of each container.
What does the microwave icon mean?
Microwave-safe icon. If you’ve noticed squiggly lines on your plastic container, you’re in good luck. It means that your vessel can be used inside a microwave. This icon is a standard feature for food-safe plastics since the food packs are expected to be placed inside the microwave without the risk of melting.
How to tell if plastic is good for consumption?
Another way to identify if your plastic is suitable for consumption is by checking its recycling symbol embossed on the bottom of the container. Numbers 1 to 7 are placed inside a triangle of arrows. These numbers serve as the “recycling number,” which provides a more accessible means for the manufacturers to separate plastics according to their material source.
What does the snowflake on a plastic bottle mean?
Freezer-safe icon. If you’ve noticed a snowflake symbol on the bottom of your plastic bottle, it means that you can place your bottle inside a freezer.
What is PET plastic made of?
This plastic is made from polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PETE or PET. PET is a lightweight material that has a semi-rigid structure, providing an impact-resistant surface. This material is commonly used for soda bottles, salad dressing bottles, water bottles, and peanut butter containers. Recycle Symbol 2.
What is polystyrene used for?
In food packaging, polystyrene or PS is used in making plastic cups, plastic utensils, bakery trays, fast food containers, hot cups, and egg cartons. PS is a colorless plastic with minimal flexibility. This can be created in the form of foam or cast inside molds to have fine details.
Plastic Recycling Symbols
We're told that over 90% of plastic is not recycled, which is a shocking statistic. It's no wonder plastic waste is such as huge global problem. So by disposing of our own plastic properly, at least we know we'll be doing our bit to avoid making it any worse.
What do the Numbers on Recycling Symbols mean?
The numbers tell you what type of plastic a product is made from. From this you can tell whether it can be recycled, and how to properly dispose of it.
What Numbers Cannot be Recycled?
It is technically possible to recycle all numbers, but only if the facility exists to do so. Sadly there are some such as #3 PVC, #5 Polypropylene and #6 Polystyrene are rarely recycled.
What is the recycling symbol on plastic?
Every plastic container or bottle has a recycling symbol. The symbol is a number, ranging from 1 to 7, within a triangle .
What is the number 7 plastic?
Plastic #7 – Other, Miscellaneous. All of the plastic resins that don’t fit into the other categories are placed in the number 7 category. It’s a mix bag of plastics that includes polycarbonate, which contains the toxic bisphenol-A (BPA).
What is plastic 3?
Plastic #3 – V or PVC (Vinyl) Plastic #3 is used to make food wrap, plumbing pipes, and detergent bottles, and is seldom accepted by curbside recycling programs. These plastics used to, and still may, contain phthalates, which are linked to numerous health issues ranging from developmental problems to miscarriages.
Is plastic #6 bad for the environment?
Plastic #6 – PS (Polystyrene) Polystyrene is Styrofoam, which is notorious for being difficult to recycle, and thus, bad for the environment. This kind of plastic also poses a health risk, leaching potentially toxic chemicals, especially when heated. Most recycling programs won’t accept it.
Can you still use plastic water bottles?
In the end, plastics will still be used, but you can certainly limit your use of the product. Instead of buying plastic water bottles or other plastic containers, choose glass or invest in a high quality water filtration system to obtain your water from. (This is best for your health anyway). Additional Sources:
Is plastic #1 safe to use?
Picked up by most curbside recycling programs, plastic #1 is usually clear and used to make soda and water bottles. Some consider it safe, but this plastic is known to allow bacteria to accumulate.
Is number 1 plastic safe?
While Number 1 is considered safe, it is also best to avoid this plastic. Look for symbols 2, 4, and 5, as these plastics are considered to be safest. These are the plastics to look for in terms of human and animal consumption. In the end, plastics will still be used, but you can certainly limit your use of the product.
What is the recycling symbol on a water bottle?
A recycling symbol is an identification code that uses a plastic recycling number to identify the type of plastic used in that product.
Why is plastic important?
Plastic has become an important part of modern society, we use it in all aspects of our lives. It allows us the quality of healthcare, food safety and sanitation systems that we have become accustomed to in our modern society. However this comes at a cost as plastic waste, especially single-use plastic, makes up a ridiculous percentage of our landfill and if it’s not directed there, it’s getting swept into the oceans.
How to avoid plastic waste?
But the only way to avoid it is to: 1. Use less plastic on a whole. 2. Completely eliminate single-use plastic and . 3. Recycle the rest. Plastic recycling stations are far from sufficient, with only 12% of plastic currently being recycled in Australia.
What is PS in toys?
PS is a multipurpose plastic used in a lot of products around the house. You can find it used in drinking cups, storage containers and toys.
What is the recycling symbol 7?
Lastly is the rest, anything with recycling symbol 7 is a collection of a variety of other plastics. These could be acrylic cases, polycarbonate parts along with any bioplastics.
How long has plastic been around?
Plastic has been around now for the last 60-70 years, and in that time we have managed to incorporate it into practically every part of our lives. You can find it in high-quality products and single-use throw-away items, it’s used in our toys, cars, clothing, and food storage.
Is it important to recycle less plastic?
Using less plastic and recycling it properly is critical !
How many classifications are there for plastic?
Here are the seven standard classifications for plastics, and the recycling and reuse information for each type.
How to use less PET plastic?
To use less PET plastic, consider switching to reusable beverage containers and replacing disposable food packaging with reusable alternatives.
How much HDPE plastic is recycled?
However, since only about 30-35% of HDPE plastic used in America gets recycled each year, it’s wise to use as little as possible. To cut down, consider replacing your disposable produce bags with reusable alternatives.
What is the purpose of the little number in the chasing arrows triangle?
The purpose of the number is to identify the type of plastic used for the product, and not all plastics are recyclable or even reusable. There are numerous plastic-based products ...
What is LDPE in clothing?
LDPE is often found in shrink wraps, dry cleaner garment bags, squeezable bottles, and the type of plastic bags used to package bread. The plastic grocery bags used in most stores today are made using LDPE plastic. Some clothing and furniture also uses this type of plastic.
Why is PVC considered a poison?
PVC is dubbed the “poison plastic” because it contains numerous toxins which it can leach throughout its entire life cycle. Almost all products using PVC require virgin material for their construction; less than 1% of PVC material is recycled.
What does a three in a water bottle mean?
A three indicates that the water bottle has been made from polyvinyl chloride, a five means that it’s been made of polypropylene, two materials that are not accepted by most public recycling centers. Here are the seven standard classifications for plastics, and the recycling and reuse information for each type.
What does the triangular recycling symbol mean?
Most folks are familiar with the triangular recycling symbol, but did you know that the number in the center of the triangle provides information about the specific type of plastic your container is made of? There are other factors that go into making a container safe for various uses, but this number is a good starting point if you’re nervous about certain types of plastic.
What is the number 5 on plastic containers?
All of the plastic food containers that we examined in our kitchen were branded with the number 5, which means they’re made of PP, or polypropylene. That’s a cloudy plastic generally considered to be food safe. If you’re curious about the other numbers, which range from 1 to 7, Tupperware has a handy chart.
What does it mean when a plastic container has a snowflake?
Is your plastic container dotted with a snowflake symbol or two? This means it’s safe to stow your container in the freezer— a godsend when you’ve made a delicious pot of stew and want to keep it around for later consumption. Congrats, you! Good job purchasing a handy freezer safe storage option. Pat yourself on the back.
