All plastic bottles can be identified with a Resin Identification Code---number one through seven---printed inside of the triangular recycling symbol. This code is typically printed on the bottom of the bottle, and identifies what sort of plastic the bottle is made from. According to online plastics resource, IDES, the Society of Plastics Industry instituted the system in 1988 to help people determine what types of bottles can be recycled at recycling centers and how to properly sort them.
No. 1: Polyethylene terephthalate
Polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET or PETE, is identified with the number 1. According to IDES, it's clear, tough and provides a good barrier for moisture and gas. It's commonly used for disposable soft drink and water bottles, food storage containers such as ketchup bottles and peanut butter jars, and the bake-ready trays that TV dinners and frozen meals come in. PET is one of the safest types of plastic, although it shouldn't be reused because the plastic is porous and can absorb bacteria.
No. 2: High-density polyethylene
High-density polyethylene is also known as HDPE and is identified with the number 2. According to IDES, it's noted for its strength and resistance to most chemicals and moisture. It's commonly used for milk and juice bottles and packaging for household products such as shampoo, cleaning supplies and laundry detergents. HDPE is safe for people to use.
No. 3: Polyvinyl chloride
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is identified with the number 3. It's known for its versatility, chemical resistance and toughness, according to IDES. No. 3 plastics are used for construction projects, such as pipes, siding and floor tiles, and non-food packaging. Because PVC is made with phthalates, which according to the Green Guide have been shown to cause hormonal and reproductive disorders, it should neither be used for storing drinks nor should it come in very close contact with food.
No. 4: Low-density polyethylene
Low-density polyethylene, or LDPE, is identifiable by the number 4. According to IDES, it's known to be tough, flexible, and typically transparent, which makes it the most common type of plastic for dry-cleaning, bread and frozen food bags. Plastic No. 4 is safe for people.
No. 5: Polypropylene
Polypropylene, or PP, is strong and has resistance to heat, moisture and chemicals. It's typically used to make medicine bottles, yogurt and ketchup bottles, and butter tubs, according to IDES. PP is safe for people to use.
No. 6: Polystyrene
Polystyrene, or PS, is versatile, transparent and easy to create. According to IDES, it's commonly used to make CD jackets, egg cartons, plastic plates and cutlery. Disposable coffee cups and food take-out containers are also commonly made with PS. However, because there is a possibility that this type of plastic can leach styrene, a possible carcinogen, it should be used with caution. No. 6 plastics shouldn't be heated, since doing so increases styrene exposure.
No. 7: Other
No. 7 plastics are either a combination of the previous six plastics or are made with a different type of plastic altogether. According to IDES, No. 7 plastics are commonly used for reusable water cooler jugs and baby bottles. However, plastic No. 7 contains bisphenol A, which according to the Green Guide has been linked to heart disease and obesity, among other health problems. People should avoid plastic No. 7 when possible.
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