Understanding Plastic Recycling Codes

UNDERSTANDING PLASTIC RECYCLING CODES A Handy Guide To Safe Plastic Use
Code	Name	Common Use	Recycle Rate	Recommendation
	PET			Careful.
	Polyethylene Terephthalate	Plastic bottles (soft drink, single-use water bottles, sport drinks), food jars, cosmetic containers.	23%	Be careful with producs labeled No. 1. Designed for single use only. Extended use increases risk of  leaching and bacterial growth.
	HDPE
	High density polyethylene	Grocery Bags, detergent bottles, milk and juice jugs.	27%	Appears to be Safe
	PVC			Avoid.
	Polyvinyl chloride	Garden hose, cable sheathing, window frames, blister packs, blood bags, meat wrap.	< 1%	Nicknamed the Poison Plastic, contains many dangerous toxins
	LDPE
	High density polyethylene	Heavy duty bags, dry -cleaning bags bread bags, squeezable bottles, plastic food wrap.	< 1%	Appears to be Safe
	PP			Avoid.
	Polypropylene	Medicine bottles, cereal liners, packing tape, straws, potato chip bags.	3%	May leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen. May be a hormone  disruptor.
	PS			Caution.
	Polystyrene	CD and video cases, plastic cutlery, foam packaging, egg cartons.	< 1%	Concern with leaching of Bisphenol A which appears to cause chromosonal damage.
	PC / Other			Caution.
	Polycarbonate	Baby bottles, water cooler bottles, car parts	< 1%	Concern with leaching of Bisphenol A which appears to cause chromosonal damage.

Useful Tips:
• Store food and water in glass or stainless steel containers whenever possible	www.PlasticFreeBottles.com
• Minimize or eliminate exposure to plastics with code 1, 3, 6, or 7	Your source for alternatives to plastic bottles
• Do not use products (especially Baby Bottles) identified with No. 7

CLICK HERE > Understanding Plastic Recycling Codes