What do the recycling symbols on plastic bottles mean?

Answer 1

These are not 'recycling' codes. They are "Resin Identification Codes" that tell what kind of plastic it is. The number inside the triangle which is embossed on the bottom of plastic containers identifies the type of plastic from which the container is made. The purpose for this is to make it easier for folks to sort and recycle. The lower the number the easier it is to recycle as well.

They do have a triangle with arrows, but that doesn't necessarily mean you can recycle them. It depends on your local area what plastics can be recycled. #1 PET(E) Polyethylene Terephthalate. This is most common of the disposable water bottles.

#2 PE-HD High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), example milk jugs

#3 PVC Polyvinyl Chloride

#4 LD-PE Low-Density Polyethylene

#5 PP Polypropylene

#6 PS Polystyrene

#7 O(ther) plastic All other plastics. One popular example are the hard (usually Nalgene) coloured bottles, made with bisphenol-A (BPA).

More than ever people are concerned about the products in their lives, especially when it comes to plastic. There are concerns over the safety of some of the ingredients used in plastics, particularly bisphenol A. Fortunately there are codes on the bottom of all plastics which can help the health conscientious consumer stay informed.

See the link below for more information on what the codes mean and a guide to which plastics should be avoided due to potential toxicity.

Answer 2

The official term of these little recycling codes is actually "Plastic Identification Codes" or PIC for short. There are a total of 7 plastic identification codes which were introduced by the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc (SPI) in 1988. The numbers were intended for use for identifying plastic types during the recycling purposes.

The following is a list of plastic codes and its associated plastic type:

• Type 1 is polythylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
• Type 2 is high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Type 3 is polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Type 4 is low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
• Type 5 is polypropylene (PP)
• Type 6 is polystyrene (PS)
• Type 7 is other (usually PC or ABS)

Answer 3

Plastic #1: This is polyethylene terephtalate, also known as PETE or PET. Most disposable soda and water bottles are made of #1 plastic, and it's usually clear. This plastic is considered generally safe. However, it is known to have a porous surface that allows bacteria and flavor to accumulate, so it is best not to keep reusing these bottles as makeshift containers. This plastic is picked up by most curbside recycling programs.

Plastic #2: This is high density polyethylene, or HDPE. Most milk jugs, detergent bottles, juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries bottles are made of this. It is usually opaque. This plastic is considered safe and has low risk of leaching. It is also picked up by most recycling programs.

Plastic #3: This is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. It is used to make food wrap, bottles for cooking oil, and Plumbing pipes. PVC is a tough plastic but it is not considered safe to cook food near it. There are phthalates in this material-softening chemicals that interfere with hormonal development. You should minimize use of #3 plastic around food as much as possible. Never cook using food wrap, especially in a microwave oven. If the wrap is listed as microwave-safe then I would still not let it touch the food while using it in the microwave. #3 plastic is rarely accepted by recycling programs.

Plastic #4: This is low density polyethylene (LDPE). It is used to make grocery bags, some food wraps, squeezable bottles, and bread bags. This plastic is considered safe, but is unfortunately not often accepted by curbside recycling programs.

Plastic #5: this is polypropylene. Yogurt cups and similar wide-necked containers are often made from it, as well as water bottles with a cloudy finish. You'll also find it in medicine bottles, ketchup and syrup bottles, and straws. This plastic is also considered safe, and is increasingly being accepted by curbside recycling programs.

Plastic #6: this is polystyrene, or Styrofoam, from which disposable containers and packaging are made. You'll also find it in disposable plates and cups. Evidence is increasingly suggesting that this type of plastic leaches potentially toxic chemicals, especially when heated. I suggest avoiding the use of #6 plastic as much as possible. It is difficult to recycle and most recycling programs won't accept it.

Plastic #7: This number basically means "everything else." It's a mixed bag, composed of plastics which were invented after 1987. Polycarbonate falls into this category, including the dreaded BPA. So do modern plastics used in anything from iPods to computer cases. It also includes some baby bottles and food storage containers which resist staining. Use of #7 plastic is at your own risk, since you don't know what could be in it. You should dispose of any food or drink related product, especially for children, that is known to contain BPA. I personally also view any other food or drink container made from #7 plastic with a good deal of suspicion. It is difficult to recycle #7 plastic and most curbside recycling programs won't accept it.

To summarize, plastics #2, #4 and #5 are generally considered safe. Plastic #1 is safe too but should not be re-used due to the risk of growing bacteria. Any other plastic should be used with extreme caution, especially around food or drink. The risk is even greater when heating food. For microwaving in particular, remember that microwave safe containers aren't necessarily healthy. They just won't melt. In general, it's better to avoid microwaving plastic entirely and stick to glass.

Answer 4

To recycle There are 3 arrows in the recycle symbol.

Answer 5

It looks like a triangle made out of arrows.

Answer 6

Its the cycle of recycling

Reduce Reuse Recycle

Answer 7

The three arrows represent Reuse, Reduce, Recycle. It just means by reducing waste, reusing resources, and recycling, we help the environment.

Answer 8

The recycling codes tell you what kind of plastic the bottle is made of, so bottles of different materials can be separated before being processed.

Answer 9

It means that we need to recycle.