We’re surrounded by plastic-from food containers to clothing, it is very unmistakably a part of modern life. Not all plastics are created equal, though. Knowing the various kinds of plastic and their corresponding Resin Identification Codes (RICs) is fundamental to recycling and reuse, as well as in choosing products we consume. The resins used for the manufacture of plastics are characterised by these codes, which mostly appear in triangular arrow symbols beneath plastic items. Let us break down into seven common types:
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) – #1
One of the most commonly used plastics, PET is everywhere—from water bottles to food packaging. You’ve probably held one in your hand today without even thinking about it! But while it’s lightweight and highly recyclable, it comes with some concerns.
- Common Usage: Soft drink bottles, water bottles, food jars, as well as certain packaging.
- Characteristics: Clearly transparent, incredibly strong, relatively lightweight, recyclable.
- Recycling: Almost universally accepted in curbside recycling programs. PET is also frequently recycled into new bottles, fleece jackets, and other goods.
- Considerations: PET bottles can leach chemicals if left in the heat or reused repeatedly. It’s best to avoid refilling them for long-term use.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) – #2
If you’ve ever used a milk jug or a shampoo bottle, you’ve encountered HDPE. This plastic is known for its strength and resistance to chemicals, making it a popular choice for packaging household products. The good news? It’s one of the safer and more recyclable plastics!
- Common Usage: Milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and some shopping bags.
- Characteristics: Rigid, strong, and chemical resistant.
- Recycling: Generally recyclable and frequently made into products like benches for the park, equipment for playgrounds, and pipes.
- Considerations: HDPE is fairly non-toxic and will not leach chemicals easily.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or V) – #3
PVC is a highly versatile plastic that can be rigid or flexible, making it ideal for everything from plumbing pipes to vinyl flooring. However, its chemical makeup raises some concerns, especially in food-related applications.
- Common Uses: Pipes, siding, flooring, and some packaging.
- Characteristics: Strong, flexible, and has great versatility that may be either rigid or flexible.
- Recycling: PVC recycling is less prevalent compared to #1 and #2 plastics. More often, recycling facilities require specialisation.
- Considerations: PVC can carry phthalates, which can be dangerous for human use. It needs utmost care for any food contact-related applications.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) – #4
LDPE is the flexible plastic you often find in grocery bags and squeeze bottles. While it’s relatively safe, it’s also a major contributor to plastic waste due to its widespread use in single-use items.
- Common Uses: Plastic bags (grocery, dry cleaning), squeeze bottles, and most food packaging.
- Characteristics: Flexible, soft, and pretty transparent.
- Recycling: The LDPE recycling option is becoming more available, though not as readily accepted as #1 and #2.
- Considerations: LDPE is considered relatively safe but should be reduced in use due to its presence in many single-use plastics.
Polypropylene (PP) – #5
This plastic is a workhorse in food packaging, showing up in yogurt containers, bottle caps, and even straws. It’s known for its heat resistance and durability, making it a solid choice for food storage.
- Common Use: Yogurt cups, bottle caps, straws, and other food packaging.
- Characteristics: Strong, heat-resistant, and can be moulded into many different shapes.
- Recycling: Recycling PP becomes common, although this is dictated by the local facilities.
- Considerations: PP is generally non-toxic for food contact and does not leach chemicals easily.
Polystyrene (PS) – #6
Polystyrene, better known as Styrofoam, is lightweight and inexpensive but poses significant environmental and health risks. While it’s used in disposable cups and packaging materials, it’s also one of the least recycled plastics.
- Common Uses: Styrofoam cups, plates, packing peanuts, and some disposable food containers.
- Characteristics: Lightweight, can be foamed or rigid.
- Recycling: Polystyrene is not easy to recycle and commonly goes to landfills. Many communities are banning its use.
- Considerations: PS can leach styrene, a possible carcinogen. Avoid polystyrene for hot food and drinks.
Other (O) – #7
The “catch-all” category, #7 plastics include a mix of materials that don’t fit into the other six types. Some are safe, while others, like polycarbonate, may contain BPA, raising health concerns.
- Common Uses: Water bottles, baby bottles, some food containers, and electronics casings.
- Characteristics: Vary widely depending on the specific plastic blend.
- Recycling: Recycling #7 plastics is complicated since it requires the separation of various types of resins.
- Considerations: Some #7 plastics, such as polycarbonate, contain BPA, which has been known to cause health issues. Bioplastics are often labelled as #7, but they can be compostable or not and may need certain conditions to compost. It would be best to research the type of #7 plastic to determine its properties and how it should be disposed of or recycled.
Here’s a rundown of what we’ve covered:
Conclusion
Understanding these categories of plastics as well as RICs endows us to make the perfect choice. Cutting down on unnecessary single-use plastic, opting to use reusable more, and managing the plastic material we use reduces plastic waste efficiently. In any case, curbing plastic generally is the better way to ensure that plastic can be controlled well.
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