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Which Recycled Plastics Are Bad for You?

Plastic containers are marked with the numbers 1 through 7 to indicate the type of plastic they are made from and to aid in proper sorting for recycling. If a plastic container is made of recycled plastic, the container will be marked with an "R" near the recycling triangle. Different plastic polymers have different chemical properties and need to be separated by type during the recycling process. Some plastic polymers contain chemical structures that are harmful or carcinogenic, but most plastics are safe and harmless if used properly.

  1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET #1)

    • Polyethylene terephthalate plastic containers are marked with the number 1 and the letters PETE or PET below the recycling triangle. PETE plastics are used in a variety of food and beverage containers, including water bottles, peanut butter containers, and vegetable oil bottles. PETE plastics contain a benzene ring in their molecular structure, which is considered to be a carcinogenic substance.

    High Density Polyethylene and Low Density Polyethylene (HDPE #2 and LDPE #4)

    • High Density Polyethylene containers are marked with the number 2 and the letters HDPE below the recycling triangle. Low Density Polyethylene containers are marked with the number 4 and the letters LDPE. HDPE and LDPE plastics are tough and resistant to moisture. Milk containers, juice and water bottles, plastic bags, and yogurt containers are all comprised out of HDPE or LDPE plastic. Neither LDPE nor HPDE plastics contain chemicals considered harmful to your body.

    Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC #3)

    • Polyvinyl Chloride containers are marked with the number 3 and the letters PVC or V below the recycling triangle. PVC plastics are tough and weather resistant and are commonly used as building materials. Pipes, siding, and window frames are commonly made of PVC, though the plastic is also used to insulate wires and electrical cables. PVC plastics are not harmful on their own, but can release highly carcinogenic dioxins if burned. Do not burn or melt any plastic with a #3 PVC marking.

    Polypropylene (PP #5)

    • Polypropylene plastic is marked with the number 5 and the letters PP below the recycling triangle. Polypropylene plastics have a high melting point and are often used to hold hot liquids. Polypropylene plastics are not considered harmful to your body.

    Polystyrene (PS #6)

    • Polystyrene plastic is marked with the number 6 and the letters PS below the recycling triangle. Polystyrene containers are lightweight and excellent insulators, but usually have low melting points. Polystyrene is frequently used to make egg cartons, foam packaging, plastic cups and utensils, and fast-food containers. Like PETE #1, Polystyrene contains a benzene ring in its chemical structure.

    Other (OTHER #7)

    • Plastics marked with the number 7 and the letters OTHER below the recycling triangle are often composed of a combination of plastics 1 through 6. Most OTHER plastics are not considered harmful to the human body.

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