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Harmful Plastics That Are Not Recyclable

Some plastics are rarely or never recycled, even when a curbside recycling program accepts them. These plastics are not only a threat to the environment, but they could be a serious threat to your health as they break down into harmful chemicals. Make an informed choice on everyday products by knowing how to identify which plastics are the most harmful and the least recyclable.

  1. Lids and Pumps

    • Most plastic has a symbol with arrows in the shape of a triangle with a number 1 to 7 inside the triangle. This tells the type of plastic, not whether it is recyclable or harmless. Some numbers of plastic break down into harmful chemicals. Lids, caps, pumps and sprayers are usually not made from the same type of plastic as the bottles they go on. Unless the lid itself is labeled, it could be made of a harmful plastic type, and it cannot be recycled.

    #3 Vinyl or Polyvinyl Chloride

    • Polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, is toxic when burned and can contain phthalates, which are chemicals that can absorb through human skin and disrupt endocrine and nervous system function. PVC is not recyclable except by a few places that make plastic lumber. Many things are made from PVC including medical equipment, siding, windows, piping, some cling wraps, many toys, fashion accessories (like purses), shower curtains and sometimes detergent and spray bottles.

    #6 Polystyrene

    • Polystyrene, or simply PS, is another dangerous non-recyclable plastic. It is commonly manufactured as Styrofoam cups, plates, takeout containers, egg cartons and meat trays. Styrene, a known neurotoxin, can get into your food from these containers. Some cities, such as San Francisco, California, and Portland, Oregon, have banned its use.

    #7 Miscellaneous

    • With the exception of polyactide, abbreviated PLA, which is made from corn or other plant material and is compostable, the plastics in this category are best avoided because they may contain harmful chemicals. They generally cannot be recycled.

    Polycarbonate Plastics and Bisphenol A

    • Polycarbonate plastics fall under the miscellaneous category and have gained recent attention due to bisphenol A. Bisphenol A, known as BPA, is a highly dangerous chemical, a known endocrine disruptor and potential carcinogen. Many products can be made from polycarbonate including baby bottles and cups, plastic silverware, toys and may be used in cell phone casings. Some plastic dental sealants may contain BPA. Polycarbonate is not recyclable.

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