Know Your Plastics
Filed Under: Do It Yourself, Susatainable Living on October 16, 2009
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Did you know that there are seven classifications of plastic, as classified by the EPA? Do you know what those plastics are or how to tell what kind your container is made of? Well, lucky for you, I’m here to help.
The Environmental Protection Agency is charged with doing things that, theoretically, protect the environment. Like all government institutions, they are generally inept at their jobs. This is because, like nearly all government agencies, half of the EPA’s work force knows what they’re doing and the other half is upper management. Lucky for us, the half that knows what they’re doing are the ones who made these classifications for plastic.
These little label symbols will appear on all plastic items made since the mid-90s. They are the universal “recycle” symbol (three arrows, pointing one to the next) with a number in the middle and sometimes an alpha label (letters) underneath. Let’s have a look.
PETE – Number 1 - This is PETE or PET, which stands for polyethylene terephthalate. No, I will not pronounce it for you. This is usually found as the resin used for the plastic in salad dressing (the squeezable kind), soda bottles, bottled water, and so forth. This type of plastic can absorb bacteria and flavoring, so it’s generally a bad idea to re-use it. When recycled, it’s usually shredded to make carpet and furniture or melted down to make new containers.
HDPE – Number 2 - This is HDPE or high-density polyethylene. Say it twice, then pinch your tongue. This is used in a lot of infinitely re-usable containers like milk jugs, shampoo bottles, yogurt tubs, etc. It’s considered almost completely inert. When recycled, it is usually melted down and remade into heavier bottles, that white fencing you see, and even Bic pens (HDPE can be made into PVC).
V – Number 3 - V (or PVC, aka polyvinyl) is not for Vendetta, so chill out. A lot of oils, clear packaging, and other solid, but see-through containers are made out of this. So is sewer plumbing, tarps, and such. This is thought to contain phalates that can interfere with hormones, so it’s a good idea to avoid them. These are usually recycled into paneling, mudflaps, and stuff like that.
LDPE – Number 4 - LDPE means low-density polyethylene, which you can probably chant repeatedly while rubbing your belly and patting your head. The bags you get at the grocery store with your shopping, bread and tortilla bags, and even your carpet and clothing probably have this in them. There are no known problems with this stuff and it’s usually recycled into things like fake lumber, trash bags, and even envelopes.
RECYCLE, SUCKA!
PP – Number 5 - PP is polypropylene, though I think it would be more suited to be number one on the list. If you don’t get that joke, you’re a Commie. This is the stuff they more often use in newer squeezable bottles like ketchup, mustard, and your medicines. It’s considered inert and is most often recycled into ice scrapers, rakes, and other heavy/hard-plastic items that require durability.
PS – Number 6 - PS is polystyrene, I love you. Everyone knows what this stuff is. Dumping this made McDonald’s “green” and your favorite egg cartons evil. This stuff is friggin everywhere and won’t go away. It leaches, of all things, sytrene into foods, which is carcinogenic, so maybe McD’s was right. This is usually recycled into foam packaging and shipping peanuts, insulation, and stuff like that. Truckers know that it melts in diesel fuel and actually increases octane too.
OTHER – Number 7 - Other is, of course, the height of description and clarity of purpose. This is everything that isn’t one of the other six like those 3 and 5-gallon Culligan jugs, nylon, and is the primary source of the dreaded BPA (bisphenol A), which makes you fat and gives you heart attacks. This is usually recycled into Al Gore dolls and Kim Jong Il’s hair. Specialty items like that.
So there you have it. The seven classifications for plastic. For the curious, there are currently production-level technologies for replacing types 1, 2, and 4 with bio-based alternatives to replace the petroleum normally used. I’m not aware of any testing to find out if they are chemically safer, however.
Related posts:
- DIY Home Gardening Containers
- Milk Jugs Into Lawn Furniture
- Reusable Grocery Bags Aren’t Always All That
Comments (1)
Thanks for this info. I live in a condo where a lot of folks aren’t clear on this sort of thing.