Plastic Recycling Symbol You Must Know

Nowadays plastic has been used for packaging various things like food, drink, etc. We can find plastic things in drinking bottles, televisions, refrigerators, PVC, laminating plastic, CD, cars, engines, military apparatuses to pesticides.

To make sorting and thus recycling easier, the American Society of Plastics Industry has made a marking code standard to help the consumers identifying and sorting the main types of plastic. These logos are engraved in the plastic and describe the type of plastic used for sorting purposes only. The logos do not indicate that the products are recycled or recyclable, these types and their most common uses are shown below:

1. PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) often found in plastic bottles which are clear / transparent such as Soda Bottles, Water Bottles, Juice Bottles and in almost all other drink bottles. This kind of plastic is recommended for only once of use. Do not fill it with hot water, and waste the old bottles.

2. HDPE (high density polyethylene) often used in milk bottles, juice bottles, bleach, detergent and household cleaner bottles, shampoo bottles, some trash and shopping bags, motor oil bottles, butter and yogurt tubs, cereal box liners, etc. It is the same with PET, only recommended for once of use.

3. V or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most difficult plastic to be recycled. It is often used in Window cleaner and detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles, clear food packaging, wire jacketing, medical equipment, siding, windows, piping, etc. PVC contains chlorine, so its manufacture can release highly dangerous dioxins. If you must cook with PVC, don't let the plastic touch food. Never burn PVC, because it releases toxins.

4. LDPE (low density polyethylene) is usually used in squeezable bottles; bread, frozen food, dry cleaning and shopping bags; tote bags; clothing; furniture; carpets, etc. This type of plastic can be recycled and good for things that need flexibility but tough. Although this kind of plastic can not totally shattered, it’s still safe for food box or containers.

5. PP (polypropylene) is the best choice of plastic especially related to foods and beverages storage, and the most important use is for baby bottles.or nipples. It has cloudy characteristic and opaque. Choose this type of plastic to buy.

6. PS (polystyrene) is usually used as Styrofoam container for food or beverage storage and it is used once. Styrene can be released by Styrofoam when it touches the food. Styrene is harmful to our brain and nervosum. Beside from food container, styrene is also released from the smokes of cigarette, vehicles and building materials.

7. Other (usually polycarbonate) can be found in three- and five-gallon water bottles, 'bullet-proof' materials, sunglasses, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs and displays, certain food containers, nylon. Polycarbonate will release Bisphenol-A to food and beverage which can cause potential hormone. Keep away from Polycarbonate products.