How do you read plastic codes?
Plastics by the Numbers
- #1 – PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
- #2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- #3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- #4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- #5 – PP (Polypropylene)
- #6 – PS (Polystyrene)
- #7 – Other (BPA, Polycarbonate and LEXAN)
How do you dispose of plastic storage containers?
Local charities, child care centers, senior centers and schools may be able to use plastic storage containers of all sizes. Call around to places you are familiar with, or place them on a website such as Freecycle or an online material exchange in your area.
Can plastic containers be reused?
Some plastic containers can be made durable enough to be refilled and reused about 25 times before becoming too damaged for reuse. Refilling and reusing plastic containers directly reduces the demand for disposable plastic.
Is number 7 plastic safe?
Polycarbonate (PC) It’s nowhere near as common as it used to be in baby products, but there’s still a lot of it about. Generally, if you find a clear, hard plastic product without a number on it, it’s PC 7 plastic. This one isn’t safe.
How can you tell if plastic is HDPE?
If the sound is soft and swishing (think of green leaves blowing in the trees), then you have identified LDPE; if the sound is crisper and crinkly (think of dry leaves being squished together), then you have HDPE.
What number is HDPE plastic?
2
What is a Plastic Resin Code?
Plastics which are typically accepted by curbside recycling programs*: | Plastics which are not typically accepted by curbside recycling programs*: |
---|---|
#1- Polyethylene Terephthalate PETE | #3- Polyvinyl Chloride PVC |
#2- High Density Polyethylene HDPE | #4- Low Density Polyethylene LDPE |
Should you throw away old Tupperware?
If your Tupperware container is old, you should use it for other purposes and no longer store or reheat food. However, you should not just throw plastic containers away because they don’t decompose quickly and it might take them 1000 years to fully breakdown.
How do you dispose of Tupperware?
Plastic food storage containers and lids-such as Tupperware containers-that have the 1 or 2 recycling symbol on the bottom are accepted in almost all local recycling programs, provided they are empty, clean and dry. Recycle with the lid attached. Most recycling programs also accept #5 plastics.
How do you know if a plastic container is reusable?
You’ll see all plastic products are labeled with the recycling symbol with a number—from one to seven—inside. If your container is made of plastic #1, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), you shouldn’t reuse it according to the Sierra Club’s plastic guide—instead just recycle these containers.
How can I reuse small plastic containers?
Here’s 60 different ways you can reuse your everyday plastic bottles.
- Bird Feeder. Making a bird feeder is easy!
- Terrarium. This one is such a fun activity for kids!
- Egg Yolk Sucker. This little food hack is a game changer!
- Bottle Top Bag Seal.
- Piggy Bank.
- Watering Containers.
- Hanging Basket.
- Pencil Case.
Is Nalgene safe?
Many Nalgene water bottles and other hard plastic sport water bottles are made of polycarbonate (#7 on the bottom) , which may leach Bisphenol A, an estrogen-like chemical.
What is HDPE plastic used for?
High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. As one of the most versatile plastic materials around, HDPE plastic is used in a wide variety of applications, including plastic bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, bleach bottles, cutting boards, and piping.