Eco Friendly

Plastic notation and BPA

Plastic material is found in so many different products, many consumers may not even realize the things they use might have plastic in them. Not all plastics are the same; they are classified in seven different categories and come in many different forms. You can determine the category of a plastic you’re using by looking at the symbol usually found on the bottom of the product.

With growing concern about BPA content in plastic, it’s important to know what type of plastic you’re using. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that is used in the production of polycarbonate plastic resins, epoxy resins, and other products. BPA can leach into food through containers and is believed to cause health problems. Scientists have found that the chemical causes health problems in animal studies and are concerned about the risk it poses to humans.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has addressed this concern and says that current BPA exposure levels are not an immediate health risk. While the risk may not be immediate, the FDA does acknowledge that further research is necessary to define the exact health threats associated with BPA.

Plastics classified as number 7 or 3 can leach BPA into food and beverages. Numbers 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 do not use BPA during package forming.

Number 1 plastics

• Found in water bottles, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter containers, and salad dressing containers
• Can be recycled through most curbside programs
• Lightweight and inexpensive to recycle.  Polar fleece, athletic shoes and occasionally new containers are just some of the uses for recycled number 1 plastics

Number 2 plastics

• Found in milk jugs, juice bottles, household cleaner bottles, shampoo bottles, some shopping bags, and cereal box liners
• Can be recycled through most curbside programs
• Once recycled, number 2 plastics can turn into the same containers they once were

Number 3 plastic

• Found in window cleaner bottles, wire jacketing, medical equipment, siding and windows
• Rarely recycled, but are occasionally accepted by plastic lumber makers. Once recycled, they can become mud flaps, roadway gutters, cables,  and speed bumps
• Commonly referred to as PVC; releases toxins in the air when burned

Number 4 plastics

• Found in bread bags, frozen food bags, dry cleaning bags, furniture and carpet
• Not often recycled, but can be used to make trash can liners and cans, compost bins and shipping envelopes

Number 5 plastics

• Found in syrup bottles, yogurt containers, straws and medicine bottles
• Can be recycled in most curbside programs and can be used to make signal lights, brooms, brushes, ice scrapers, rakes and bike racks
• Have a high melting point, so they are often used for hot liquids

Number 6 plastics

• Found in disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons and carry-out containers
• Can be recycled and used for the same products they once were
• Usually made into rigid or foamed products

Number 7 plastics

• Any other type of plastic or a combination of the other 6 plastics falls into this category 
• Sunglasses, iPod and computer cases and nylon are products with number 7 plastics
• Not typically recycled