Polystyrene may leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen, into food products (especially when heated in a microwave!). Because it breaks apart so easily, it’s also found ingested by marine animals and littering our beaches.Īlso, avoid reusing! Chemicals present in polystyrene have been linked with human health and reproductive system dysfunction. Polystyrene is not generally recyclable and accounts for about 35% of US landfill material. It’s used for disposable styrofoam drinking cups, take-out containers, packing peanuts, and more. #6: PS (Polystyrene)Īvoid polystyrene as best possible.
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Polypropylene is recyclable though many recyclers still don’t accept it this should change in time. Polypropylene plastic is used in those margarine and yogurt containers, potato chip bags, cereal bags, and much more.
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Though most plastic bags are not recyclable, some companies and recycling centers have found alternatives or are investigating how to recycle plastic bags given their harmfulness to the environment. You’ll also find LDPE in shrink wraps, dry cleaner garment bags, and other items. LDPE is usually what plastic bags are made from. They contain toxins which leach throughout its entire life cycle. Also, avoid reusing PVC products, especially when it comes to food or for children’s use. Most consumer recyclers will not take PVC products. PVC is used for a lot of plastic food wrapping because it’s soft and flexible. It’s a very common plastic and one of the safest to use. Most milk jugs, detergent containers, and oil bottles are made from HDPE.
![recycle number 5 recycle number 5](https://greenopedia.com/wp-content/uploads/Plastic-recycle-code-7.jpg)
And it’s very difficult to clean or remove harmful chemicals. However, avoid reusing. Why not reuse? PET is meant for single-use applications repeated use increases the risk of leaching and bacterial growth. Water bottles and plastic soda bottles are the most common containers made out of PET. Here’s more information about the different types of plastics.
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Here are the seven standard classifications for plastics, and the recycling and reuse information for each type. Plastics Identification and Recycling Chart But plastic that displays a three or a five often isn’t recyclable. A three indicates that the water bottle has been made from polyvinyl chloride, a five means that it’s been made of polypropylene, two materials that are not accepted by most public recycling centers. Most plastic that displays a one or a two number is recyclable (though you need to check with your area’s recycling provider). Many plastic-based products cannot break down and cannot be recycled. This will tell you both the type of plastic used and which type is recyclable or even reusable. If you look at the number inside the triangle on your plastic, it will range from one to seven.