Here is an easy to navigate list of tips on decoding the various plastic container you will find in your refrigerator:
- 1 = PETE aka PET (polyethylene terephthalate) This is used for most transparent bottles such as water, soda, cooking oil and medicine bottles. Generally safe to use (not reuse) ; generally recycled
- 2 = HDPE (high density polyethylene) Sturdy, rigid plastic found in reusable food storage containers, milk and detergent bottles. Generally safe and recycled
- 3 = PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Used for plastic wrap, and detergent and cooking oil bottles. Additives in PVC can increase the risk of birth defects and hormone related cancers. Its production can be hazardous to workers and the environment. Generally not safe and not recycled.
- 4 = LDPE (low density polyethylene) Flexible plastic used for bags or wraps, such as produce bags and baby bottles liners. Most number 4 plastics are not designed for reuse. Generally safe, not recycled.
- 5 = PPE aka PP (polypropylene) Pliable plastic found in squeeze bottles, reusable food containers, and yogurt and margarine tubs. Generally safe, recycled.
- 6 = PS (polystyrene) Used in rigid take out containers and foam meat trays. Can leach styrene when heated, a possible endocrine disrupter and human carcinogen. Not safe when heated; generally not recycled.
- 7 = Other (most often refers to PC – polycarbonate) This plastic is most commonly used for baby bottles, five gallon water jugs and reusable sports water bottles. It can leach out the hormone disrupter bisphenol A, especially when heated. Because this group can include various other plastics it has limited recycling potential.
Hope this is helpful to you all. I found this information in a magazine clipping from Organic Style. Good mag with lots of little gems like this.
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Since my attention to these codes I have been switching to glass for storing leftovers in the frig. But I still use alot of plastic storage bags and freezer bags. I see that I should be using #4. Where do I find the # on the boxes? Is there a brand that offers #4? Thanks
Searching for this information is what brought me to your site. I plan to keep the list on the fridge as a reference, to decide what to do with various containers (whether to recycle or re-use). I’ve lately become aware of the danger of hormone disruption from heating or reusing plastics. Thanks for posting!