Safe Plastic Numbers

  1. PET
  2. HDPE
  3. PVC
  4. LDPE
  5. PP
  6. PS
  7. PC

The TLDR version:

  1. Don't use plastic water bottles more than once, the same applies to other food packaging which are labeled #1
  2. #3 and #6 labeled plastics are always bad, avoid them (i.e. hot cup lids, CD cases, plastic wraps)
  3. From my experience, most of the plastic food containers are labeled #5, which is OK to use. However, you should avoid microwaving food in them

  1. Polyethylene Terephthalate

    24.365_bottled_water

    PETE plastic should not be reused because cleaning detergents and high temperatures can cause chemicals to leach out of the plastic.

    • Water bottles
    • Spice packaging
    • Food packaging

    Plastic #1 is only intended for one time use.

  2. High-Density Polyethylene

    Tide Laundry Detergent

    HDPE is hard, opaque and can withstand somewhat high temperatures.

    • Laundry detergent
    • Folding chairs & tables

  3. Polyvinyl Chloride

    Purple/White Inflatable Shark

    PVC can be found in car interiors and vinyl flooring, resulting in the release of toxic chemicals into the air.

    • Inflatable structures
    • Pool toys
    • Food packaging
    • Plastic wraps

    PVC is one of the toxic plastics that should be avoided.

  4. Low-density polyethylene

    L1070854

    LDPE is flexible and tough but breakable.

    • Plastic bags
    • Dietary supplement and medicine containers

  5. Polypropylene

    Starmaid - Almond Range - Microwave Cookware

    PP is strong, tough, has a high resistance to heat and acts as a barrier to moisture. Most PP are microwavable safe and dishwasher safe.

    • Microwavable plastic containers
    • Plastic cups

    NOTE: microwavable/dishwasher safe only means that the plastic will not warp when heated. It does not imply that it is a healthy practice.

  6. Polystyrene

    Jewel Case 02

    PS can either be hard or used in the form of styrofoam.

    • CD and DVD cases
    • Foam cups & to-go foam packaging from restaurants
    • Hot cup lids ( like this one )

    Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

  7. Other

    Holy Water Bottle

    Plastic #7 can be a little tricky as it stands for “Other” which may or may not contain BPA. It is commonly used to label Polycarbonate (PC).

    • 3 and 5 gallon reusable bottles

    Polycarbonate is derived from BPA. BPA has been found to be an endocrine disruptor.