Re-using plastic bottles for storage, especially water, is quite normal in Indian households. But are you aware of how long you can actually use these? There is a simple way of knowing how long you can use or re-use a plastic bottle for.
When you flip over these plastic bottles or any other plastic containers, you might see a little triangle of arrows with a number inside. The symbols are meant to signify what type of resin plastic the container is made of, so consumers know whether the plastic is good or bad and if it can be reused or not.
Generally, the numbers on the code, present at the bottom of plastic bottles, range from 1 to 7 for different kinds of plastic. Here’s the significance of each number:
Number 1: It means that the plastic is made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE)
It is the most common kind of plastic that you would encounter with. This type of plastic is used to make bottles for water, soft drinks, juice, soda, sports drinks etc.
PET is porous and has a tendency to collect bacteria and residual substances, which means that prolonged reuse of this plastic could be harmful. Reusing this plastic can expose people to EPA and prolonged use can cause hormone imbalance due to the high concentration of antimony in this plastic.
It is safe for one-time use and this kind of plastic degenerates itself over the time. It is not safe to use it after the expiry date so they come up with the message – Crush the bottle after use.
Number 2: It means that the plastic is made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE or HDP)
Usually, this kind of plastic represents the good plastic, which has lower emission compared to the other kinds of plastic. This plastic is commonly used for detergent containers, butter containers and certain other beverages. Cosmetics and shampoos also often come in HDPE containers.
This plastic is considered very safe and can be reused for storage since it has a low risk of leaching. It is also commonly picked for recycling.
Number 3: It means that the plastic is made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, Vinyl)
It represents plastic that contains two or more chemical components that can cause hormone imbalance. However, PVC is one of the most frequently used plastics around the world, which is used in diverse products such as peanut butter jars, plastic toys, blood bags, tablecloths, window frames, and pipes.
Number 4: It means that the plastic is made of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
This kind of plastic contains no known chemical that can emit when in contact with water. Because it’s tough yet flexible, this type of plastic is commonly used for making grocery bags, shopping bags, newspapers, some food wraps, bread bags, hot and cold beverage cups etc.
While this kind of plastic is considered widely safe for the regular storage use, it is not usually accepted for recycling.
Number 5: It means that the plastic is made of Polypropylene (PP)
It is also a good type of plastic. They come as transparent or white. It is usually used to produce containers like ice-cream cups, yogurt cups, drinking straws, ketchup bottles and syrup bottles. Polypropylene is very safe for storage uses and is also widely accepted for recycling.
Number 6: It means that the plastic is made of Polystyrene (PS)
Most common with disposable plastic cups, spoons, plates and utensils, meat trays, the number 6 kind of plastic has recently been speculated to be highly dangerous as it leaches potentially toxic chemicals – especially when heated. Stay away from using these at all if possible. This plastic is also very difficult to recycle.
However, this plastic is used in fast food packaging, foam packaging etc.
Number 7: It means that the plastic is made of Polycarbonate Bisphenol A (PBA)
Use of this category of plastics is completely at your own risk. It could contain anything from Polycarbonates to Bisphenol A, which is considered very dangerous. They are hormone disruptors and continuous usage may lead to cancer and heart attacks. However, this type of plastic is widely used in the production of food containers, infant bottles, sports drink bottles etc.
Tupperware products are made up of this plastic and can be harmful on long usage. So, to be on the safe side, we suggest not using this plastic for any kind of food storage or consumption.
Final words: Check your bottles; if they are labeled with 2, 4 or 5, they are less harmful in comparison to 1, 3, 6 or 7. Furthermore, bottles with number 1, 3 and 8 should not be reused and number 6 should be avoided for use at all costs. Stay safe.