what do the recycling symbols mean?

Question

particularly looking for the meaning of the triangle recycling symbols usually found on food packaging

Answer 1

Want the down low on the recycling symbols found on the bottom of plastic food and beverage containers?

Here are a few good facts to remember:
1. Plastics are typically classified by one of seven recycling codes, indicating the type of resin used (the code is usually found at the bottom of containers and bottles), as follows:
#1 polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
Products: Soft drink bottles, medicine containers
#2 high density polyethylene (HDPE)
Products: Toys, bottles for milk, water, detergent, shampoo, motor oil
#3 polyvinyl chloride (V or PVC)
Products: Pipe, meat wrap, cooking oil bottles
#4 low density polyethylene (LDPE)
Products: Wrapping films, grocery bags
#5 polypropylene (PP)
Products: Syrup bottles, yogurt tubs, diapers
#6 polystyrene (PS)
Products: Coffee cups, clam-shell take-out containers
#7 other (usually polycarbonate)
Products: Medical storage containers, some Nalgene water bottles

2. The safer plastics for storing food and drinks are #2HDPE, #4LDPE, and #5PP.

3. Plastics that are accepted for recycling in your area are also good choices. But, don't store food or drink in #1 PETE even though it is one of the most commonly recycled types. There are no containers designed for re-use made from PETE, and one should never re-use single-use #1 plastic bottles because their design doesn't lend itself to proper cleaning and the bottles can harbor bacterial growth.

There are, however, a number of reusable containers made from another commonly recycled plastic, #2 HDPE. And number #4 LDPE and #5PP plastics, although not as widely recycled, are also good choices since, as with #2, most research has not shown leaching of any carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. Some bread and frozen food bags and squeezable bottles are made out of #4 plastic and some ketchup bottles and yogurt and margarine tubs are manufactured from #5 plastic.

4. Risky plastics that you don't want to use for storing food and drinks are #3 PVC, #6 PS, and #7 Other (Usually Polycarbonate).

Sometimes found in clear food packaging, #3 PVC, the second most commonly used plastic in the world, is a toxic plastic dangerous both to our health and to the environment. Its manufacture and incineration releases dioxins, a potent carcinogen and hormone disruptor. Vinyl chloride, the primary building block of PVC, is a known human carcinogen that also poses a threat to workers during manufacture.

In contact with foods, especially hot, fatty foods, PVC can also leach chemicals such as adipates and phthalates, which have been shown to cause birth defects and damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems in mice. In addition, most community recycling programs do not accept PVC, so the vast majority of vinyl ends up in landfills or incinerators. While many companies have agreed to restrict or phase out PVC, we still have a long way to go before this "toxic" plastic is banned from use.

Polystyrene, #6 PS, is usually found in foam containers and cups and sometimes in clear disposable takeout containers, plastic cutlery and cups. It's best to avoid this plastic because PS may leach styrene into food it comes in contact with. Styrene, considered a possible human carcinogen by IARC, may also disrupt hormones or affect reproduction.

Polycarbonate (marked as #7), usually found in baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles and the epoxy lining in food cans can leach BPA into liquids and foods. A study conducted at Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Japan, concluded that polycarbonate bottles containing hot liquids leach more BPA than new bottles.

Since 95 percent of all baby bottles currently on the market are made of polycarbonate, parents have a right to be concerned. The National Environmental Trust recommends switching to polycarbonate-free baby bottles, like those manufactured from glass or from #5 PP.

Answer 2

It depends on the recycling center in your community. Where I live, the municipality that takes our recyclables only accepts plastics with a 1 or a 2 on them. It does not matter what color they are. The other numbers can be recycled ,just check with your recycling center if they take them.

Answer 3

It has to do with the type of plastic. But in the case of #7, nothing, because it can't be recycled, there is no company or facility to do it.

Answer 4

it means the packaging comes from recycled materials.

Answer 5

I see what you mean, Mary.
I had a redundant computer monitor the other day, and the bloke at the dump site told me in no uncertain terms that as it was plastic, metal, glass, dear knows what, it should be dismantled.
I was amazed as to his attitude.
I was hopefully only doing my bit.
It had a re-cyclic sticker on it.
Where are we supposed to go ?
I am confused.

Bob.