Plastic Symbols

OK. So we've all noticed the number symbol at the bottom of our plastic products. But what do they mean?

Well you're in luck here's our Plastics 101.

Orange is safer for us, but generally not recyclable.
Red is toxic to us and the environment.

	PET	Polyethylene terephthalate - Are recyclable and generally considered the safest single-use plastic-bottle choice. Fizzy drink bottles and oven-ready meal trays.
	HDPE	High-density polyethylene - Durable and accepted by most recycling programs. Bottles for milk and liquid soaps.
	PVC	Polyvinyl chloride - Toxic plastic dangerous to our health and to the environment. A known human carcinogen. Food trays, cling film, bottles for squash, mineral water and shampoo.
	LDPE	Low density polyethylene - Food safe plastic. Not recyclable. Food wraps and plastic bags.
	PP	Polypropylene - Less recyclable, but has not shown to leach toxins. Margarine tubs, microwaveable meal trays.
	PS	Polystyrene - Avoid this plastic because styrene (considered a possible human carcinogen) may leach into food. Foam meat or fish trays, egg cartons, vending cups, plastic cutlery, and toys.
	OTHER	Any other plastics that do not fall into any of the above categories. - BPA is a hormone disrupting chemical. Baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles and the lining in food cans