What Exactly Does Numbers On Plastic Bottles Indicate

Every time you drink water from a bottle, you would have noticed the numbered triangles below the plastic bottles you use. Do you know what the codes on the plastic bottles indicate?

Did it ever make you wonder as to what the number inside the triangle can represent?

Well, these are known as the recycling symbols that have significant information regarding the material from which the plastic bottle has been made.

It also helps us know of the recycling process that is followed.

In this article, we are here to share the actual reasons as to why there are numbers present on the plastic bottles. These are the numbers that can be found at the bottom of the plastic bottles.

So, keep reading to know more on the interesting reasons as to why you would find numbers below plastic bottles.

Some of these facts might help you pick the safe type of plastic that you can use and reuse. And also know about the different types of plastics being used. Read on.

Type 1 Plastic (PETE OR PET)

The bases of the bottles have the number 1 marked on them. Type 1 plastic is nothing but polyethylene terephthalate. It is also known as PETE or PET. This plastic is found in disposable soda and water bottles. This plastic is considered generally safe. These plastic bottles are picked up by most curbside recycling programs.

Type 2 Plastic (HDPE)

Most milk jugs, detergent bottles, juice bottles, tubs and various toiletry bottles are made of this type of plastic. It is nothing but high-density polyethylene. It is also picked up by most recycling programs.

Type 3 Plastic (PVC )

This is the most common type of plastic that is used to make food wraps, bottles for cooking oil and plumbing pipes. But, it is not considered safe to cook food in this kind. This plastic is rarely accepted by recycling programs.

Type 4 Plastic (LDPE)

This plastic is made from low-density polyethylene. It is used to make grocery bags, food wraps, squeezable bottles and even bread bags. This plastic is considered to be safe, but on a degradable note, it is not accepted for recycling programs.

Type 5 Plastic (PP)

This plastic is made from polypropylene. Medicine bottles, ketchup and syrup bottles, straws and yogurt cups are made from this kind of a plastic. Some of the wide-necked containers are also made using this plastic.

Type 6 Plastic (PS)

This plastic is polystyrene or Styrofoam. This is made to create disposable plates and cups. This type of plastic releases potentially toxic chemicals when it is heated. So, now we know what the codes on the plastic bottles indicate.