Resin Identification Codes are not “recycle codes.” The use of a Resin Identification Code on a manufactured plastic article does not imply that the article is recycled or that there are systems in place to effectively process the article for reclamation or re-use. Such as disposable coffee cups, plastic food boxes, plastic cutlery and packing foam are made from PS. Code 7 is used to designate miscellaneous types of plastic not defined by the other six codes. Polycarbonate and Polylactide are included in this category. These types of plastics are difficult to recycle. Polycarbonate (PC) is used in baby bottles, compact discs.
- POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about the different kinds of plastic used to make bottles and containers; how to identify different plastic types.
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What do the different recycling number codes on plastic products mean:
Here we provide a key to plastic resin identification codes and we provide photographs of the number codes, a description of the type of plastic each represents, and photos of typical plastic containers of each type.
Plastic bottles, containers, tanks: this article describes the types of plastics used in bottles, containers, and tanks, including for water storage, cisterns, and other liquids. We identify possible contaminants that may leach into drinking water from some types of plastic.
We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.
Types of Plastics Used for Bottles, Containers & Tanks
- HDPE - High Density Polyethylene - the most widely used material for plastic bottles, HDPE is supplied in FDA-approved food-grade products. It does not withstand temperatures over 160 degF. Don't assume that HDPE containers are all clear or white. HDPE containers are commonly found in a variety of colors: white, red, blue, green, gray, etc.
Our photo (left) illustrates a use of HDPE polyethylene plastic bottles used to contain battery acid at a gas stop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Also see PLASTIC & FIBERGLASS TANKS, HDPE. - K-SBC - K-Resin SBC plastic containers, a styrene derivative, used for containers but not for oils or solvents.
- LDPE - Low Density Polyethylene - similar to HDPE, less rigid, more translucent, more costly, not used for water storage tanks.
- PCR - Post-Consumer Resin, reclaimed plastic HDPE storage containers.
- Polycarbonate plastic containers made with biphenyl-A (a hormone disruptor)(baby bottles, microwave ovenware, eating utensils)
- PET - Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE, PETP, PET-P) is a thermoplastic polymer polyester plastic resin. plastic water tanks may be a health risk to consumers
- PP - Polypropylene plastic storage containers, used for foods, tolerates higher temperatures.
- PS - Polystyrene plastic storage containers, used with dry products, not for water storage.
- PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride plastic bottles or storage tanks, used for bottled oils and soaps, like HDPE it does not withstand high temperatures over 160 degF.
So What Plastic Was Used to Make My Water Bottle, Container, or Water Tank?
How to Use the Plastic Recycling Code to Identify The Type of Plastic Tank or Container
How do you identify what kind of plastic was used to make your water or other storage tank or even your plastic water bottle or food container?
Use this simple guide to plastic recycling codes and look for the recycling indicator or label on your plastic container. Our photo (left) shows an image of the plastic recycling code #7.
Guide to Plastic & Resin Recycling Number Codes | |||
#1 code plastics - PET / PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) One-time use (do not refill plastic water bottles carrying this recycling mark). See our plastic water storage tank, plastic Ethos water bottle photos and details below. Very wide range of use for liquids, other. Household cleaners in clear bottles. M&H Plastics points out that 'PET containers require special consideration during warm weather in order to prevent shrinkage or distortion occurring after the molding process is completed.' The company provides additional details including an interesting oxygen-scavenging PET innovation useful for packaging foods that deteriorate in the presence of oxygen.[10] | |||
#2 code plastics - HDPE (high density polyethylene) (Nalgene Corp. produces HDPE water bottles) - also see PLASTIC & FIBERGLASS TANKS, HDPE Very wide range of use for liquids, solids, pastes | |||
#3 number code plastics - PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Watch out: a little confusing is that plastic bottle manufacturers may describe bottle categories as 'PETG/PCTG/PVC bottles' [10] | |||
#4 code plastics - LDPE (low density polyethylene | |||
#5 plastics - PP (polypropylene) Typical examples: tan, translucent prescription bottles; plastic deodorant containers (shown at right) | |||
#6 plastics - PS (polystyrene) - example, white plastic coffee cup lid at left Watch out: on some products the '6' plastic resin identification code may look like an '8' - not to worry, the plastic identification codes are numbers 1-7: if it looks like an '8' it's probably a '6'. | |||
#7 plastics - Plastics-other (includes polycarbonate plastics) (Nalgene Corp. produces lexan water bottles) - may leach BPA - Bisphenol-A (health concerns). FYI: while BPA-containing plastic containers are expected to carry the #7 recycling label, according to the New York Times (7 Sept. 2010), not all plastics labeled with recycling symbol #7 are in fact BPA-containing.[7] Watch out:On some containers it is tricky to distinguish between a '7' plastic code and a '1' PLASTIC CODE. |
...
Key to Other Plastic Container & Packaging Abbreviations | |
---|---|
Biodegradable plastic products | Generally products made using plastics made of polymer chains that break down to become brittle in certain environments, such as under exposure to UV in sunlight, or under exposure to oxygen, typically within a 5-year time frame. Note that products that break down into tiny fragments are not in all cases environmentally sound - such as certain ultra-fine plastic fragments found in some ocean areas and on some coasts, and in seawater. |
PCR | Post-consumer regrind, recycled plastic products that are re-processed and re-used in manufacturing |
PIR | Post-industrial regrind, as above, but using plastic waste products recovered from industrial processes, often used to produce container caps and also some jars. |
PLA | Polylactic acid plastic products are plastic products made using corn starch rather than petroleum products as their chemical base |
PET Plastic Water Storage Tank Health, Safety, & Sanitation Advice
Question:
I've been unable to find on-line information about the safety of usingcommon 1500 gallon plastic water tanks to hold drinking water. Our tank isshaded, but summers are warm and the water often sits in the tank for weeks,especially when we are traveling.
Our tank is 20 years old, but according to web sites now selling drinking water tanks, the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate aka PET.
To my knowledge, we haven't had any problems to date with bacteria growing.I don't taste plastic. We once had a mouse get in and die. Bad smelling water. It cleared up after a few weeks. Probably drank some of it!
Do you have any information or links? - Barbara Stuart
The above-ground water cistern storage tank shown in our photo (above left) is located in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and is discussed at PASSIVE SOLAR HOME, LOW COST.
Answer:
As Ms. Stuart pointed out, some water storage tanks are made of plastic polyethylene terephthalate aka PET. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE or polyester) is commonly used for carbonated beverage and water bottles intended for one time use - not a plastic one would expect use for a water storage tank.
But some water storage tanks have also been constructed of PETE material.
Our photo (left) illustrates a water bottle produced using polyethylene terephthalate.
PET - Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE, PETP, PET-P) is a thermoplastic polymer polyester plastic resin.
Plastic water tanks may be a health risk to consumers:
Commentary published in Environmental Health Perspectives in April 2010 suggested that PET might yield endocrine disruptors under conditions of common use and recommended research on this topic.
Proposed mechanisms include leaching of phthalates as well as leaching of antimony.
Other authors have published evidence indicating that it is quite unlikely that PET yields endocrine disruptors. - Web search 6/27/2010 Wikipedia. PET
Sorting Through the Confusion of Opinions vs. Studies About Plastic Container Materials, Names, Hazards
Researching the health hazards of plastic containers and asking which plastics are safe can give conflicting and confusing results.
Our photo (left) provides a close-up of the #1 recycling code and the PETE indicator for polyethylene terephthalate embossed into the bottom of the plastic water bottle illustrated above.
Some sources such as the 'green' website Care2.comassert that PET or PETE polyethylene terephthalate and HDPE high density polyethylene plastic containers are 'GOOD: Not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting hormones.'.
These same sources may tag LDPE, PP, PS as 'OK', and tagging PVC or V and PS as 'BAD - PVC - According to the National Institutes of Health, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), commonly found in PVC, is a suspected human carcinogen., and BAD PS - According to the National Institutes of Health, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), commonly found in PVC, is a suspected human carcinogen.' - Web search 06/30/2010 care2.com.
There is also confusion about 'polyethylene plastic' bottles and tanks. Don't confuse HDPE plastic (high density polyethylene) with PET - Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE, PETP, PET-P) - see What Plastic Was Used to Make My Water Tank (or water bottle)?
Looking at more expert researchers commenting on PET plastic containers:
But recently researchers have raised serious questions about potential health and environmental concerns for PET or PETE plastics. At Reviewers & References see Sax L 2010, López-Carrillo L, et als 2010, Koike E, 2010, for examples.
In April 2010 Environmental Health Perspectives, a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Saxreported that
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used to make clear plastic bottles for bottled water and containers for other beverages, condiments, and cosmetic products. There is concern that estrogenic chemicals such as phthalates may leach into the contents from bottles made from PET, although PET is not a phthalate derivative. Sax (p. 445) describes several studies suggesting that water from PET bottles can have estrogenic activity in some bioassays and that phthalates might leach from PET bottles.
The author notes the difficulties in evaluating these studies, especially in cases where there may have been prior contamination of the water or the containers with estrogenic agents or phthalates. Sax suggests that the phthalate content of PET bottles, if present, might vary as a function of the acidity of the product and the temperature and duration of storage.
Sax also makes the observation that other nonphthalate chemicals such as antimony, which is used as a catalyst in the polycondensation of PET, might also contribute to the endocrine-disrupting activity of products stored in PET containers. The widespread use of PET plastic for a variety of applications suggests that additional research is needed.
The contents of the PET bottle, and the temperature at which it is stored, both appear to influence the rate and magnitude of leaching. Endocrine disruptors other than phthalates, specifically antimony, may also contribute to the endocrine-disrupting effect of water from PET containers.
Conclusions: More research is needed in order to clarify the mechanisms whereby beverages and condiments in PET containers may be contaminated by endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
If your water storage tank is made from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and is exposed to high temperatures such as exposure to direct sun and/or in a hot climate, the health risk may be increased. At REFERENCES, below, we include citations of several recent articles discussing health risks from Phthalates and PET containers.
Find Your Water Tank Plastic Type from the Manufacturer's Literature, Website, or Sales Support
Watch out: some plastic water storage tank distributors advertise that their tanks comply with some health and sanitation laws while omitting any comment about the type of plastic or possible PET concerns (see below). For example we found plastic water tanks advertised as
Specified IW series water tanks manufactured at Chem-Tainer's Compton, California factory are IAPMO certified to comply with the California Lead Plumbing Law and NSF/ ANSI 61- ANNEX G. This law states that any devices or components sold in the state of California that come in contact with potable water must comply with this law.
But it's easy to check the manufacturer's website or to ask the plastic water tank manufacturer for specifics of the plastics used. For example, Chem-Tainer Industries, a producer of a very wide range of plastic storage tanks indicates that
Chem-Tainer's fresh water tanks are an effective, economical way to store potable (drinking) water for Residential and Commercial applications. Our polyethylene resin complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation 21CFR 177.1520 (1) 3.1 and 3.2 for storage of potable water. These tanks are designed for water use only.
BPA - Bisphenol-A - containing Plastics: A Quick Summary on Endocrine Disruptors
Details about BPA plastics in food and liquid containers are found atBisphenol-A, BPA. Excerpts are below.
According to the New York Times (7 Sept 2010)
Concerns about BPA stem from studies in lab animals and cell cultures showing that it can mimic the hormone estrogen. It is considered an 'endocrine disruptor,' a term applied to chemicals that can act like hormones. But whether it does any harm to people is unclear.
About half a dozen [U.S.] states have banned BPA in children's products
... This year a presidential panel on cancer and the environment said there was a 'growing link' between BPA and several diseases, including cancer, and recommended ways to avoid BPA, like storing water in bottles free of it and not microwaving food in plastic containers.
Some cancer experts said the report overstated the case against chemicals, but the concerns it raised seem to reflect growing public worries.
...
Continue reading at ENDOCRINE DISRUPTERS at BUILDINGS or select a topic from closely-related articles below, or see our complete INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES below.
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PLASTIC CONTAINERS, TANKS, TYPES at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
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Technical Reviewers & References
- [1] Thanks to reader Barbara Stuart for discussing water storage tank sanitation and concerns for PET plastic water storage tanks - June 2010.
- [2] Barrett JR 2010. Attention-Worthy Association: Prenatal Phthalate Exposure and Later Child Behavior. Environ Health Perspect 118:a172-a172. doi:10.1289/ehp.118-a172b, Online: 01 April 2010 - Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers Induce Developmental Neurotoxicity in a Human in Vitro Model: Evidence for Endocrine Disruption
Web search 06/30/2010, original source: http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?
articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.118-a172b
Quoting:
Human exposure to phthalates is ubiquitous due to widespread commercial use. Although the compounds are reported to be rapidly metabolized, concentrations in the body appear to remain fairly stable due to ongoing exposure. The United States and Europe have banned some phthalates from consumer products primarily on the basis of reproductive toxicity data. However, not all phthalates are regulated; meanwhile, research indicates toxicity may extend to other endocrine targets such as the thyroid gland, which is critical for proper neurodevelopment. A new study now reports an association between prenatal exposure to certain phthalates and adverse effects on test scores used to evaluate children’s behavior and executive functioning [EHP 118:565–571; Engel et al.]. - [3] Chem-Tainer Industries, 361 Neptune Avenue, West Babylon, NY 11704, Phone: (631) 661-8300, Toll Free: 1-800-ASK-CHEM, Chem-Tainer Representatives are available 8 AM - 8 PM Eastern TimeFax: (631) 661-8209800-275-2436, Email: [email protected] - Web Search 06/30/2010, original source: http://www.chemtainer.com/watertanks/vertical.aspx
- [4] Sax L 2010. Polyethylene Terephthalate May Yield Endocrine Disruptors. Environ Health Perspect 118:445-448. doi:10.1289/ehp.0901253, Web Search 06/30/2010 original source: http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?article
URI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.0901253
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used to make clear plastic bottles for bottled water and containers for other beverages, condiments, and cosmetic products. There is concern that estrogenic chemicals such as phthalates may leach into the contents from bottles made from PET, although PET is not a phthalate derivative. Sax (p. 445) describes several studies suggesting that water from PET bottles can have estrogenic activity in some bioassays and that phthalates might leach from PET bottles. The author notes the difficulties in evaluating these studies, especially in cases where there may have been prior contamination of the water or the containers with estrogenic agents or phthalates. Sax suggests that the phthalate content of PET bottles, if present, might vary as a function of the acidity of the product and the temperature and duration of storage. Sax also makes the observation that other nonphthalate chemicals such as antimony, which is used as a catalyst in the polycondensation of PET, might also contribute to the endocrine-disrupting activity of products stored in PET containers. The widespread use of PET plastic for a variety of applications suggests that additional research is needed. - [5] López-Carrillo L, Hernández-Ramírez RU, Calafat AM, Torres-Sánchez L, Galván-Portillo M, Needham LL, et al. 2010. Exposure to Phthalates and Breast Cancer Risk in Northern Mexico. Environ Health Perspect 118:539-544. doi:10.1289/ehp.0901091
Web Search 06/30/2010, original source: http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.0901091
Keywords: breast cancer, case–control study, endocrine disruptors, environment, Mexico, phthalates, risk assessment, urinary metabolites.
Quoting:
Conclusions: We show for the first time that exposure to diethyl phthalate, the parent compound of MEP, may be associated with increased risk of BC [breast cancer], whereas exposure to the parent phthalates of MBzP and MCPP might be negatively associated. These findings require confirmation.
Quoting the Editor's Summary:
Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental pollutants used primarily as plasticizers of polyvinyl chloride and as additives in consumer and personal care products. Research has shown that phthalates can have effects on reproductive health and development. Few studies have investigated potential adverse effects of phthalates in women. In a population-based case–control study, López-Carrillo et al. (p. 539) examined the association between urinary concentrations of nine phthalate metabolites and breast cancer. Phthalate metabolites were detected in urine samples in at least 82% of women. The geometric mean concentrations of monoethyl phthalate (MEP) were higher in cases than controls, whereas controls had significantly higher concentrations of mono-n-butyl phthalate, mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, and mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP) than cases. After adjusting for risk factors and other phthalates, urinary concentrations of MEP were positively associated with breast cancer, and the association was stronger among premenopausal women. In contrast, there were significant negative associations between monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) or MCPP and breast cancer. - [6] Koike E, Yanagisawa R, Sadakane K, Inoue K-i, Ichinose T, Takano H 2010. Effects of Diisononyl Phthalate on Atopic Dermatitis in Vivo and Immunologic Responses in Vitro. Environ Health Perspect 118:472-478. doi:10.1289/ehp.0901255 - Web Search 06/30/2010, original source: http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.0901255
Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), a principal plasticizer in many polyvinyl chloride products, has been shown to have an adjuvant effect on immunoglobulin (Ig) production in mice. However, the effects of DINP on allergic diseases have not been fully elucidated.
Conclusions: DINP can aggravate AD-like skin lesions related to Dp. The mechanisms of the aggravation might be mediated, at least partly, through the TSLP-related activation of dendritic cells and by direct or indirect activation of the immune cells.
Quoting Editor's Summary
Epidemiologic studies have suggested that exposure to phthalate esters such as di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) may be associated with the development of asthma, wheezing, and allergic symptoms. Koike et al. (p. 472) investigated the effects of DINP on the development of another allergic disease, atopic dermatitis. These investigators induced atopic dermatitis experimentally in laboratory animals and then exposed the mice systemically to various doses of DINP for up to 16 days. Clinical scores, histology, protein level of cytokines and chemokines in ear tissue supernatants, and levels of immunoglobulin and histamine in serum were measured at the end of DINP exposure. The effects of DINP on immunologic responses of bone-marrow–derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) or splenocytes were also measured in vitro. DINP exacerbated atopic dermatitis–like skin lesions in a manner consistent with eosinophilic inflammation, mast cell degranulation, and thymic stromal lymphpoeitin expression. DINP also enhanced expression of cell surface activation markers on BMDCs and affected systemic immune responses on splenocytes in vitro. The authors conclude that DINP can aggravate atopic dermatitis–like skin lesions in an animal model and that the effects may be mediated, as least in part, through the thymic stromal lymphopoeitin-related activation of dendritic cells and direct or indirect activation of immune cells. These studies provide biological plausibility for other observations in humans, which suggests that exposure to plasticizers such as DINP might be associated with allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis. - [7] 'In Feast of Data on BPA Plastic, No Final Answer', Denise Grady, The New York Times, 7 September 2010, p. D1.
- [8] Our Stolen Future: Are We Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence, and Survival?--A Scientific Detective Story, Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski, John Peter Meyers. Plume-Penguin Publishing, 1997, ISBN 0-452-27414-1., ISBN13: 9780452274143. This book is a seminal work on endocrine disruptors (chemical contaminants having impact at extremely low levels in the environment).
Recommended by Daniel Friedman, this book is a critical update to the landmark Silent Spring by Rachel Carson and discusses the effects of minute trace amounts of chemical contaminants in the environment. The text 'Identifies the various ways in which chemical pollutants in the environment are disrupting human reproductive patterns and causing such problems as birth defects, sexual abnormalities, and reproductive failure. Reprint. Tour. NYT.'
Amazon.com Review: By O T (Ontario, BC) - 'Our Stolen Future' is a great introduction to one of the most important scientific discoveries in our time. Having recently completed a thesis project at university on Endocrine Disruptors, I have reviewed hundreds of papers on the subject. This book is a good clear overview of the scientific literature on EDs. The authors are experts - Theo Colborn is largely responsible for creating the field by bringing together diverse researchers so they could see the big picture of their work. Many of the principle investigators are interviewed and quoted at length on the way chemicals participate in and interfere with delicate hormonal systems in animals (including humans). The major accomplishment of the book is to make an easy-to-follow story out of complex research. Many resources are available to help you assess the reliability of this story, and the best thing to do if you have any doubts is read review articles in scientific journals (which are easier to understand than technical papers). The Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) have a guidebook for health-care professionals on Endocrine Disruptors, and the US EPA has many reports on the matter. Beware of people or websites who try to 'debunk' this book (or the science behind it) by simply declaring it false, flawed or disproven. There is far too much supporting research for so simple a refutation.
OPINION: Significant and discussed in this book is the observation that at certain critical points in the development of animals, presumably including humans, exposure to extremely low levels of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDC's) (such as BPA - Bisphenol-A or BPA, Diethylstilbestrol - DES, dioxins, PCBs, and chemicals used in the production of certain cleansers, dyes, flame retardants, plastics, pesticides, white papers ) perhaps just a few molecules, or in the parts per trillion, is sufficient to cause disruption of the animal's development, including proper sex differentiation, or the lack of it that produced androgynous ducks unable to reproduce under such conditions.
A endocrine disruptor is a synthetic chemical compound that mimics natural hormones when it is taken into the body of a human or other animal. It 'disrupts' the endocrine system by turning on or off normal chemical signals that in turn can affect normal hormone levels, bodily functions, and significantly, the development of embryos. Further, unlike naturally occurring hormones ingested, for example from plants (phytoestrogens), synthetically-generated hormones accumulate in the body and can have a half-life of decades or longer.
One significance of this finding includes the observation that an important medical effect that occurs with exposure to chemicals in extremely low concentrations means that experiments to test for correlations between chemical exposure and subsequent serious medical problems will be deeply flawed if, for example, the experimental design does not include testing for the presence of the chemical at extremely low levels. A related concern is that even if harmful effects from exposure to extremely low concentrations of an endocrine disruptor are occurring, teasing out and proving that relationship can be also extremely difficult. - [9] Silent Spring, Rachael Carson, Mariner Books; Anv edition (October 22, 2002), ISBN-13: 978-061824906.
Amazon.com Review: Silent Spring, released in 1962, offered the first shattering look at widespread ecological degradation and touched off an environmental awareness that still exists. Rachel Carson's book focused on the poisons from insecticides, weed killers, and other common products as well as the use of sprays in agriculture, a practice that led to dangerous chemicals to the food source. Carson argued that those chemicals were more dangerous than radiation and that for the first time in history, humans were exposed to chemicals that stayed in their systems from birth to death. Presented with thorough documentation, the book opened more than a few eyes about the dangers of the modern world and stands today as a landmark work. - [10] M&H Plastics Inc.,485 Brooke Road, Winchester,VA 22603, USATel: (001) 540 504 0030Fax: (001) 540 504 0040Email: [email protected] or in the U.K., contact M&H Plastics,London Road, Beccles, Suffolk,England NR34 8TSTel: +44 (0) 1502 715518Fax: +44 (0) 1502 717115Marketing email: [email protected] email: [email protected]. Web search 7/30/12, original source: http://www.mhplastics.com
- [10] RECOUP, UK leading authority on plastics waste management, providing expertise and guidance to a wide range of clients across the plastics supply, use and disposal chain. www.recoup.org
- [11] INCPEN, Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment. UK based NPO.www.incpen.org
- [12] VALPAK, UK compliance scheme, compliance for all packaging materials to meet legal obligations of members under various packaging waste regulations. Website: www.valpak.co.uk Web search 7/30/12
- [13] WRAP, waste reduction, recycling, packaging: waste reduction program funded by UK & EU and operating programs in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, website: http://www.wrap.org.uk Web search 7/30/12
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
- Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
- Effects of Water Age on Distribution System Water Quality, American Water Works Association.
- 'Microbial Problems in Treated Water Storage Tanks', Smith, C., and G. Burlingame. 1994. In Proc. of the 1994 Annual AWWA Conference. Denver, Colo.: AWWA.
- Mays, Larry W., Stormwater Collection Systems Design Handbook, ISBN-13: 978-0071354714 ISBN-10: 0071354719 ,
- ...
- Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: [email protected]. The firm provides professional HOME INSPECTION SERVICES and also extensive HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION and home inspection-related PUBLICATIONS. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material.
The ILLUSTRATED HOME illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
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TECHNICAL REFERENCE GUIDE to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment, useful for determining the age of heating boilers, furnaces, water heaters is provided by Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates
Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Technical Reference Guide purchased as a single order. Just enter INSPECTATRG in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space. - The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
Or choose the The HOME REFERENCE eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones.
Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space. - Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd
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Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on these courses: Enter INSPECTAHITP in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. - The Horizon Software System manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones
Resin code for polyethylene terephthalate
Polypropylene lid of a Tic Tac box, with a living hinge and the resin identification code, 5, under its flap
The ASTM International Resin Identification Coding System, often abbreviated RIC, is a set of symbols appearing on plastic products that identify the plastic resin out of which the product is made.[1] It was developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States, but since 2008 it has been administered by ASTM International, an international standards organization.[1]
History[edit]
The US Society of the Plastics Industry introduced the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system in 1988, when the organization was called Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI). The SPI stated that one purpose of the original SPI code was to 'Provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling of post-consumer plastics.'[2] The system has been adopted by a growing number of communities implementing recycling programs, as a tool to assist in sorting plastics. In order to deal with the concerns of recyclers across the U.S., the RIC system was designed to make it easier for workers in materials recovery and recycling facilities to sort and separate items according to their resin type.[citation needed] Plastics must be recycled separately, with other like materials, in order to preserve the value of the recycled material, and enable its reuse in other products after being recycled.
In its original form, the symbols used as part of the RIC consisted of arrows that cycle clockwise to form a triangle that encloses a number. The number broadly refers to the type of plastic used in the product, by chronological order[citation needed] of when that plastic became recyclable:
- '1' signifies that the product is made out of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (beverage bottles, cups, other packaging, etc.)
- '2' signifies high-density polyethylene (HDPE) (bottles, cups, milk jugs, etc.)
- '3' signifies polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (pipes, siding, flooring, etc.)
- '4' signifies low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (plastic bags, six-pack rings, tubing, etc.)
- '5' signifies polypropylene (PP) (auto parts, industrial fibres, food containers, etc.)
- '6' signifies polystyrene (PS) (plastic utensils, Styrofoam, cafeteria trays, etc.)
- '7' signifies other plastics, such as acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate and polylactic acid (PLA).
When a number is omitted, the arrows arranged in a triangle form the universal recycling symbol, a generic indicator of recyclability. Subsequent revisions to the RIC have replaced the arrows with a solid triangle, in order to address consumer confusion about the meaning of the RIC, and the fact that the presence of a RIC symbol on an item does not necessarily indicate that it is recyclable.
In 2008, ASTM International took over the administration of the RIC system and eventually issued ASTM D7611—Standard Practice for Coding Plastic Manufactured Articles for Resin Identification.[3] In 2013 this standard was revised to change the graphic marking symbol of the RIC from the 'chasing arrows' of the Recycling Symbol to a solid triangle instead.
Since its introduction, the RIC has often been used as a signifier of recyclability, but the presence of a code on a plastic product does not necessarily indicate that it is recyclable any more than its absence means the plastic object is [necessarily] unrecyclable.
Table of resin codes[edit]
Sources:[4][5]
Recycling number | Image | Alternate image #1 | Alternate image #2 | Abbreviation | Polymer name | Uses | Recycling |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | PETE or PET | Polyethylene terephthalate | Polyester fibres (Polar Fleece), thermoformed sheet, strapping, soft drink bottles, tote bags, furniture, carpet, paneling and (occasionally) new containers. (See also: Recycling of PET bottles.) | Picked up through most curbside recycling programs. | |||
2 | HDPE or PE-HD | High-density polyethylene | Bottles, grocery bags, milk jugs, recycling bins, agricultural pipe, base cups, car stops, playground equipment, and plastic lumber | Picked up through most curbside recycling programs, although some allow only those containers with necks. | |||
3 | PVC or V | Polyvinyl chloride | Pipe, window profile, siding, fencing, flooring, shower curtains, lawn chairs, non-food bottles, and children's toys. | Extensively recycled in Europe;[citation needed] 481,000 tonnes in 2014 through Vinyl 2010 and VinylPlus initiatives. | |||
4 | LDPE or PE-LD | Low-density polyethylene, Linear low-density polyethylene | Plastic bags, six pack rings, various containers, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, and various molded laboratory equipment | LDPE is not often recycled through curbside programs, but some communities will accept it. Plastic shopping bags can be returned to many stores for recycling. | |||
5 | PP | Polypropylene | Auto parts, industrial fibres, food containers, and dishware | Number 5 plastics can be recycled through some curbside programs. | |||
6 | PS | Polystyrene | Desk accessories, cafeteria trays, plastic utensils, coffee cup lids, toys, video cassettes and cases, clamshell containers, packaging peanuts, and insulation board and other expanded polystyrene products (e.g., Styrofoam) | Number 6 plastics can be recycled through some curbside programs. | |||
7 | OTHER or O | Other plastics, such as acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate, and polylactic acid (a bioplastic also known as PLA), and multilayer combinations of different plastics | Bottles, plastic lumber applications, headlight lenses, and safety shields/glasses. | Number 7 plastics have traditionally not been recycled, though some curbside programs now take them. |
Below are the RIC symbols after ASTM's 2013 revision[6][7]
Consumer confusion[edit]
In the United States, use of the RIC in the coding of plastics has led to ongoing consumer confusion about which plastic products are recyclable. When many plastics recycling programs were first being implemented in communities across the United States, only plastics with RICs '1' and '2' (polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene, respectively) were accepted to be recycled. The list of acceptable plastic items has grown since then,[1] and in some areas municipal recycling programs can collect and successfully recycle most plastic products regardless of their RIC. This has led some communities to instruct residents to refer to the form of packaging (i.e. 'bottles', 'tubs', 'lids', etc.) when determining what to include in a curbside recycling bin, rather than instructing them to rely on the RIC.[8] To further alleviate consumer confusion, the American Chemistry Council launched the 'Recycling Terms & Tools' program to promote standardized language that can be used to educate consumers about how to recycle plastic products.[9]
Possible new codes[edit]
Modifications to the RIC are currently being discussed and developed by ASTM's D20.95 subcommittee on recycled plastics.[10]
In the U.S. the Sustainable Packaging Coalition has also created a 'How2Recycle' label[11] in an effort to replace the RIC with that aligns more closely with how the public currently uses the RIC. Rather than indicating what type of plastic resin a product is made out of, the four 'How2Recycle' labels indicate whether a plastic product is
- Widely Recycled (meaning greater than 60 percent of the U.S. can recycle the item through a curbside recycling program or municipal drop-off location).
- Limited (meaning only 20–60 percent of the U.S. can recycle the item through a curbside recycling program or municipal drop-off location).
- Not Yet Recycled (meaning less than 20 percent of the U.S. can recycle the item through a curbside recycling program or municipal drop-off location).
- Store Drop-Off (meaning the item can be recycled if brought to participating store drop-off locations, typically at grocery stores).
The 'How2Recycle' labels also encourage consumers to check with local facilities to see what plastics each municipal recycling facility can accept.
Computing[edit]
The different resin identification codes can be represented by Unicode icons ♳ (U+2673), ♴ (U+2674), ♵ (U+2675), ♶ (U+2676), ♷ (U+2677), ♸ (U+2678), and ♹ (U+2679). ♺ (U+267A) is the portion of the symbol without the number or abbreviation.
See also[edit]
- Thermoplastic—softens with heat
- Thermosetting polymer—does not soften with heat
References[edit]
- ^ abc'Standard Practice for Coding Plastic Manufactured Articles for Resin Identification'. Standard Practice for Coding Plastic Manufactured Articles for Resin Identification. ASTM International. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
- ^Wilhelm, Richard. 'Resin Identification Codes—New ASTM Standard Based on Society of the Plastics Industry Code Will Facilitate Recycling'. Standardization News (September/October 2008). ASTM International. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
- ^'Standard Practice for Coding Plastic Manufactured Articles for Resin Identification'. Standard Practice for Coding Plastic Manufactured Articles for Resin Identification. ASTM International. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
- ^'Plastic Packaging Resins'(PDF). American Chemistry Council. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
- ^'What Do Recycling Symbols on Plastics Mean?'. Good Housekeeping. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
- ^'ASTM Plastics Committee Releases Major Revisions to Resin Identification Code (RIC) Standard'. ASTM International. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
- ^'SPI Resin Identification Code—Guide to Correct Use'. SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade cs/content.cfm?ItemNumber=823&navItemNumber=1125. Archived from the original on 26 January 2016.
- ^'Please Recycle These Items'. Rumpke Recycling. Rumpke Recycling. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
- ^Wilson, Allyson. 'New 'Plastics Recycling Terms & Tools' to Help Communities Recycle More Plastics'. American Chemistry Council. American Chemistry Council. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
- ^'Active Standards under the Jurisdiction of D20.95'. Subcommittee D20.95 on Recycled Plastics. ASTM International. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
- ^'How2Recycle'. Sustainable Packaging Coalition. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Resin identification codes. |
- Recycling Symbols for Plastics has symbols used in plastics recycling available in various formats for use in graphics and packaging.
- Your Recycling Quandaries Information from Co-op America about what really happens when plastic is 'recycled'.
- Resin Codes from the American Chemistry Council.
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