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PET: Polyethylene
Terephthalate
Used for: Soda
Bottles, Water Bottles, Peanut Butter Jars, Cooking Oil Bottles
What migrates from plastic container to contents: Acetaldehyde
HDPE: High-Density
Polyethylene
Used for: Milk
Jugs, Detergent bottles, Plastic Bags, Yogurt Cups
What migrates from plastic container to contents: Antioxidants, BHT, Chimassorb 81, Irganox PS 800, Irganix 1076, Irganox 1010
PVC: Polyvinyl
Chloride
Used for: Water Bottles, Salad Dressing Bottles, Detergent Bottles, Cooking Oil Bottles, Shampoo Bottles, Mouth Wash Bottles, Meat Wrap, Also: Babies’ Teething Rings, Pacifiers, Nipples and Toys (Barbie for example).
What migrates from plastic container to contents: Plasticizers (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Phthalates and the carcinogen, Diethyl Hexyphosphate)
LDPE: Low-Density
Polyethylene
Used for: Produce Bags, Food Storage Containers
What migrates from plastic container to contents: Antioxidants, BHT, Chimassorb 81, Irganox PS 800, Irganix 1076, Irganox 1010
PP: Polypropylene
Used for: Bottle Caps, Drinking Straws
What migrates from plastic container to contents: BHT, Chimassorb 81, Irganox PS 800, Irganix 1076, Irganox 1010
PS: Polystyrene
Used for: Meat Trays, Foam Take-Out Food Containers & Cups (not in Berkeley!), Foam Packing Materials
What migrates from plastic container to contents: Styrene (traces found in nearly everyone’s body fat)
Other
Used for: Laminated Containers requiring properties of more than one type of resin
What migrates from plastic container to contents: Depends on plastics used. The label doesn't say.
Other Fact Sheets:
Common misconceptions about plastic & plastic recycling + strategies for reducing environmental impact
Plastics
Task Force
Ecology Center
2530 San Pablo Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
Phone: (510) 548-2200
email: erc@ecologycenter.org
Open 11am-6pm Tuesday-Saturday