Whether plastic food containers are recyclable or not depends on the type of plastic they are made of. Here are some common types of plastic food containers and their recyclability:
Polyethylene terephthalate (pet or pete): this type of plastic is commonly used for water bottles and some food containers. It is recyclable and can be recycled into a variety of products like carpet, clothing, and new food containers.
High-density polyethylene (hdpe): this type of plastic is commonly used for milk jugs, juice bottles, and some food containers. It is also recyclable and can be recycled into products like trash cans, plastic lumber, and playground equipment.
Polyvinyl chlorides (pvc): this type of plastic is commonly used for cling wrap, some food packaging, and plastic bottles. It is not commonly recyclable and should not be placed in your recycling bin.
Low-density polyethylene (ldpe): this type of plastic is commonly used for grocery bags, sandwich bags, and some food containers. It is recyclable but not all recycling centers accept it, so check with your local recycling program before placing it in your recycling bin.
Polypropylene (pp): this type of plastic is commonly used for yogurt containers, margarine tubs, and some food packaging. It is recyclable and can be recycled into products like plastic lumber, car parts, and garden tools.
In general, plastic food containers that are labeled with a recycling symbol and a number between 1 and 7 can be recycled, but it’s important to check with your local recycling program to see which types of plastic are accepted in your area. Additionally, make sure to clean and rinse the containers before recycling them to avoid contamination.
What recycled plastic is food safe?
Recyceld Food plastic storages are those that have been properly cleaned, processed, and tested to ensure they meet food safety standards. Generally, recycled plastics that are safe for food use are made from high-density polyethylene (hdpe), low-density polyethylene (ldpe), or polypropylene (pp). These plastics are considered safe for food contact because they are non-toxic, have good chemical resistance, and are relatively easy to clean.
Hdpe is commonly used for food packaging, such as milk jugs, juice bottles, and food storage containers. Ldpe is often used for food storage bags, while pp is used for food containers like yogurt cups and margarine tubs. These types of plastics are generally considered safe for food use because they do not contain harmful chemicals or contaminants that could leach into food.
It’s important to note that not all recycled plastics are food-safe. Some recycled plastics may contain contaminants or chemicals that can be harmful if they come into contact with food. When purchasing products made from recycled plastics for food use, look for ones that are labeled as “food-safe” or “food-grade.” additionally, be sure to follow proper cleaning and storage guidelines to help ensure the safety of your food.
