How To Know If The Bottle Is Reusable Or Not?

It is simple to know whether you can re-use the bottle or not. Have you ever noticed the numbers written in the triangles at the bottom?  Like this.

This triangle is the universal symbol of recycling and is known as Resin Identification Code or RIC. These numbers in the triangle range from 1 to 7, indicating the type of plastic used to make the water bottle. It is important for you to know the different kinds of plastic and their durability to stray away from using the unhealthy ones.

 1: PET or polyethylene terephthalate

PET is the most common type of plastic which is used in making the average beverage bottles Juices, soft drinks, bottled water and etc.  PET is porous and tends to collect bacteria and other harmful residual substances. This simply describes that you cannot use the bottle for long times, as the plastic would start to become toxic. It can be recycled though, but can’t be used for longer times.

 2: HDPE or high-density polyethylene

This plastic is usually the thicker and opaque type of plastic and most commonly used in jugs, for storage detergent, butter container & other certain beverages.  If you have noticed the milk mugs which were used in our old times, they were opaque and white in color. They were usually made up of HDPE. This kind of plastic is very safe and can be used for storage as it has the low risk of leaching. it is also recyclable. 

 3: PVC or polyvinyl chloride

This type of plastic is used to make PVC pipes, wires, and tubes used for plumbing and other such purposes.  PVC is a bad conductor of heat and electricity and is tough and rugged. It is said to be highly toxic for cooking and storing food items in them. The phthalates used in its manufacturing disrupt the hormonal development and can cause other serious ailments. Never ever cook food in PVC. Don’t use it to microwave your food in this PVC wraps.

 4: LDPE or low-density polyethylene

This types of plastic are the most commonly used for producing grocery bags, some food warps & bread bags. This ethylene bags which we’ve been using to carry groceries, foods, bread, etc. are made of LDPE. This is used for storage but it is not acceptable for recycling.

5: PP or polypropylene

PP is used to manufacture containers which have a cloudy finish and a wide mouth. From PP a lot of variety of item are made like yogurt cups, water bottles, ketchup bottles and medicine containers are important. Polypropylene is very safe for storage and very widely accepted for recycling also.

6: PS or polystyrene

Most common with disposable plastic cups, Styrofoam plates and cups, plates and utensils, the number 6 kind of plastic has recently been speculated to be highly dangerous as it leaches potentially toxic chemicals - especially when heated. Stay away from using these at all if possible. This plastic is also very difficult to recycle.

7: Other Kinds

This group mostly includes a wide variety of plastics that were invented after 1987. It could contain anything from Polycarbonates to Bisphenol A (considered very dangerous). Use of this category of plastics is completely at your own risk. So, to be on the safe side, we suggest not using this plastic for any kind of food storage or consumption  & always check the bottom of the bottle before purchasing.


Beware !! About Plastics bottles if you are re using a bottle for long time.