When buying bottled water, you must check the
bottom of the bottle, in order to protect your
health and environment. At the bottom of every
plastic bottles and containers there are recycling
symbols. These symbols are used to identify the
type of plastic and recyclability of the product.
The symbol is a number, ranging from 1 to 7,
within a triangle. Using this recycling symbols,
you can identify the safety of the plastic. There
are several types of plastics – some being safer
than others. Plastic bottles that are marked with
the numbers 2, 4 and 5 are the safer choices.
Below are 7 common recycling symbols and
their meanings:
Number 1 Plastics — PET or PETE
(polyethylene terephthalate)
It is most commonly used plastic found in water
bottles and soft drinks bottles. This type of
plastic is intended for one time use. PETE plastic
should not be reused because cleaning
detergents and high temperatures can cause
chemicals to leach out of the plastic into the
water. These chemicals can have a significant
effect on our health. Recycling rates of this
plastic is relatively low (around 20 percent).
Number 2 Plastics — HDPE (high density
polyethylene)
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a
polyethylene thermoplastic made from
petroleum. HDPE is hard, opaque and can
remain unaffected by high temperatures. This
plastic practically releases no chemicals,
therefore no health concerns for consumers.
These bottles are highly recommended by
experts when buying bottled water. HDPE
plastics also have one of the highest recycling
rates.
Number 3 Plastics — V (Vinyl) or PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic
polymer. These type plastic is commonly found
in window cleaner and detergent bottles,
shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles. Plastic
bottles labeled with 3V or PVC is highly
hazardous and should be avoided. It discharges
2 toxic chemicals that influence the hormones in
body. These type of plastics are rarely recycled.
Number 4 Plastics — LDPE (low density
polyethylene)
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a
thermoplastic made from petroleum. It can be
found translucent or opaque. It is commonly
found in squeezable bottles. These plastics does
not release any substances or chemicals
harmful for our health. Recycling rates of this
plastic is low.
Number 5 Plastics — PP (polypropylene)
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer.
It is strong, tough, has a high heat resistance
and low moisture intake. It is regarded as one of
the “safest” plastics produced today. PP is
generally found in squeezable bottles, syrup
bottles, ketchup bottles, bottle caps, straws and
medicine bottles. This plastic is gradually
becoming more accepted by recyclers.
Number 6 Plastics — PS (polystyrene)
Polystyrene (PS) is a petroleum-based plastic.
Polystyrene is widely used in packaging
materials and insulation. It is commonly found
in disposable plates and cups, egg cartons,
carry-out containers, aspirin bottles, compact
disc cases. This type of plastic is difficult to
recycle and also been shown to release
dangerous toxins over time into anything
packaged in it.
Number 7 Plastics — PC (Polycarbonate) or
non-labeled plastic
It is the most dangerous plastic in the food
production which releases BPA chemicals and it
is often used in the production of 3-5 gallon
water bottles and food containers. This plastics
have traditionally not been recycled.

U wan spoil market for kunu and zobo sellers
Nice one tho... Educative

mexyk:
U wan spoil market for kunu and zobo sellers
Nice one tho... Educative

If it true then we must be cautious. We have a high cancer rate nowadays.

Good piece. But what about 'pure water' sachet? I bet that is what most Nigerians will be more concerned with.

Beautiful work. I pray it makes FP cos portable water biz. is one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria . Imagine even P. diddy delving into it.