by Sherri Feldman

Created on: September 10, 2008   Last Updated: September 17, 2008

We all hear the news whenever something new becomes a health risk, but the hype is usually louder than the facts. Recently, plastic has been the subject of many rumors, but it's difficult to know which are cause for real concern and how to react. Recycling plastic, depending on where you live, can be a tricky juggling act based on those little numbers on the bottom of all plastic materials. What do the numbers mean?

Tossing numbers 1 and 2 into the recycling bin is a safe bet wherever you live, but beyond that it gets tricky. It's best to check with your local sanitation department to see which numbers are recyclable where you live, but generally, solid, clean plastics like cans, beverage bottles, and laundry detergent bottles are always fair game. Higher numbers signify thin plastics like deli containers and most take-out food containers, which are not typically recyclable except in progressive places like Portland, OR or California. However, you can still help the environment by cleaning and reusing these containers at least once. Use plastic chinese food containers to bring leftovers to work, or for your contribution to a pot-luck dinner, and then throw them away.

Use your judgment, of course, to determine if the plastic looks old or corroding, but rest assured that as of August 2008 the FDA reaffirmed the safety of food-contact products with Bisphenol A, the agent used to make polycarbonate plastics like baby bottles or Nalgene bottles. There was a short scare that this was a cancer-causing agent, but these should be safe to reuse as long as you like. If it starts to smell or weird you out, use your best judgment. Or if you're still sketched out regardless of the FDA's reaffirmation, stainless steel bottles are a good alternative. The FDA closely regulates plastic for food-contact safety. Microwaving your leftovers may seem scary but is generally safe and FDA-approved. It may not be the best idea to microwave the same container many times, but a few short nukes should be perfectly safe.

The overall rule of thumb is to recycle numbers 1 and 2, check which larger numbers your city also recycles, and reuse what you can. Use a mug to drink your coffee at work, and a non-disposable glass or cup to drink water throughout the day when you can. If everyone does a little bit, it makes a big difference.

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