4. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) – LDPE is the type of plastic used in some food wraps, bread bags, and most grocery store plastic bags. This type of plastic wreaks havoc on the environment and is not accepted by most recycling programs. For this reason, it’s encouraged to use reusable grocery bags or reuse your plastic grocery bags as much as you can before you throw them away.
5. polypropylene (PP) – PP is found in most “microwave-safe” plastic products as well as yogurt containers, and condiment bottles. It is considered safe and accepted by most recycling programs however, it is recommended to avoid using in the microwave for products that contain this type of plastic despite being labeled as “microwave-safe.”
6. Polystyrene (Styrofoam) – This type of plastic is mostly found in food storage containers such as to-go containers you might get from a restaurant. This type of plastic is not safe to heat as it can leach harmful toxins into food products. It is difficult to recycle and does not break down quickly.
7. “Everything else” - Number 7 is considered plastics that do not fall into the other categories and can include BPA, a known carcinogen that can be found in some water bottles and other plastic food containers [2].