I recently started carrying a plastic water bottle around with me. I use to carry a metal one, because I was worried about plastic leaching into the water and that being toxic or something. I decided to investigate the risk recently, and came across a Quora post that’s reasurred me that if I wash the bottle with soap, then dry it intermittently, it should be alright.
There is a recycling stamp on every plastic bottle that is usually placed at the bottom with a digit inside (image above). This can help you pretty much understand the rules of recycling/reusing bottles. There are basically 7 codes, explanation of each is below.
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Safely Reusing Plastic Number 1
The major concern with the reuse of plastic bottles isn’t that the plastic will leach out harmful chemicals, but rather that bacteria will grow in the bottles. According to PlasticsInfo.org, in plastic labeled number 1, PET plastic itself is sanitary, but when warmed it becomes susceptible to bacteria. When washing bottles for reuse, the key is to thoroughly dry the bottle before refilling it with water or another liquid.
PET plastic bottles are designed and sold for one-time use so they are not shaped with a wide opening for easy cleaning. Consumers must take extra care when washing these bottles in hot soapy water, allowing enough time before refilling for the bottle to completely dry.
I recently started carrying a plastic water bottle around with me. I use to carry a metal one, because I was worried about plastic leaching into the water and that being toxic or something. I decided to investigate the risk recently, and came across a Quora post that’s reasurred me that if I wash the bottle with soap, then dry it intermittently, it should be alright.