Drinking Water Gallons - types, environmental impact and microplastic

In daily life, the use of drinking water gallons has become one of the main needs for many families.

But did you know that gallons of drinking water have certain codes that indicate the material they are made of? Let's talk more about these codes, how to choose safe drinking water gallons, and how to recycle them properly.

Refillable Gallon Codes

## Drinking Water Gallon Bottle Code


At the bottom of drinking water gallons, there is a triangular logo with a number and letter code inside. This code indicates the type of plastic used. Here are some frequently encountered codes:

1. Code 1: PET or PETE


Plastics with code 1, PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate), are usually clear in color and resistant to heat. This material is commonly used for mineral water bottles and other beverages. However, gallons made from PET should only be used once because this material can release harmful substances if used repeatedly.

2. Codes 2 and 4: HDPE and LDPE

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) are safer materials to use multiple times. HDPE is resistant to chemicals and is often used for shampoo, detergent, and gallon water bottles. LDPE, which is more flexible, is used for plastic bags and bottle caps.

3. Code 3: PVC


PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) should be avoided for food and beverage packaging as it contains toxic substances such as lead. Usually, PVC is used for pipes and building materials.

4. Code 5: PP


PP (Polypropylene) is a material that is resistant to high temperatures and safe to use for food and beverage storage, including gallons of drinking water. Bottles with code 5 can be used repeatedly.

5. Code 6: PS


PS (Polystyrene) is often used for tableware such as plastic spoons and forks. However, this material contains styrene which is harmful to health if used in the long run.

### 6. Code 7: OTHER


This code covers various other types of plastics. Some, such as SAN (Styrene Acrylonitrile) and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), are safe to use. However, PC (Polycarbonate) included in this code contains Bisphenol A (BPA) which is a health risk.

Read also:

Aquades Water.

Risks of PET or PETE-based Drinking Water Gallons

Many gallons of drinking water in circulation still use code 1 PET or PETE. Reusing PET gallons is not recommended as it can release toxic substances into drinking water. In addition, gallons that are not properly maintained can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Changes in temperature, especially heat, can accelerate the release of these harmful chemicals. Therefore, it is important to store gallons of water in a cool place and out of direct sunlight.

The Effects of Heat and Microplastics

Exposure to heat in gallons of drinking water not only affects water quality, but can also lead to the release of microplastics. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can enter our bodies through drinking water and have negative health effects, including hormone disruption and other health problems.

What Are Other Countries Doing?

Some countries have taken steps to reduce the use of single-use plastics and promote the use of safer materials. For example:

• Germany: Implemented a strict recycling system, including the return of plastic bottles for recycling.
• Germany.
• Norway: Has a high plastic bottle recycling rate through incentive programs for consumers.
• Norway

• Canada: Bans the use of some types of single-use plastics and promotes alternative materials.
• Canada.

These countries show that with the right policies, plastic use can be reduced without sacrificing consumer convenience.

How to Choose Safe Drinking Packaging

Here are some tips for choosing safe drinking water packaging:

1. Choose gallons made from PP, HDPE, or LDPE.

2. Avoid using PET gallons for refills.

3. Choose packaging that includes a BPA-free label.
4. Use gallons that are reusable and easy to clean.

Recycle Drinking Water Gallons

Recycling drinking water gallons is essential for reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment. Here are some steps to properly recycle drinking water gallons:

1. Clean Gallon: Make sure the gallon is clean before recycling.
2. Clean gallon.
3. Separate Lids and Labels: Gallon lids and labels are usually made of different plastic materials and need to be separated.
4. Separate Lids and Labels
.
5. Check Recycling Code: Make sure the gallon has a recyclable code (code 1, 2, or 5).
6. Check Recycling Code.
7. Place in Recycling Station: Take gallons to an authorized recycling site or use your local recycling collection service.
   
   

Read also: Around the Water Tank

Non-Recyclable Materials

Not all plastic materials are recyclable. For example, gallons coded 3 (PVC) and 6 (PS) are often difficult to recycle and should be avoided for food and beverage packaging.

What Can You Do?

1. Choose Recyclable Products: Choose gallons of drinking water that are made from recyclable materials.
2. Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Use refillable gallons and water bottles that can be used multiple times.
3. Reduce Single-Use Plastics
.
4. Recycle Properly: Follow the steps above to ensure your gallons of drinking water are properly recycled.
5. Recycle Properly
.
6. Educate Yourself and Your Neighborhood: Inform family and friends about the importance of recycling and choosing safe materials.
   
   By knowing and understanding the codes on drinking water gallons, as well as how to recycle them properly, you can ensure safety and health for yourself and your family, and contribute to protecting the environment. So, check your gallons of drinking water now and make sure you choose and recycle wisely!
   
   For more information about quality drinking water components, visit PT Watermart Perkasa at www.water.co.id