Recycling Codes: How to Tell if a Water Bottle Is BPA-Free

Given the primary uses of BPA bottles and because they can act as endocrine activators in humans, BPA-free bottles are now ten times more preferred. And if one must tell if a water bottle is BPA-free, you want quick and reliable ways to make verifiable claims.

So what recycling codes do you look out for to save you the stress?

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

TL;DR: Quick Steps to Tell a BPA-free Water Bottle

Look out for a “BPA-free” label on the material used to package the water bottle or product.
Check what recycling code is stamped at the bottom of the water bottle.
If you are unsure or can’t still tell, take note of water bottles inscribed with “PC,” “polycarbonate,” or a plain code #7 without an additional BPA-free tag.
If you are still not sure, you should request the Certificate of Analysis (COA) or a datasheet report that can stand in its place from the manufacturer to ensure your claims are correct.
If you are still not sure about the bottle, avoid using heat (from dishwashers, microwaves, or putting boiling liquids in the bottle) especially when the bottles are unlabeled and you can’t get through to the manufacturer.

What Are Recycling Codes?

Recycling codes (though some people call them Resin Identification Codes (RICs)) are codes that come with plastic materials. These codes were created to help plastic recyclers know the type of plastics that are safe for continuous use, and are most often found on plastics used to store food or water. The codes tell the type of material used to make the plasticware and if they are fit to be recycled or not.

To spot these codes, look closely at all sides of your plastics and try to find some numbers written inside a triangularly shaped mark (or arrows in a triangle) on plastic products. The code you find tells you the resin family or polymer (e.g., PET, HDPE, PP) that the plastic comes from. The code also helps you tell if a bottle or plasticware contains BPA (bisphenol A) or its monomers or not.

The most common water bottle recycling codes you’ll see are:

Bottles with #1 are made with PET (Polyethylene terephthalate). They are often thin and are best for single-use water/soda bottles.
Bottles with #2 are made with HDPE (High-density polyethylene), and they are quite thicker and heavier. Thicker bottles and jugs are often made with this polymer.
Plastic wares with #3 are made with PVC (Polyvinyl chloride). PVC is questionable as a material, hence, it’s not routinely used for drink bottles.
Bottles with the recycling code #4 are made with LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) and are soft and flexible, so they serve as squeeze bottles or for simple one-time off uses.
Bottles with code #5 inscribed on them are made with PP (Polypropylene) which is safe. Hence, they are often reusable containers, insulated lids.
Plastics with #6 contain PS (Polystyrene) foam or rigid disposable items.
For those bottles labelled as #7, extra caution is taken as the plastics used to make the bottle are uncertain.

Which Recycling Codes Are Generally BPA-free?

For BPA-free water bottles, you should choose bottles with any of these recycling codes: #1, #2, #4, or #5.

Plastics with the codes above are way safer because the chemicals used to make them are not manufactured from bisphenol A or related monomers. Hence, they are often the best choice for BPA-free food products, as their existence has been BPA-free.

Use water bottles with recycling codes #3 or #7 with caution.

Use code #3 with caution because while it’s made with (PVC) mainly, it may contain additional substances that may make the bottle unfit for drinking purposes (in fact, it’s rarely chosen for use as beverage bottles).

Bottles with #7 may be manufactured with chemicals that are yet to be classified as they are different with different manufacturers. So some may have polycarbonate (PC), which comes from BPA, so they are definitely not safe to be ingested.

Currently, though, not every code #7 contains BPA as some manufacturers now make the bottles with safer starting materials. So it’s best to confirm the materials from the datasheet report of the manufacturer.

How to Know if a Water Bottle is BPA-Free in Under 60 Seconds

Flip the bottle to its bottom or upper top close to the opening to find the resin code. If it’s #1, #2, #4, or #5, you are safe. If it’s #3 or #7, move on to the next step.
Check for additional labels and markings. Look out for words like “BPA-free,” “no BPA,” or the polymer name (e.g., “PP” for polypropylene).
Do a quick visual and feel inspection of the bottle. Oftentimes, PC (polycarbonate) bottles or those made with other BPA monomers are tough, shiny, and transparent. Single-use PET bottles are thin and often deform after the first use; HDPE bottles are tough and opaque.

Although these cues may not always apply, they are over 80% accurate.

Check online for the technical datasheet of the brand as soon as you can. Check the product listings to confirm the absence of BPA on the water bottle.
If the manufacturer does not have a detailed online presence or they seem to be unresponsive, contact the manufacturer via email or message their contact number. Ask for the recycling code or data sheet that verifies their BPA-free status, and attach a picture too.
Avoid heating the bottle while you wait.

Why Heat Is Important

From several tests and research carried out on plastic bottles that are not necessarily BPA-free, heat or damage from scratches can increase the rate at which the chemicals in the plastics move to food. Even for plastic containers that are certified safe, pouring hot liquids into them is still debatable by many.

So to be certain, it’s best to use materials that don’t contain BPA or other options like glass or stainless steel.

Legal and Safety Notes on BPA-Free Bottles

Due to the rising health concerns associated with bisphenol A and other related chemicals, the FDA and other public-health agencies have removed polycarbonate and epoxy resins from plastics used in making food. It’s also regulated for use in sippy cups and some baby toys. So as a manufacturer, ensuring your BPA-free claims are vital, and you should ensure you stick to the rules.

Conclusion

BPA bottles are endocrine activators, so you must take great care when using bottles with them. Whether you are a shopper or retailer, go for bottles you know are harmless. But where you are not very sure of the material, glass bottles, although more fragile, are safer options. Stainless steel may work too.

As a manufacturer or plastic retailer, clearly labeling the plastics with their uses reduces regulatory questions and improves the integrity of your brand.

FAQ

Does Recycling Code #7 Always Mean “not safe” or “contains BPA”?

No. But with code #7, one can’t be so sure of the material used to make the bottle. #7 are often resins, and these resins may or may not be BPA-free resins. Since you are not sure and safety is your first priority, confirming with the manufacturer is important.

Which Codes Are Safe for Water Bottles?

Recycling codes #1 (PET), #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE), and #5 (PP) are often considered BPA-free and safe for use as food or water bottles since they lack system-damaging, harmful chemicals.

If a Bottle Is Unlabeled, How Can I Be Sure it’s BPA-Free?

To be sure, you must check in with the manufacturer. Ask for their technical datasheet or other necessary document. While you wait, avoid using heat on the bottle.