What do the numbers mean on the bottom of Tupperware?

Recycling Information

You're likely to recognize the triangle made of arrows representing recyclable materials, but plastics also have a number from one to seven. Each plastic recycling number is code for the specific plastic that your containers are made of.

What does the number on Tupperware mean?

Most containers have the Tupperware symbol of three arrows forming a triangle with a number in the middle. This means that you can recycle your Tupperware, and it tells you the specific plastic it is! Even if you destroy your Tupperware, you can still be earth friendly and let it die responsibly in the recycling bin.

What is the number in the bottom for Tupperware?

Wrapping films, grocery bags, and sandwich bags. Note that most cities accept plastics #4 for recycling, but NOT grocery bags (these can stuck in the sorting machines). Number 5 - PP - Polypropylene: Tupperware, yogurt tubs, (orange) medicine containers, and plastic caps of soda bottles.

What Tupperware numbers are safe?

Avoid High-Risk Plastics

If you look at the bottom of your plastic food storage containers and they have a #2, #4, or #5, those are generally recognized as safe for food and drink. If any of your containers have a #3, #6, or #7, those should be disposed of because they are considered high-risk plastics.

How do I know if my Tupperware is vintage?

If you're interested in scooping up some vintage Tupperware, but aren't sure if it's legit, there's an easy way to tell. Case said, “To authenticate any piece of Tupperware, look for a two-part number (its mold number) stamped somewhere on the product and make sure the word "Tupperware" is also visible.”

What the numbers on the bottom of plastic bottles and containers mean

What is the rarest Tupperware?

Without any further ado, here are some of the most valuable vintage Tupperware sets that are out there.

1. Bell Tumblers from 1946. ...
2. Wonderlier Bowls from 1946. ...
3. The Millionaire Collection's Salt and Pepper Shakers from 1960. ...
4. Servalier Astro Bowls from 1972. ...
5. Cake Taker from the 1970s.

When should I throw away Tupperware?

How long your containers last depends on how well you care for them, and the quality of plastic they're made of. You'll know it's time to toss your containers if they become warped or cracked. Keep in mind deep scratches can trap bacteria, too.

How do I know if my Tupperware has BPA?

Look to see if the container is labeled as unbreakable or microwave-safe. If it is, that's a good indicator that it contains BPA. Get rid of it. If you see a label indicating that the container is handwash only, it's probably made of acrylic and therefore OK to keep.

Is 30 year old Tupperware safe?

Should you throw away old Tupperware? If your Tupperware container is old, you should use it for other purposes and no longer store or reheat food. Plastic containers that are cracked or warped are not safe since they might trap bacteria, and scratched surfaces can also leak harmful chemicals when microwaved.

How long should you keep Tupperware?

It may be worth investing in a more durable set of plastic food containers (or opting for glass) if you want yours to last longer. DeLeonibus says high-quality grade plastic, like Tupperware, can remain functional for a lifetime, assuming you take cake care of it properly.

Which plastic numbers are safe?

To make a long story short: plastic recycling numbers 2, 4 and 5 are the safest. Whereas plastic numbers 1, 3, 6 and 7 must be avoided. But it does not indicate that you can fearlessly use safer plastic. All plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged.

What are #1 through #7 plastics?

To summarize, there are 7 types of plastic exist in our current modern days:

• 1 – Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE or Polyester) ...
• 2 – High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) ...
• 3 – Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ...
• 4 – Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) ...
• 5 – Polypropylene (PP) ...
• 6 – Polystyrene (PS)

Is number 4 plastic safe?

To summarize, plastics in categories #2, #4 and #5 are generally considered safe. Be weary of putting them in the microwave, even if they are labeled “microwave-safe”. Plastics #1, #3, #6 and #7 should be used with varying to extreme caution, especially around food or drink.

How do you read Tupperware numbers?

They are all marked with the brand name, so you'll never confuse similar plastic storage containers with genuine Tupperware. Also, be aware that all Tupperware is marked with a mold number. "Every Tupperware product has a two-part number stamped into it. The first part (before the dash) is the mold number.

How do I know if my Tupperware is microwave safe?

Check the bottom of the container for a symbol. Microwave safe is usually a microwave with some wavy lines on it. If they container has a #5 on it, it is made from polypropylene, PP, so it is generally considered microwave safe.

What does 5 pp mean?

A 5 inside the triangle indicates the plastic is polypropylene or PP. It is commonly found in medicine bottles, straws, bottle caps, ketchup bottles and syrup bottles, and some yogurt containers. This plastic is often chosen for bottles and containers that must accept hot liquids as it has a high melting point.

Is 1970s Tupperware safe?

Health warning: Your vintage Tupperware may contain harmful lead and arsenic. For anyone who grew up in the 1950s, '60s or even '70s, brightly-coloured Tupperware was likely a fixture in your kitchen.

What should I do with old Tupperware?

Recycle with the lid attached. Most recycling programs also accept #5 plastics. As for other types of plastic, check with your municipality. If you're not sure, it's better to be safe and dispose of your Tupperware and other plastic containers in the garbage.

Does old Tupperware contain lead?

During a recent test of Tupperware's yellow vintage measuring cups - used in thousands of kitchens around the world for generations - not only did the expert find lead, but she found arsenic as well.

Is #7 plastic BPA free?

Code 7 is the recycling code for plastics that contain BPA and must be avoided at all cost. Although codes 3 and 6 technically do not contain BPA, the chemicals that are used to manufacture these products also pose serious risks to our health.

What year did Tupperware Go BPA free?

As of March 2010, items sold by Tupperware US & CA are BPA free. Join us in our mission to Do Good for people and the planet through thoughtful and conscientious product innovation and design practices that help to better lives and reduce waste.

Does vintage Tupperware have BPA in it?

Is old Tupperware safe? What is not said in this statement but is implied is that at least some of Tupperware products sold prior to 2010 did in fact contain BPA. For consumers who want to be absolutely certain they have removed all known BPA sources, old Tupperware products manufactured prior to 2010 would be suspect.

Why does old Tupperware get sticky?

Other thoughts include grease and oils from the air collecting on the surface, or oils from previous items that were stored in the container coming to the surface. Regardless of the cause, the removal of this sticky film is quick and easy.

How long can you use plastic Tupperware?

After this initial inspection, we recommend replacing plastic containers between 5 and 10 years. Wear and tear pose potential health risks if your product is damaged. Lastly, managing plastic food containers keeps your cupboard clutter-free and usably organized.

Should I get rid of old Tupperware?

It's more than 11 years old: If the Tupperware you have at home is excessively old, you should replace it not only because it may have deep scratches from constant use where bacteria can get trapped, but also because it's probably made of bisphenol-A (BPA), a potentially harmful chemical.