Exposure to moderate heat may not melt your plastic water bottle, but it may still pose health risks. ... For example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate, which is found in most water bottles) has a symbol with the number 1 inside it.

Does boiling water melt plastic?

One commonly recycled plastic, however, could be melted by hot water. According to T.C. Forensic, some polyvinyl chloride plastics -- PVC, or recyclable 3 -- melt at as low as 75 degrees Celsius (167 degrees Fahrenheit).

What plastic can handle boiling water?

HDPE or High Density Poly Ethelene plastic has an amazing temperature range, and is considered safe for short periods up to 248°F (120°C) or for long periods up to 230°F (110°C.) Since boiling water never gets above 100°C, this means that anything boiling and below is safe for a food grade bucket.