Chloe Zhang
Gerber baby food containers are made from plastic, and while they are recyclable, they are marked with a #7, which usually indicates that they contain BPA (bisphenol-A), a harmful substance found in polycarbonate plastics. This has led some people to question whether these containers are safe for storing baby food, as there is a concern that chemicals from the plastic could leach into the food, especially when heated. Gerber has stated that their containers do not contain BPA, but they do contain polystyrene (styrofoam), another type of plastic that is generally recommended to be avoided. To address sustainability concerns, Gerber has partnered with TerraCycle to create a free national recycling program, allowing consumers to recycle their baby food packaging and clothing hangers. Additionally, Gerber is working to reduce the amount of single-use packaging it produces and explore alternative packaging technologies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclable | Yes, but not through all local waste streams |
| Recycled by | Gerber and TerraCycle |
| Recycled into | New products |
| Recycling process | Collection, cleaning, remoulding |
| Accepted items | Plastic packaging, shrink labels, plastic containers, plastic lids, flexible plastic pouches, baby clothing hangers |
| Drop-off points | Public spaces with good traffic flow, such as stores, community centres, places of worship, and libraries |
| Cleaning required | No, but remove as much remaining product as possible |
| Rewards | TerraCycle points, redeemable as donations to schools, charities, or non-profits |
| Packaging reduction | Gerber is reducing single-use packaging |
| Packaging alternatives | Tin cans, glass jars, subscription models for fresh prepared meals |
Explore related products
![Gear EVO Jr. Folding Knife - Serrated Edge [22-41493]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51unyUCTt6L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Stack Man 100% Compostable Clamshell Take Out Food Containers [8X8 50-Pack] Heavy-Duty Quality to go Containers, Natural Disposable Bagasse, Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Made of Sugar Cane Fibers](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Ck4ephmKL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Gerber's recycling program
Gerber has partnered with TerraCycle to create a free national recycling program. The program collects, cleans, and remolds hard-to-recycle single-use containers, including pouches, into new products at no charge to consumers. This is in line with Nestlé's goal to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable in the next five years.
To participate in the Gerber® Free Recycling Program, you can either recycle locally or send your waste to TerraCycle. If you choose to recycle locally, you can check if your local curbside service or municipal recycling drop-off locations accept Gerber baby food packaging and small and large hook Gerber baby clothing hangers.
If local recycling is not an option, you can send your waste to TerraCycle. First, sign up and join the Gerber® Free Recycling Program. Once you are confirmed, your location will show up on the drop-off map. Public spaces that have good traffic flow and are easily accessible, such as stores, community centers, places of worship, and libraries, are excellent drop-off points. It is important to note that you do not need to clean the packaging before dropping it off, but please remove as much of the remaining product as possible, ensuring that the items are dry.
Through the program, you can earn TerraCycle points by recycling. These points can be redeemed in the form of a donation to a school, charity, or nonprofit of your choice.
Plastic Cup Conundrum: Are Six Recyclable?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![[100% Eco-Friendly] 34 oz Disposable Food Containers with Lids – Sugarcane Pulp Take Out Containers, Biodegradable Lunch Box, Compostable and Microwave Safe To-Go Boxes for Meal Prep – Pack of 50](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/714snvy7TlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Multi-layer plastics
Gerber's baby food containers are made from a combination of polystyrene (#6, styrofoam) and polyethylene (#1, considered a safer plastic). The #7 on the bottom of the containers usually indicates the presence of BPA (bisphenol-A), a harmful substance found in polycarbonate plastics. However, Gerber's containers do not contain BPA.
The concern for plastic chemicals leaching into food is heightened when the plastic is heated, regardless of the type. Jarred or canned food is typically heated during the canning process, increasing the risk of leaching. To address this concern, Gerber has partnered with TerraCycle to create a free national recycling program. Consumers can send in their Gerber baby food packaging and small and large hook Gerber baby clothing hangers for recycling.
Additionally, Gerber is taking steps to reduce the amount of single-use packaging it creates. For example, they have converted their infant formula products from plastic tubs to tin cans and removed plastics from some baby food products that were not providing significant consumer value. The company is also exploring emerging consumer preferences for natural and fresh products to further reduce its reliance on plastic and packaging.
While Gerber is making efforts to improve the recyclability of its packaging, it is important to note that multi-layer plastics, such as those used in Gerber containers, present unique challenges in the recycling process. These plastics are being reprocessed or converted into other useful materials, such as composite materials with wood/plastic-like properties, rather than being recycled into new packaging film.
The Plastic Recycling Myth: Are Any Plastics Truly Recyclable?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![100% Compostable Clamshell Take Out Food Containers [8X8" 3-Compartment 50-Pack] Heavy-Duty Quality to go Containers, Natural Disposable Bagasse, Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Made of Sugar Cane Fibers](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81mJFQwoSJL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Potential health risks
Gerber plastic containers can be recycled through the Gerber Free Recycling Program, which has partnered with TerraCycle to create a free national recycling program. However, the potential health risks of using plastic containers cannot be overlooked.
Firstly, it is important to note that many chemicals are added to plastic during production, and the long-term health effects of these chemicals are not yet fully understood. While Gerber's containers do not contain BPA (bisphenol-A), a harmful substance found in polycarbonate plastics, they do contain polystyrene, commonly known as styrofoam, which should be avoided. In addition, the combination of plastics used in Gerber's containers may pose risks that are not yet fully understood.
Secondly, heating food in plastic containers, especially in the microwave, can cause chemicals to leach into the food. This is a concern for all types of plastic, and the risk is heightened when the plastic is heated. Even if a plastic container is labelled as microwave-safe, health experts warn that heating food in plastic can harm our health. This is because the heat can cause chemicals in the plastic to migrate into the food, and microwaving can speed up this process.
Furthermore, improper recycling of plastic products can expose consumers to toxins. For example, research has found hazardous flame retardants in a high percentage of black plastic products, which can interfere with hormones and potentially harm sexual function, fertility, and brain development, as well as increase the risk of cancer.
Lastly, the environmental impact of plastic waste cannot be ignored. Only 9% of all plastic waste ever created has been recycled, and plastic contributes to global heating, pollution, and the presence of chemicals and microplastics in our bodies, the food chain, and the environment.
While the direct health risks of using Gerber plastic containers may be relatively low, the cumulative effects of plastic usage and the environmental impact of plastic waste are significant. It is always recommended to consult with healthcare professionals for specific advice and to stay updated with the latest research and recommendations regarding plastic usage and safety.
How Milk Jugs Are Recycled: Plastic's Second Life
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Reusable containers
Gerber has partnered with TerraCycle to create a free national recycling program for its baby food packaging. Consumers can send in their Gerber baby food packaging and small and large hook Gerber baby clothing hangers for recycling. The program also accepts flexible or rigid plastic packaging, shrink labels, plastic containers, plastic lids, and flexible plastic pouches.
While Gerber's recycling program is a step in the right direction, some people have expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the company's plastic containers. In the past, Gerber's baby food containers were made from a combination of polystyrene (#6, styrofoam) and polyethylene (#1). Polystyrene is considered a harmful substance that should be avoided. Additionally, heating baby food in plastic containers can increase the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into the food.
To address these concerns, Gerber has been working to reduce the amount of single-use packaging it creates. The company has also teamed up with TerraCycle to boost the recyclability of its packaging and explore innovations to reduce packaging waste. As part of Nestlé's goal to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable, Gerber is committed to collecting, cleaning, and remolding hard-to-recycle single-use containers into new products.
In the meantime, there are reusable alternatives available for Gerber's baby food containers. Oodies, for example, offers reusable and dishwasher-safe lids that are compatible with Gerber baby food containers. These lids help save and reuse leftovers, making them a convenient option for new eaters.
By offering recycling programs and exploring sustainable alternatives, Gerber is taking steps towards reducing its environmental impact and encouraging the reuse and repurposing of materials.
Recycling in East Lansing: Are Plastics No. 5 Recyclable?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Eco-friendly alternatives
Gerber plastic containers are not recyclable in the traditional sense, as they are made from a combination of polystyrene (#6, styrofoam) and polyethylene (#1). However, they can be reprocessed, which involves being made into another useful material, such as a composite material with wood/plastic-like properties.
If you are looking for eco-friendly alternatives to Gerber plastic containers, here are some options:
Glass Containers
Glass is considered the safest type of storage container for baby food as it does not leach chemicals. Options include Babymoov 220ml storage containers, which are made from durable glass and topped with leak-proof silicone lids, or Kilner jars designed for kids, which come with silicone lids. Another option is to use glass jars from brands like Earth's Best, Del Monte's Nature's Goodness, and Beech Nut, which package their baby foods in glass jars.
BPA-Free Plastic Containers
If you prefer plastic containers, look for those that are BPA-free. Options include Beaba's colourful 200ml containers, which can be stacked in the fridge or freezer, or the MAM Storage Solution Pack, which includes five 120ml BPA-free plastic cups designed for storing breast milk and baby food. These containers are suitable for fridge and freezer storage and feature secure screw-top lids.
Reusable Pouches
Reusable pouches, such as the Fill n Squeeze Baby Food Maker and Reusable Pouches set, offer a portable and convenient option for storing baby food. The pouches are microwave and freezer-safe, and the set includes a cleaning brush and a food masher.
Tritan Copolyester Containers
Tritan Copolyester is a US-made, BPA-free material typically used for medical devices and luxury appliances. It is more expensive than regular plastics but offers a safe, lightweight, and durable option for baby food storage.
Unrecyclable Plastics: What Types Should You Avoid?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Gerber plastic containers are recyclable. Gerber has partnered with TerraCycle to create a free national recycling program. You can send in your Gerber baby food packaging and small and large hook Gerber baby clothing hangers to be recycled. You can also recycle them at public drop-off locations, such as stores, community centers, places of worship, and libraries.
To recycle Gerber plastic containers, you can sign up for the Gerber® Free Recycling Program. Once you are confirmed, your location will show up on the drop-off map. You can then start collecting recycling in your community and sending it to TerraCycle. You can also recycle Gerber plastic containers at public drop-off locations, such as Whole Foods.
Gerber plastic containers are made from a combination of polystyrene (#6, styrofoam) and polyethylene (#1, considered a safer plastic). The Gerber Graduate line is made from polypropylene lining (#5, also considered a safer plastic) with a polystyrene (#6) label.
While Gerber's containers do not contain BPA (bisphenol-A), a harmful substance found in polycarbonate plastics, they do contain polystyrene, commonly known as styrofoam, which should be avoided. The concern for plastic chemicals leaching into foods is heightened when the plastic is heated, so it is recommended to avoid heating leftover baby food in these containers.
