Alexei Volkov
Plastic containers are a convenient way to store food and other items. However, their impact on the environment is a growing concern. With the current climate crisis, many people are looking for ways to recycle and reuse their plastic containers. While some plastic containers are marked as recyclable, others can be challenging to recycle due to their size or the type of plastic used. So, what are some ways to ensure that your plastic containers are recycled properly, and what are the alternatives to recycling?
Do plastic containers get recycled?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic containers can be recycled | Yes, but not all types of plastic containers are accepted by curbside recycling programs. |
| Accepted by curbside recycling programs | Plastic water bottles, milk cartons, shampoo bottles, laundry soap bottles, food tubs (e.g. sour cream, yogurt), plastic bottles (water, cleaning products, shampoo), jugs (milk, laundry detergent), food trays (single-serving microwave trays), containers (single-use, e.g. yogurt, fruit cups) |
| Not accepted by curbside recycling programs | Large plastic storage bins, plastic packaging, flexible packaging (pouches, snack bags), foam (cups, peanuts, egg cartons) |
| Accepted by alternative recycling programs | Large plastic containers, plastic storage bins |
| How to recycle plastic containers | Check for the universal recycling symbol (three arrows in the shape of a triangle with a number inside, such as 1, 2, or 5); empty, clean, and dry the containers before recycling; check with local recycling programs for specific guidelines and accepted materials |
| Reuse ideas for plastic containers | Storage for stationery, crafts, makeup, bathroom essentials, food items; building a worm bin; storing garden supplies, pesticides, herbicides; storing dog gear or muddy shoes |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic food containers should be cleaned before recycling
Plastic containers can be recycled, but it is not as simple as putting them in your recycling bin. Large plastic containers won't fit in the bin, and kerbside recycling services are not equipped to take these items. Instead, they are more interested in collecting items like plastic water bottles, milk cartons, and shampoo bottles.
If you want to recycle your plastic food containers, it is important to clean them first. While a few spots of food residue won't hinder the process, removing as much food residue as possible is ideal. This is because contaminants can ruin certain recycling processes and may make it more difficult to produce high-quality recycled materials. It can also create odors and attract pests.
However, you don't need to scrub containers with soap before recycling them. For example, if you're recycling a jar of mayonnaise, a quick rinse is more than adequate. For containers with sticky residue, such as peanut butter or mustard, a simple wash will do the trick. Just be sure to dry them completely before recycling, as excess water can interfere with the melting process.
If your plastic containers are in good shape, you can also consider reusing them. They can be used for various purposes, such as storing stationery, crafts, makeup, or even small indoor plants. You can also donate them to thrift stores, local charities, schools, or childcare centers, where they can be used for storage.
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Plastic storage bins cannot be recycled at the curb
However, this does not mean that plastic storage bins cannot be recycled at all. Many county governments and private companies run alternative recycling programmes that accept larger or harder-to-recycle items. For example, some places list plastic storage containers among the difficult-to-recycle items they will accept. It is worth checking with your local government or searching online to find these locations.
Another option is to reuse plastic storage bins. They can be utilised around the house, such as in the garage or shed, to store items like garden supplies, dog gear, or muddy shoes. They can also be used to hold other recyclable materials that do not fit in your kerbside bins, which can then be taken to a local recycling centre.
When purchasing plastic storage bins, it is also possible to choose ones made from recycled materials, thus reducing your carbon footprint. Some brands, like Really Useful Boxes, make their products from recyclable plastic and state that they can be recycled in council recycling bins. Checking the brand's website or looking for the universal recycling symbol can help determine if a container is recyclable.
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Plastic containers can be reused in various ways
Plastic containers are hard to recycle. Curbside recycling services are usually not set up to take these boxes, and large containers simply won't fit. Instead, recycling programmes tend to focus on items like plastic water bottles, milk cartons, and shampoo bottles. However, this does not mean that plastic containers cannot be reused in various ways.
If your plastic containers are still in good condition, you can take them to your local charity shop. These stores could sell them or keep them for their own use. You could also offer them to schools, nurseries, day centres, and care homes, as they might be able to use them for extra storage.
You can also reuse plastic containers around the house. Once they have been washed, they can be used for stationery and crafts or filled with soil to grow small indoor plants. They can also be used for storing makeup, bathroom essentials, and food items such as cereals and nuts. You can use them to organise drawers full of small, loose items such as screws, nuts, bolts, shoelaces, pencil sharpeners, and tape.
If your plastic containers are missing lids or are in poor shape, you can still find uses for them around the house. You can put them in your outdoor shed and use them to keep garden supplies, pesticides, and herbicides organised. You can also put a similar container in the garage for storing muddy shoes or your dog's gear.
Large plastic containers with lids are ideal for building a worm bin. Worm bins are inexpensive, do not mould or break down over time, and are an ideal home for worms. You can also use plastic containers to hold recyclable materials that cannot be placed in your curbside recycling bin, such as film plastic and baby food pouches.
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Plastic containers with food residue can be recycled
Plastic containers are hard to recycle. Large plastic containers won't fit into recycling bins, and kerbside recycling services are often not equipped to recycle these items. However, plastic containers with food residue can be recycled. Before recycling, it is essential to clean out any excess food residue. The different components of the packaging, such as the tray and plastic film, may need to be recycled separately.
It is important to check with local authorities on the recycling process for each product. While some plastic containers can be recycled at home, others may need to be taken to a specialist recycling center. Certain brands, such as Really Useful Boxes, make all of their products from recyclable plastic, and these can be placed in recycling bins.
If plastic containers are in good condition, they can be donated to thrift stores, local charities, schools, nurseries, day centers, or care homes. These organizations may find them useful for storage. Websites such as Freecycle or online material exchanges are also great options to find new homes for unwanted plastic containers.
For plastic food storage containers, it is important to ensure they are embossed with the recycling symbol before placing them in the recycling bin. The universal recycling symbol consists of three arrows in the shape of a triangle, with a number inside. Numbers 1, 2, and 5 are widely accepted by most recycling programs. After washing these containers, they can be reused for various purposes, such as storing stationery, crafts, makeup, bathroom essentials, or even growing small indoor plants.
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Plastic containers can be recycled at alternative locations
However, there are several alternative places to take your plastic containers for recycling. Many county governments have alternative locations to take plastic items for recycling. These facilities usually accept larger and more difficult-to-recycle items, but it is worth checking before you go. You can usually find your local recycling coordinator online, through the council, or in the phone book.
If your plastic containers are in good condition, you could also consider donating them to thrift stores or local charities, which will reuse them. Schools, nurseries, day centres, and care homes may also be able to use plastic storage containers of all sizes.
Before recycling your plastic containers, it is important to clean them. This is because food residue can contaminate otherwise recyclable plastics and send microplastics down the drain. However, if the product is recycled, it will eventually be shredded, washed, or melted to remove any food residue.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of plastic container. Most recycling programmes accept plastic containers with the universal recycling symbol, usually with the numbers 1, 2, or 5 inside the triangle. It's best to check with your local recycling service.
Ensure the containers are empty, clean, and dry before putting them in the recycling bin. Check with your local recycling coordinator for specific guidelines.
Yes, you can reuse plastic containers for various purposes. For example, you can use them to store stationery, craft supplies, makeup, or food items. You can also use them for gardening or to organise items in your garage or outdoor shed.
Yes, you can donate plastic containers in good condition to thrift stores, local charities, schools, nurseries, day centres, or care homes. These organisations may find them useful for storage.
