Alexei Volkov
Paper and plastic are two of the most common materials that people recycle. However, the specifics of what can be recycled differ depending on location. In the US, there is no federal recycling program, so towns and cities are left to decide on their own local recycling measures, including the types of plastics they can collect and recycle. It is important to check with your local recycling program to learn what types of materials they accept. Paper, for example, needs to be dry and free of food scraps to be recyclable. Plastic containers usually have a triangle with a resin number that can be compared to local recycling guidelines to determine if they are eligible for recycling in your community.
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic wrap and plastic bags cannot be recycled in your household bin
- Paper must be dry and free of food scraps to be recycled
- Plastic containers with a resin number that matches your local guidelines can be recycled
- Cardboard boxes should be flattened before placing them in the bin
- Plastic utensils cannot be recycled
Plastic wrap and plastic bags cannot be recycled in your household bin
Plastic is a versatile material that is used to make a wide range of products, from bottles and containers to bags and wraps. While recycling plastic is essential for reducing waste and promoting sustainability, it is important to note that not all plastics can be recycled in your household bin. Specifically, plastic wrap and plastic bags fall under this category and should be handled differently.
Plastic wrap, also known as plastic film packaging, is commonly used for wrapping products or packages. It is made from various types of plastic, often belonging to the polyethylene family. Although plastic wrap can be recycled, it is not typically accepted in household recycling bins. Most recycling facilities are designed to handle plastic bottles and containers, as these can be easily identified and separated by workers or sorting equipment. Plastic wrap, on the other hand, can cause issues by getting stuck in the recycling equipment, leading to damage and inefficiency.
Plastic bags, like plastic wrap, are also not suitable for household recycling bins. They need to be recycled separately through specific programs or at designated drop-off locations. Many retail and grocery stores have recycling bins that accept plastic bags and wraps. These collected plastics are then baled and sold to independent companies for further processing and repurposing.
It is crucial to keep plastic wrap and plastic bags out of your household recycling bin to prevent contamination and disruption of the recycling process. Non-recyclable materials can mix with recyclable items, rendering them unusable. Additionally, loose plastic bags can get tangled in recycling equipment, causing damage and requiring additional time, money, and resources to fix the issue.
To recycle plastic wrap and plastic bags properly, individuals should research their local guidelines and locate the nearest drop-off points or recycling programs that accept these materials. By following the appropriate recycling methods, we can ensure that these plastics are given a second life, reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable future.
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Paper must be dry and free of food scraps to be recycled
Paper is one of the most common materials to be recycled, and it offers a great opportunity to recycle due to its prevalence in municipal solid waste streams. In the United States, paper and paperboard products make up the largest portion of this waste stream.
When recycling paper, it is important to ensure that it is clean and dry, free of any food scraps or residue. This includes items such as pizza boxes, envelopes with plastic windows, and cardboard containers. While some grease or residue is acceptable, as long as it is "spatula-clean", containers with large amounts of food left on them cannot be recycled. It is also important to flatten boxes before placing them in the recycling bin.
Additionally, certain types of paper are not recyclable. Paper gift wrap with a shiny or laminated coating, for example, is often not accepted by recycling programs. Hardcover books with mixed materials or laminated pages cannot be recycled unless the pages and covers are separated. However, phonebooks and paperbacks are usually accepted by many recycling centers.
It is always important to check with your local recycling program to confirm what specific items they accept. Some materials, such as styrofoam, are not accepted by most curbside recycling programs but may have specific drop-off locations.
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Plastic containers with a resin number that matches your local guidelines can be recycled
Plastic containers with a resin identification code can be recycled, but the process is not as simple as tossing them into a bin. These codes are usually stamped on the product and are numbers ranging from one to seven, found inside a small triangle made of arrows. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic, with some being easier to recycle than others. For instance, PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages, and it can be recycled. HDPE plastics are also extremely common and can be recycled. They are used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and other containers.
However, it's important to note that not all plastic containers with resin numbers can be recycled through your local program. Some types of plastics are not accepted, and it's crucial to check with your local recycling guidelines to confirm. For example, LDPE plastic is reusable but not always recyclable, and you'll need to verify with your local collection service if they accept it. Similarly, PP (polypropylene) is gradually becoming more accepted by recyclers, but it's important to check with your local curbside program to see if they take it.
Additionally, some plastics require specialized handling and cannot be placed in standard recycling bins. These include hard-to-recycle plastics such as Styrofoam, shrink wrap, and manufacturing scrap.
To ensure that you're recycling plastic containers correctly, it's essential to familiarize yourself with your local guidelines and rules. This may involve checking with your local recycling program, municipality, or collection service. By following these guidelines, you can contribute to a more sustainable planet and ensure that your plastic containers are properly recycled.
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Cardboard boxes should be flattened before placing them in the bin
It is important to flatten cardboard boxes before placing them in the bin. This is a standard instruction for recycling cardboard. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, it saves space, which is particularly beneficial for those collecting the cardboard for recycling. In some areas, recycling collectors will not pick up cardboard unless it is flattened. This is because it is more time-consuming for them to collect, and takes up valuable space in their vehicles.
Flattening cardboard boxes also makes it easier to separate the materials at the recycling facility. The more compact form also helps to keep the cardboard boxes from getting blown away by the wind when they are left outside for collection. In addition, flattened cardboard is less likely to get soaked by rainwater, which can ruin the cardboard and make it unsuitable for recycling.
It is also important to check local guidelines for recycling cardboard, as these can vary. For example, some areas require cardboard to be bundled with twine before collection, and some areas do not accept cardboard at all. It is also worth noting that cardboard with shiny or laminated coatings may not be recyclable, and food residue should be removed from cardboard before it is placed in the recycling bin.
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Plastic utensils cannot be recycled
Plastic utensils, such as cutlery and plates, are generally not recyclable. This is because they are typically made from polystyrene (#6 plastic), a rigid plastic that is difficult to recycle. While some curbside recycling programs do accept #6 plastics, many do not as it is not cost-effective.
In addition, plastic utensils are often contaminated with food residue, which can disrupt the recycling process. It is important to check with your local recycling program to see if they accept these items, as some communities may have specific rules or drop-off locations for plastic utensils.
To reduce waste, it is recommended to opt for reusable utensils or compostable alternatives made from fiber or bamboo. These options are more environmentally friendly and can be easily purchased online or at retail stores.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest reusing plastic utensils multiple times before disposing of them, especially if they are in good condition. However, it is important to be mindful of hygiene and potential contamination when reusing plastic utensils, as they can start to take on odors and stains over time.
Overall, it is best to avoid purchasing disposable plastic utensils whenever possible and to choose reusable or compostable options instead. By making small changes in our daily habits, we can collectively reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, paper is one of the most recycled materials in the U.S. However, it needs to be dry and free of food scraps to be recyclable. Paper with food waste, such as juice and cereal boxes, and paper cups, cannot be recycled.
Plastic containers usually have a triangle with a resin number that shows how they were made. Compare this symbol to your local recycling guidelines to find out if it’s eligible for recycling in your community.
Yes, glass of different colours and types can be mixed together, but it should be separated from other materials, like metal or plastic caps.
No, coated and treated paper, such as gift wrap with shiny or laminated coats, cannot be recycled.
Many different kinds of paper can be recycled, including white office paper, newspaper, coloured office paper, cardboard, white computer paper, magazines, catalogs, and phone books.
