Chloe Zhang
Chicago has a single-stream recycling system, where recyclables are collected as a mixed bunch and later sorted at a processing plant. The city's Blue Cart Program accepts a variety of materials, including glass, aluminium, tin, steel, cardboard, and plastic bottles and containers. Notably, plastic bags are not accepted in the Blue Cart Program as they can contaminate the stream and damage sorting equipment. However, plastic bags can be recycled through other programs and dropped off at various locations throughout the city. Chicago also provides specific guidelines for items such as pizza boxes, instructing residents to tear off greasy parts and recycle only the clean portions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic accepted | #1-5, 7 |
| Plastic not accepted | #6 Plastics (polystyrene or Styrofoam), plastic bags |
| Other materials accepted | Glass jars and bottles, aluminium cans, foil and pie tins, tin or steel cans, cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, cardboard, junk mail, magazines and catalogs, telephone books, paper bags, office paper and file folders, newspaper and inserts, beverage cartons (milk, juice, soy cartons), beverage carrier stock: plastic rings and cardboard carrying cases, wrapping paper (no bows or ribbons), paper greeting cards |
| Other materials not accepted | Food or liquids, diapers or feminine products, clothes and linens, plastic or metal hangers, batteries, electronics, pharmaceuticals, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, oil-based paint and stain, household chemicals, metal tanks |
| Other | Residents do not sort recyclables by type; they are collected and later sorted at a processing plant |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago's Blue Cart Program accepts #7 plastic
Chicago's Blue Cart Recycling Program accepts #7 plastic bottles and containers for recycling. The program is part of the city's efforts to make recycling more accessible and efficient for its residents.
The Blue Cart Program accepts a range of materials, including various types of plastics, metals, paper, and cardboard. This single-stream recycling system allows residents to place all accepted recyclables in one cart, which is then collected and sorted at a processing plant. This simplifies the recycling process for residents, as they don't need to separate different types of recyclables.
#7 plastic, also known as "other plastics," is a category that includes various types of plastic not classified as #1 through #6. It typically encompasses polycarbonate, acrylic, and polylactic acid (PLA). These plastics are commonly found in items such as water cooler jugs, some baby bottles, and certain types of food packaging.
It's important to note that while #7 plastic is accepted in Chicago's Blue Cart Program, there are other types of plastics that are not recyclable through this program. For example, #6 plastic, or polystyrene/Styrofoam, is not accepted in the Blue Cart Program and should be disposed of separately. Additionally, plastic bags are no longer accepted in the Blue Cart Program as of 2016, as they can contaminate the recycling stream and damage sorting equipment.
For items that are not accepted in the Blue Cart Program, residents can visit www.earth911.com to find alternative recycling options or drop-off locations. It's important to properly dispose of hazardous materials, such as batteries, electronics, and household chemicals, which should not be placed in either garbage or recycling containers.
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Plastic bags are not accepted in the Blue Cart Program
The City of Chicago's Blue Cart Program has specific guidelines for what can and cannot be recycled through the program. While the program accepts a wide range of materials, such as glass bottles and jars, aluminium cans, tin and steel cans, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (numbers 1-5 and 7), paper products, and beverage cartons, there are some notable exceptions. Plastic bags, for instance, are not accepted in the Blue Cart Program.
The reason for this exclusion is twofold. Firstly, when items are placed in the blue recycling carts, they must be loose, ensuring that haulers can see and identify the items for proper sorting and processing. Plastic bags, when used to contain recyclables, obstruct this process as they prevent haulers from inspecting the contents. Secondly, plastic bags can be a source of contamination in the single-stream recycling system employed by the city. Non-recyclable items within plastic bags can mix with recyclable materials, compromising the entire batch and causing damage to the sorting equipment.
It is important to note that the unaccepted items, including plastic bags, can often be recycled through alternative channels. Plastic bags, in particular, can be recycled at various drop-off locations throughout Chicago. Residents can find the nearest recycling centre for plastic bags by searching for locations that accept plastic bags by their zip code. Additionally, some retailers accept loose plastic shopping bags for recycling.
The Blue Cart Program, while convenient, may not cover all recyclable materials. For items not accepted by the program, residents are encouraged to explore other options, such as utilising the recycling finder at www.earth911.com or referring to the city's recycling-focused website, Recycle by City Chicago, to ensure proper disposal or recycling of their waste. It is important to stay informed about the guidelines, as they can help prevent contamination and promote effective recycling in the city.
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Plastic bags can be recycled at other locations in the city
The City of Chicago's Blue Cart Program does not accept plastic bags in its recycling bins. However, plastic bags can be recycled at other locations in the city.
Plastic bags cannot be placed in the city's blue recycling bins because they need to be loose when they arrive at the sorting facility. When items are placed in plastic bags, the haulers cannot see what is inside and whether there are non-recyclables in the cart. Additionally, plastic bags can contaminate the recycling stream and damage sorting equipment.
Many local retailers provide access to free, drop-off recycling programs for plastic bags. These include grocery stores, which have plastic bag recycling bins located near their front doors. These programs accept clean plastic bags and other soft plastic items made from #2 or #4 plastic film. Only 100% plastic items are accepted, and paper labels must be cut off plastic envelopes. Before dropping off your plastic bags, open them to check for lingering paper receipts, shake out crumbs, and remove any other junk inside.
Plastic bags can also be returned to retailers for recycling. For example, wire hangers can be brought to dry cleaners instead of being thrown away.
To find a location near you to recycle plastic bags, you can search by zip code on the City of Chicago's website. Additionally, the website www.earth911.com provides a recycling finder for materials not accepted by the Blue Cart Program.
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Plastic bottles and containers are accepted (#1-5, 7)
Chicago has a Blue Cart Program for recycling, which includes a Recycling Drop-off Center. The program accepts plastic bottles and containers marked with the recycling symbols #1 through #5 and #7. Other accepted materials include glass bottles and jars, aluminium cans, tin or steel cans, cardboard, paper products, and beverage cartons.
It is important to note that all items placed in the Blue Cart Program must be loose and not contained within plastic bags. Plastic bags are not accepted in the Blue Cart Program as they can contaminate the recycling stream and damage sorting equipment. Other non-recyclable items include food waste, liquids, #6 plastics (polystyrene or Styrofoam), and hazardous materials such as batteries, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals.
The City of Chicago provides specific guidelines for recycling, and residents are encouraged to refer to these guidelines to ensure proper recycling practices. The guidelines include information on what materials are accepted and not accepted in the Blue Cart Program, as well as drop-off locations for recycling.
Additionally, Chicago has a single-stream recycling system, which means that residents do not need to sort their recyclables by type. All recyclable materials can be collected together and are later sorted at a processing plant. This system simplifies the recycling process for residents, making it more convenient to recycle a variety of materials, including plastic bottles and containers.
By following the City of Chicago's guidelines and properly recycling plastic bottles and containers, residents can play a crucial role in reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable environment. It is important to stay informed about any updates or changes to the recycling program to ensure that materials are recycled correctly and diverted from landfills whenever possible.
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Hazardous items like batteries and electronics should not be recycled
The City of Chicago provides its residents with a Blue Cart Program for recycling. The program accepts plastic bottles and containers numbered 1-5 and 7. However, it is important to note that plastic bags are not accepted as part of the Blue Cart Program. This is because plastic bags can contaminate the single-stream recycling system used by the city and damage sorting equipment. While plastic bags can be recycled through other programs or dropped off at various locations in Chicago, they should not be placed in the city's blue recycling carts.
Now, when it comes to hazardous items like batteries and electronics, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with their disposal and why they should not be placed in regular recycling bins. Batteries, for instance, can contain various chemicals and heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel, silver, cobalt, lithium, and graphite. These substances pose a significant threat to human health and the environment if not properly managed. Improper disposal methods, such as burning or landfilling, can result in the release of these toxic substances, leading to environmental contamination and adverse health effects.
Additionally, batteries have enough residual energy to cause injuries or start fires, even when they appear to be discharged. This risk is heightened when batteries are mishandled, damaged, or exposed to certain conditions, such as extreme temperatures or moisture. Therefore, it is crucial to handle and dispose of batteries properly to prevent safety hazards and potential fires. Rechargeable batteries, in particular, should never be placed in the trash or recycling bins due to their higher risk of fire if damaged or mishandled. Instead, they should be recycled through designated battery recycling programs or collection sites, ensuring they are stored and transported safely.
Electronics, too, can contain hazardous materials and should be kept out of regular recycling bins. Many states, including Wisconsin, have banned the landfill or incinerator disposal of certain types of consumer electronics. Instead, these items should be recycled through specialized programs or collection sites, such as E-Cycle Wisconsin. By properly disposing of electronics and batteries, we can help protect the environment, safeguard human health, and ensure that valuable materials are recovered and recycled responsibly.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Chicago does accept #7 plastic bottles and containers for recycling. However, they do not accept #6 plastics (polystyrene or Styrofoam).
Chicago accepts glass jars and bottles, aluminium cans, tin or steel cans, cardboard, junk mail, telephone books, paper bags, office paper, newspaper, beverage cartons, and wrapping paper (without ribbons or bows).
Chicago does not accept plastic bags, clothes, linens, wire hangers, diapers, feminine products, batteries, electronics, pharmaceuticals, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, oil-based paint, household chemicals, and metal tanks.
