Maya Ellison
Chicago's Blue Cart Recycling program accepts plastic bottles and containers numbered 1-5 and 7. However, it's important to note that not all plastics are created equal, and the ability to recycle a plastic item depends on the type of plastic it is made of. For example, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), a flexible and relatively less toxic plastic, is not typically recycled despite being used in many common items like shopping bags, tote bags, and squeezable bottles. In Chicago, it is crucial to separate recyclable materials from non-recyclable ones, as a single plastic bag or food item can cause an entire bin of recyclables to be labelled as grossly contaminated and sent to landfills.
Does Chicago Recycle 4 Plastic?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Type | Low-Density Polyethylene (“LDPE”) |
| Description | A flexible plastic that is considered less toxic than other forms of plastic, though it is not typically recycled. |
| Products | Shrink wrap, dry cleaner garment bags, squeezable bottles, shopping and tote bags, furniture and carpet |
| Repurposing | Trash can liners and cans, compost bins, floor tile and lumber |
| Accepted in Chicago Blue Cart Program | No |
| Accepted in Chicago Recycling Drop-off Centers | No |
| Accepted in Retailers for Recycling | No |
| Accepted in Chicago Blue Cart Program & Recycling Drop-off Centers | Plastic bottles and containers (# 1-5, 7 accepted) |
| Hazardous Items Not Accepted in Garbage or Recycling Containers | Batteries, electronics, pharmaceuticals, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, oil-based paint and stain, household chemicals, and metal tanks |
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What You'll Learn
- Chicago's Blue Cart Recycling program accepts #4 plastic
- Plastic bags should be returned to retailers for recycling
- Hazardous items like batteries and electronics should not be recycled
- Plastic containers with chasing arrows emblem may not be recyclable
- Chicago's Shedd Aquarium campaigns against single-use plastics
Chicago's Blue Cart Recycling program accepts #4 plastic
#4 plastic, or Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), is a flexible plastic commonly used in shrink wrap, dry cleaner garment bags, squeezable bottles, shopping and tote bags, furniture, and carpet. While LDPE is considered less toxic than other forms of plastic, it is not typically recycled. However, it can be repurposed into items such as trash can liners, cans, compost bins, floor tiles, and lumber.
To ensure that your #4 plastic is properly recycled or repurposed, it is important to separate it from other recyclables and follow the guidelines provided by the City of Chicago. The city recommends visiting www.earth911.com to find outlets for materials not accepted by the Blue Cart program.
Additionally, it is crucial to remember that certain items, such as batteries, electronics, pharmaceuticals, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, oil-based paint, household chemicals, and metal tanks, are hazardous and should not be placed in either garbage or recycling containers. By following these guidelines and staying informed about updates to Chicago's recycling program, residents can play a crucial role in reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability.
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Plastic bags should be returned to retailers for recycling
Plastic bags should not be placed in recycling bins for curbside collection. In Chicago, for instance, a single plastic bag can cause an entire bin of otherwise perfectly recyclable material to be labelled as "grossly contaminated", requiring waste haulers to dump it into a landfill. Instead, plastic bags should be returned to retailers for recycling. Retail stores that offer plastic bags to consumers are often required by law to also provide an in-store recycling program for plastic bags. These recycling containers are typically located near the entrance or by the customer service desk.
In the State of Delaware, for example, retailers must provide customers with access to a reusable bag for purchases. Retail stores are also required to post signs informing customers about the changes. Plastic bags returned to retailers are typically baled and sold to independent companies, which turn the flexible plastic into tiny plastic pellets. These pellets can then be recycled into synthetic lumber for decking or park benches, or directly into another film, pouch, or bag form.
To recycle plastic bags, residents should place all bags into a single bag and tie it at the top. This makes it easier for recycling workers to pick the bag out before it goes into the sorting machine, where it could get tangled in the gears. Plastic bags should be clean and dry and free of stickers, staples, and receipts.
Other items that should not be placed in recycling bins include batteries, electronics, pharmaceuticals, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, oil-based paint, household chemicals, and metal tanks. Pizza boxes should be torn, with greasy parts placed in the trash.
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Hazardous items like batteries and electronics should not be recycled
In Chicago, the Blue Cart Program & Recycling Drop-off Centers accept plastic bottles and containers numbered 1-5 and 7. However, it is important to note that not all plastic types are recyclable in the city. Plastic bags, for instance, should be returned to retailers for recycling, and #6 plastics, such as polystyrene or Styrofoam, are not accepted by the Blue Cart Program.
When it comes to hazardous items, it is crucial to understand that they should never be placed in either garbage or recycling containers. Hazardous items include batteries, electronics, pharmaceuticals, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, oil-based paint and stains, household chemicals, and metal tanks. These items can be extremely harmful to the environment and human health if not disposed of properly.
Batteries, for example, may contain hazardous materials such as mercury, lithium, cadmium, lead, and acids. If these batteries are burned or landfilled, the heavy metals within them can be released into the environment. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, in particular, pose a significant risk of fire if mishandled or damaged. Therefore, it is essential to handle and dispose of batteries properly. While alkaline batteries can be disposed of in the trash, non-alkaline batteries should not be placed in recycling bins due to the risk of fire they pose to waste management personnel and facilities.
Similarly, electronic waste, or e-waste, is considered hazardous due to the presence of toxic materials. If e-waste is not recycled appropriately, it can release toxic chemicals, including neurotoxicants such as lead, into the environment. Improper recycling practices, such as open burning and heating, can create toxic fumes and release hazardous substances that travel long distances, affecting communities far from the pollution source. The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that millions of women and child labourers involved in informal e-waste recycling are at risk of hazardous exposures.
To ensure the safe disposal of hazardous items, individuals should follow local guidelines and seek proper disposal methods for items such as batteries and electronics.
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Plastic containers with chasing arrows emblem may not be recyclable
The City of Chicago provides a Blue Cart Program for recycling. The program accepts plastic bottles and containers with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. However, it is important to note that the chasing arrows emblem, also known as the Resin Identification Code, on plastic containers does not guarantee recyclability. This symbol is not the universal recycling symbol and merely indicates the type of plastic.
The chasing arrows symbol, or resin identification code, is a triangle with a number inside, ranging from 1 to 7. These numbers were initially meant to communicate the recyclability of the plastic to sorters, with numbers 1 and 2 being the most recyclable and numbers 3 through 7 being more challenging to recycle. However, with the shift to automated recycling, this symbol has become a source of confusion for the public.
The public often mistakes the chasing arrows symbol as an indication that the plastic item is recyclable, when in reality, it only identifies the type of plastic. As a result, non-recyclable items end up in recycling bins, leading to contaminated recycling batches. This confusion has led to proposals to replace the chasing arrows symbol with a less misleading alternative.
To ensure proper recycling, it is essential to check your local guidelines and separate recyclable and non-recyclable items. Other items that should not be placed in recycling bins include batteries, electronics, pharmaceuticals, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, oil-based paint, household chemicals, and metal tanks. Properly disposing of these items can help reduce contamination and increase the likelihood of actual plastic waste being recycled.
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Chicago's Shedd Aquarium campaigns against single-use plastics
Chicago's Shedd Aquarium has been actively campaigning against single-use plastics, encouraging the public to join them in the fight against plastic pollution. The aquarium has created a list of resolutions to help keep Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes clean and protect the wildlife that calls these places home.
In 2019, plastic constituted 90% of the litter removed from Great Lakes shorelines during beach cleanups, according to Shedd officials. This litter includes items such as grocery bags, takeout containers, and cigarette butts, which can entangle aquatic wildlife or be mistaken for food. To address this issue, Shedd Aquarium has urged the public to refuse single-use plastic items, such as bottles, bags, cups, containers, and cutlery, and instead opt for reusable alternatives. They also encourage people to support businesses that offer plastic-free options.
The aquarium has also advocated for policy change at the city level, joining forces with organisations like the Illinois Environmental Council, the Field Museum, and the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Together, they introduced a Chicago city ordinance aimed at reducing single-use plastics, eliminating dangerous polystyrene, and protecting public health. This ordinance recognises that plastic pollution is a pervasive problem in Chicago's waterways and the Great Lakes, threatening both human and wildlife health.
Shedd Aquarium provides specific actions that individuals can take to reduce their plastic consumption. They suggest offering guests reusable beverage cups, plates, and cutlery when hosting parties and using reusable containers for leftovers. They also encourage people to join their beach cleanups and habitat restoration efforts, such as the Great Lakes Day of Action and Kayak for Conservation. Additionally, Shedd Aquarium recommends contacting elected officials, local businesses, and the community to advocate for a plastic-free future and sharing these steps with family and friends to create a collective impact.
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Frequently asked questions
The Chicago Blue Cart Program accepts plastic bottles and containers with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. Number 6 plastics (polystyrene or Styrofoam) are not accepted.
LDPE stands for Low-Density Polyethylene, a flexible plastic that is considered less toxic than other forms of plastic. However, it is not typically recycled. Products made with LDPE include shrink wrap, dry cleaner garment bags, shopping bags, and furniture.
Plastic shopping bags should be brought back to retailers for recycling.
Chicago recycles glass jars and bottles, aluminium cans, tin or steel cans, cardboard, paper, and beverage cartons. Hazardous materials such as batteries, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fluorescent bulbs should not be placed in recycling containers.
