Chloe Zhang
Connecticut has had a mandatory recycling program in place since 1991, which applies to all residents, businesses, institutions, and government agencies. The state's recycling program includes glass, metal, and cardboard containers, as well as newspapers, magazines, and catalogs. However, it is unclear whether Connecticut recycles #2 plastic specifically. While the state's recycling program includes plastic containers, the plastic container code identifies resins by their chemical composition, not their recyclability. Additionally, some plastics, such as prescription drug containers and mini-plastic bottles, are non-recyclable and can damage sorting machines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Recycling in Connecticut | In effect since 1991 |
| Items required to be recycled | Glass food and beverage containers, metal food and beverage containers, newspapers, corrugated cardboard |
| Plastic container code | Identifies the seven thermoplastic resins by a number and abbreviation |
| Plastic container code denotation | Does not denote recyclability; identifies each resin by its chemical composition |
| Plastic bags | Not recyclable |
| Prescription drug containers | Not recyclable |
| Mini-plastic bottles | Not recyclable |
| Styrofoam | Not recyclable |
| Broken glass | Not recyclable |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic container code
It is important to note that the plastic container code does not indicate whether a product is recyclable. Instead, it identifies the chemical composition of the plastic resin. For example, PET, with the code 1, is one of the most widely recycled plastics and is often used for clear plastic bottles. It can be recycled into products such as polyester fabric and filling for cushions. HDPE, with the code 2, is another commonly recycled plastic used for items like milk bottles and plastic containers.
Other plastic codes include PVC (code 3), used for sewage pipes and synthetic window frames, LDPE (code 4), used for soft plastics like cling film, and PP (code 5), used for plastic furniture and car parts. Codes 6 and 7 represent polystyrene and "other plastics," respectively, and are more difficult to recycle.
While the state of Connecticut has a mandatory recycling program in place, it is important for residents to refer to local resources and their municipal recycling coordinator to understand the specific recyclables accepted in their area.
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Mandatory recycling
The state of Connecticut has taken several measures to promote recycling and reduce waste. For example, the Hartford recycling center accepts magazines and catalogues along with newsprint, as the newspaper mill they ship to uses this mix to produce new newsprint. Most of Connecticut's residentially-generated trash is sent to one of five Connecticut resource recovery facilities, where the trash is burned as fuel to generate electricity, with the resulting ash being buried in specially designed lined landfills.
The plastic container code identifies seven types of thermoplastic resins by a number and abbreviation. While the code does not indicate recyclability, it helps to identify each resin's chemical composition. The plastic industry designed this code with the hope that all plastics could eventually be recycled. Connecticut residents dispose of about 4 pounds of trash per person per day, with the rest being recycled. This means that each person sends about 3/4 ton of trash to be burned or buried each year.
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Non-recyclable items
While recycling plastic has specific benefits for the environment, not all plastic is widely recyclable. For example, plastic straws, knives, forks, spoons, cups, plates, and bowls are not recyclable because they are heavily contaminated with food and are made from low-value plastic resins. Plastic hazardous substance containers, such as automotive fluids, pesticides, and drain cleaners, are also not recyclable because they contain hazardous substances. Other non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper, polycarbonate, and cling film.
The recyclability of plastic types depends on how they are made. Thermoset plastics, such as epoxy, phenolic, unsaturated polyester, and urethane, contain polymers that form irreversible chemical bonds and cannot be recycled. On the other hand, thermoplastics can be re-melted and re-molded. While the plastic container code identifies the seven thermoplastic resins by a number and abbreviation, it does not indicate whether a plastic is recyclable.
In Connecticut, mandatory recycling has been in effect since 1991, and all municipalities have local ordinances requiring the recycling of certain items. However, it is not clear whether this includes plastic items. Each municipality is required to register all waste collectors/haulers working in their community, and collectors hauling solid waste, including recyclables, must register annually and disclose specific information.
To determine which plastics are accepted for recycling, businesses and individuals can check with their local municipal recycling coordinator, town hall, or Department of Public Works, as this may vary. Many towns also have websites that provide information on recycling.
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Plastic bags
In Connecticut, mandatory recycling has been in effect since 1991. This applies to every business, household, institution, and government agency. Each municipality is required to register all waste collectors/haulers working in their community. The list of current designated recyclable items includes:
- Glass food and beverage containers
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE, #1) plastic containers of three gallons or less
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE, #2) plastic containers of three gallons or less
- Metal food and beverage containers
- Newspapers
- Corrugated cardboard
- Boxboard
- Magazines
- Leaves
- Scrap metal
- Used motor oil
- Lead-acid batteries
- White office paper (households exempt)
- Residential white and colored paper/junk mail
- Grass clippings and nickel-cadmium batteries
The plastic container code identifies the seven thermoplastic resins by a number and an abbreviation. However, this code does not denote recyclability but identifies each resin by its chemical composition. The plastic industry designed the code with the hope that all plastics would ultimately be recycled.
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Plastic bottles
The "bottle bill" is a container deposit program that allows residents to redeem eligible beverage containers for a deposit value. Redemption centers are private businesses that work with distributors of carbonated beverages to redeem these containers. Retail outlets are also required to accept returns of the brands that they offer for sale. However, they are not required to accept bottles that contain foreign objects like cigarette butts.
The "bottle bill" has had a positive impact on recycling rates in Connecticut. Because the material is collected separately from other materials, it tends to be less contaminated and of higher quality. Additionally, the monetary value of the deposits encourages people to recycle or pick up litter, helping to reduce litter in public spaces.
It is important to note that the plastic container code, which identifies the seven thermoplastic resins by a number and abbreviation, does not indicate whether a plastic bottle can be recycled. The code merely identifies each resin by its chemical composition. For specific information on plastic bottle recycling in Connecticut, residents should contact their municipal recycling coordinator, town hall, or local Department of Public Works. Many towns also have websites with detailed information.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic container code identifies the seven thermoplastic resins by a number and an abbreviation. The code does not denote recyclability but the type of plastic. Plastics 3-7 can be recycled.
Cardboard and clear plastic egg containers can be recycled if they are clean.
Single-use plastic bags, Styrofoam, and prescription drug containers cannot be recycled.
The Mandatory Recycling Act has been in effect in Connecticut since January 1, 1991, and applies to every business, household, institution, and government agency.
