Omar Khalid
In Washington, DC, residents benefit from the convenience of single-stream recycling, which means that all recyclable items go into one bin. However, the city has specific guidelines for what can and cannot be recycled. Plastic #7, which includes items like milk crates, plastic buckets, and toys, is recyclable in DC. On the other hand, plastic bags, wraps, and films are not accepted in the city's residential recycling program. DC's recycling guidelines are part of its efforts to achieve its waste diversion goals and promote sustainable waste management.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic #7 products | iPods, computer cases, baby bottles, food storage containers, milk/soda crates, plastic buckets with metal handles, plastic laundry baskets, plastic lawn furniture, plastic totes, plastic drums, plastic coolers, plastic flower pots, plastic drinking cups/glasses, plastic 5-gallon water bottles, plastic pallets, and plastic toys |
| Recyclability in DC | Recyclable |
| Plastic bags, wraps, and films | Not accepted in DC's residential recycling program, but can be recycled at local retailers |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic #7 includes polycarbonate plastics and BPA
Plastic #7 is a catch-all term for all plastics that do not fit into the other categories of plastics #1 through #6. Plastic #7 includes polycarbonate plastics, which contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a highly toxic chemical linked to obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems in foetuses and children. Polycarbonate is a clear, rigid plastic often marked with #7 PC and is commonly found in baby bottles, plastic tableware, water storage containers, food can liners, and other plastic food packaging. While polycarbonate is FDA-approved for food use, it is not recyclable and is considered unsafe due to the presence of BPA.
It is important to note that not all #7 plastics are toxic or contain BPA. For example, Tritan plastic is a type of #7 plastic that is BPA-free and made without using any bisphenols. Other BPA-free alternatives to polycarbonate include acrylic, SAN/NAS, polypropylene, melamine, and PLA compostable plastic blends. These plastics are used in various products such as plastic glasses, dishes, and biodegradable bio-plastics made from cornstarch and compostable blends.
When it comes to recycling, #7 plastics are more difficult to recycle and are generally not collected in public programs. However, some #7 plastics, such as those used in milk/soda crates, plastic buckets, laundry baskets, lawn furniture, and toys, are recyclable in certain locations like Washington, DC. To make informed choices, it is essential to check the recycling symbols and plastic recycling codes on products, especially for items like baby bottles and food storage containers.
To avoid BPA-containing plastic products, consumers can look for products labelled as "BPA-free" or choose alternatives made from materials like acrylic, SAN/NAS, Tritan, polypropylene, or melamine. By familiarizing themselves with the different types of plastics and their potential health and environmental impacts, individuals can make more informed choices to protect their health and reduce their environmental footprint.
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Plastic #7 products are recyclable in DC
In Washington, DC, Plastic #7 products are accepted for recycling. Plastic #7 is essentially "what's not plastic 1-6", including polycarbonate plastics and BPA.
DC's recycling guidelines provide a comprehensive list of items that can be recycled, and Plastic #7 is included on this list. This category of plastic includes common products such as iPods, computer cases, baby bottles, and food storage containers. Additionally, Plastic #7 is used for milk and soda crates, plastic buckets with metal handles, plastic laundry baskets, plastic lawn furniture, plastic totes, plastic drums, plastic coolers, plastic flower pots, plastic drinking cups, plastic 5-gallon water bottles, plastic pallets, and plastic toys. All of these items are accepted for recycling in DC.
The District of Columbia has shown a strong commitment to recycling and waste reduction. The Mayor's List of Recyclables and Compostables, which came into effect on January 1, 2018, mandates that all residential and commercial properties, including multi-family dwellings, offices, and restaurants, must recycle a comprehensive list of materials. This uniform set of requirements simplifies the recycling process for DC residents and businesses. The goal is to divert 80% of citywide waste from landfills and waste-to-energy facilities by 2032, as outlined in the Sustainable DC plan.
To ensure effective recycling, it is important to keep certain guidelines in mind. Recyclables should be placed directly into blue bins without using plastic bags. Plastic bags, wraps, and films are not accepted in DC's recycling program due to their tendency to clog and halt recycling equipment. However, many supermarkets and large retailers provide plastic bag recycling bins, offering an alternative for their disposal. It is also important to ensure that all recyclable items are clean and empty.
By following these guidelines and properly recycling Plastic #7 products, residents of Washington, DC, can contribute to the city's waste reduction goals and promote a more sustainable future.
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Plastic bags are no longer accepted in DC's residential recycling
The District of Columbia (DC) has made changes to its recycling policies to make the process easier and work towards its "zero waste" goals. As part of this, plastic bags, wraps, and films of any colour, size, or shape are no longer accepted in DC's residential recycling. This is because they tend to clog and halt recycling facility equipment, causing downtime and creating safety hazards for employees.
The District asks that recyclables be placed directly into blue bins without being placed in plastic bags first. Residents are advised to pass their plastic bags on to neighbours with dogs or to drop them off at their local supermarket, as most supermarkets and large retailers have plastic shopping bag return/recycling bins in their stores.
DC's standardised list of recyclable items, which came into effect on January 1, 2018, has expanded to include items such as pizza boxes, paper and plastic plates, cups, lids, and to-go containers, as well as plastic produce, deli/bakery containers, and trays. The District now joins a select group of cities that accept foodservice packaging for recycling.
While plastic bags are no longer accepted in residential recycling, DC does recycle Plastic #7, which includes polycarbonate plastics and BPA. Common products made from Plastic #7 include iPods, computer cases, baby bottles, food storage containers, milk/soda crates, plastic buckets with metal handles, plastic lawn furniture, and toys.
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DC has a goal of diverting 80% of waste from landfills by 2032
The District of Columbia (DC) has set a goal of diverting 80% of its waste from landfills and incinerators by 2032. This target is part of the city's commitment to establishing zero-waste infrastructure and reducing its environmental impact. The Sustainable DC Plan, released in 2013, outlined this goal, and the city has been working towards it ever since.
To achieve this ambitious target, DC has implemented various initiatives and programs. One key focus has been on improving the management of organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings. The city has introduced curbside yard waste pickup and farmer's market food waste drop-offs in all eight wards, which have been well-received by residents. Additionally, DC has also launched a curbside composting pilot program for single-family households, which has shown promising early results in diverting food waste from landfills.
Another aspect of DC's strategy is the expansion of its recycling program. The Mayor's List of Recyclables and Compostables, which came into effect in 2018, standardized the items that should be recycled across the city. This list includes materials such as plastic containers, paper products, and metal items. However, it's important to note that certain plastics, like plastic bags and Styrofoam, are not accepted in DC's recycling program due to the risk of clogging facility equipment.
Despite these efforts, achieving the 80% waste diversion goal by 2032 may be challenging. A 2022 report indicated that the citywide waste diversion rate was estimated at only 16.11% for 2018. Additionally, the city's growing population will contribute to an increase in solid waste generation, making the goal even more difficult to attain. As a result, DC is re-evaluating its timeline and strategies to determine the most effective path toward achieving its zero-waste ambitions.
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Plastic #6 is not recyclable in DC
In Washington, DC, Plastic #6, or polystyrene/Styrofoam, is not accepted as part of the residential recycling program. This is because there is some evidence that Plastic #6 leaches potentially toxic chemicals, especially when heated.
However, there are still ways to recycle Styrofoam in DC. If you have packaging materials such as styrofoam peanuts, you can drop them off at a Mailbox Etc store for recycling. You can also try a local list serv or Freecycle DC.
DC has a goal of diverting 80% of its waste away from landfills and incineration by 2032. The District is asking all residents to comply with the Mayor's List of Recyclables, which came into effect on January 1, 2018, and includes a comprehensive list of recyclable and compostable materials. All residential and commercial properties are now required to recycle the full suite of materials on this list.
While the list of recyclables in DC has expanded in recent years, there are still some items that are not accepted. Plastic bags, wraps, and films are no longer accepted in DC's single-stream recycling as they tend to clog and halt recycling facility equipment. Residents are asked to place recyclables directly into blue bins, not placed in plastic bags first. However, most supermarkets and large retailers accept plastic bags for recycling and have plastic shopping bag return/recycling bins in their stores.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic #7 is essentially “what's not plastic 1-6” including polycarbonate plastics and BPA. Common products include iPods, computer cases, baby bottles, and food storage containers.
Yes, DC residents can recycle Plastic #7.
Plastic #7 can be recycled in blue bins. DC residents are asked to place recyclables into their blue bins loose, or in paper bags.
DC has expanded its list of recyclable items, which now includes pizza boxes, paper and plastic plates, cups, lids, and to-go containers, plastic produce, deli/bakery containers, and trays.
