Sofia Martinez
Denver has three waste bin options for residents: green for compost, black for landfill trash, and purple for recycling. While Denver makes it easy for residents to recycle most household plastic packaging, there are some types of plastic that cannot be recycled. For example, Denver Recycles does not take plastic bags, but pizza boxes are okay. Plastic bags, wraps, and utensils are too small or flimsy for Denver's sorting facilities. Plastic containers with the numbers 1 through 7 are accepted for recycling in Denver, but higher numbers (especially 7, which means other) are less likely to be processed and will likely end up in a landfill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags | Not accepted for recycling, drop off at supermarkets instead |
| Plastic film | Not accepted for curbside recycling, use a service like Ridewell |
| Plastic containers | Accepted if rigid, clean, dry, and marked with a number 1-7 |
| Plastic utensils | Not accepted, too small and flimsy |
| Plastic bottles and jugs | Accepted if clean, dry, and marked with a recycling symbol 1-7 |
| Plastic wrap | Not accepted, try to reuse |
| Plastic sandwich and freezer bags | Not accepted, try to reuse |
| Plastic bubble wrap | Not accepted, try to reuse |
| Plastic grocery bags | Not accepted, some local grocery stores may take them |
| Plastic bags containing produce | Accepted if the edges are wavy when torn |
| Plastic bags containing dry goods like bread, apples, carrots, and pears | Accepted |
| Plastic caps | Accepted if put back on their respective containers |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic bags and plastic film are not accepted in curbside recycling
- Plastic containers with recycling symbols 1-7 are accepted
- Plastic containers must be rigid, empty, and have their lids removed
- Plastic bags can be dropped off at supermarkets
- Plastic containers with food residue are considered contaminated and are not accepted
Plastic bags and plastic film are not accepted in curbside recycling
Denver Recycles accepts most household plastic packaging, including rigid or hard plastic containers like bottles, jugs, jars, tubs, cups, and trays, marked with a number 1 through 7. However, plastic bags and plastic film are not accepted in curbside recycling in Denver.
Plastic bags and plastic film are not recyclable curbside due to their lightweight and flexible nature. These items can tangle in the gears of recycling trucks and get caught in sorting equipment, causing delays and safety hazards. They can also contaminate other recyclables, such as paper, reducing their quality and value. As a result, plastic bags and film should be kept separate from other recyclables and not placed in purple bins.
While plastic bags and film are not accepted in Denver's curbside recycling program, there are alternative options for responsible disposal and recycling. Many retail and grocery stores have collection bins at their locations, and some large retailers accept plastic film packaging for recycling. Additionally, residents can reuse plastic bags multiple times before recycling them at designated drop-off locations, such as the Drop-Off Station (DOS) in Ann Arbor.
It is important to note that not all plastic items with a Resin Identification Code (RIC) of 1 through 7 are recyclable in Denver. The presence of these numbers does not guarantee local recyclability, and other characteristics, such as rigidity, play a role. For example, while plastic grocery bags and rigid plastic milk jugs may share the same RIC, only the jug can be recycled in Denver's purple carts.
To summarize, plastic bags and plastic film should be kept out of Denver's curbside recycling bins to prevent equipment issues and contamination. Alternative disposal methods, such as retail store collection bins and designated drop-off locations, are recommended to responsibly recycle these materials. Additionally, residents are encouraged to reduce and reuse plastics before recycling, opting for reusable or paper bags whenever possible.
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Plastic containers with recycling symbols 1-7 are accepted
Denver Recycles provides residents with purple carts or bins for their recyclables. To recycle plastic containers, residents are instructed to ensure that the containers are empty and that any lids are removed. The containers must be made of rigid plastic and bear one of the recycling symbols 1-7.
Plastic bags, wraps, and utensils are generally not accepted in Denver's purple bins as they are too small or flimsy for the city's sorting facilities. Instead, residents are encouraged to reuse these items or switch to reusable alternatives. Plastic bags can also be taken to local grocery stores for recycling.
Other items that cannot be recycled in Denver's purple bins include plastic wrap, sandwich bags, freezer bags, bubble wrap, and compostable or PLA plastic. It is important to check the Denver Recycles website for detailed information on accepted plastics, as the recyclability of an item depends on various factors beyond the recycling symbol.
Denver Recycles accepts a range of other materials for recycling, including glass bottles and jars, aluminum and tin cans, cardboard boxes, and paper products such as newspapers, magazines, and pizza boxes (as long as they are free of excessive grease and food residue).
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Plastic containers must be rigid, empty, and have their lids removed
In Denver, plastic containers with a recycling symbol of 1 through 7 are accepted for recycling. However, it's important to note that not all plastics with these symbols are recyclable in Denver. The key things to remember are that plastic containers must be rigid, empty, and have their lids removed before placing them in the purple recycling bins.
Rigid plastic containers, such as bottles, jugs, jars, tubs, cups, and trays, are accepted for recycling in Denver. These containers must be hard plastic and cannot be easily crumpled up by hand. This distinction is important because many plastic bags and wraps are not accepted by Denver's recycling facilities due to their small size and flimsiness.
When preparing plastic containers for recycling, it is essential to ensure they are empty and free of any food residue. While they don't need to be spotless, most of the residue should be removed to avoid contamination. Lids and caps from plastic containers should also be removed and placed back on their respective containers. Large metal lids from glass containers can be recycled separately.
It's worth noting that plastic bags, plastic film, and some plastic containers, such as those marked as "compostable" or "PLA," are not accepted for recycling in Denver. These items should be dropped off at designated locations like supermarkets or recycling centres. Additionally, items like plastic utensils, straws, coffee stirrers, and plastic wrap are not recyclable and should be reused or replaced with sustainable alternatives whenever possible.
To summarise, when recycling plastic containers in Denver, ensure they are rigid, empty, clean, have the appropriate recycling symbol (1-7), and that lids and caps are removed. By following these guidelines, residents can effectively recycle plastic containers and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Plastic bags can be dropped off at supermarkets
Plastic bags are not accepted in Denver's purple recycling bins. They are the biggest recycling contaminant in Denver, and loose bags from grocery stores are generally not accepted.
However, plastic bags can be recycled at some supermarkets. It is recommended to find a local grocery store that accepts plastic bags for recycling.
In Denver, plastic containers with recycling symbols 1-7 are accepted for recycling. These include shampoo bottles, plastic tubs, to-go plastic cups, and milk jugs. However, it is important to ensure that these containers are empty, clean, and dry, with most food residue removed to avoid contamination. Lids and caps should be put back on their respective containers, and metal lids can be recycled separately.
Other items that can be recycled in Denver include cardboard boxes, pizza boxes (if free of excessive grease and food residue), newspapers, magazines, glass bottles and jars (rinse and remove labels and lids), aluminum cans (rinse and remove food residue), and tin cans (clean thoroughly).
It is important to note that plastic film, such as grocery bags, shipping packages, and salad bags, is not accepted for curbside recycling in Denver and should be dropped off at designated locations. Some national services, like Ridewell, may be available in Denver to help recycle plastic film. Additionally, some local stores may accept clean beauty and skincare product empties for recycling.
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Plastic containers with food residue are considered contaminated and are not accepted
Denver makes it easy for residents to recycle most household plastic packaging. The city provides purple carts for the collection of recyclable materials. However, it is important to note that not all plastics are accepted in these carts. Plastic bags, for instance, are not recyclable in Denver's purple carts and should be dropped off at supermarkets or other designated locations instead.
When it comes to plastic containers with food residue, it is crucial to understand that they are considered contaminated and are not accepted in Denver's recycling program. Food residue can contaminate the entire batch of recyclables, reducing the quality of the newly recycled materials. Even small traces of food residue can attract vermin and insects, causing issues during the recycling process. Therefore, it is recommended to rinse plastic containers before placing them in the purple carts. A simple rinse with hot water is usually sufficient to remove any food residue. For oily or sticky containers, a quick scrub with soapy water is recommended.
It is important to check the local waste management guidelines, as different areas have different recycling rules. In Denver, rigid or hard plastic containers marked with a number 1 through 7 inside a triangle are accepted for recycling. These containers must be empty, with lids removed, and free from any food residue. A quick rinse or scrub ensures that the containers are ready for the recycling process and helps maintain the quality of recycled materials.
While Denver encourages the recycling of plastic containers, it is important to remember that not all plastics are recyclable. Some types of plastic, such as #3 (PVC), #4 (LDPE), #5 (PP), and #7 (Other), may not always be recyclable through curbside programs. These plastics may require specific facilities for processing. Additionally, plastic wrap and film packaging, commonly used for meat, are generally not recyclable through curbside recycling and should be handled through drop-off programs or specialist facilities.
To summarize, plastic containers with food residue are not accepted in Denver's recycling program. By rinsing or scrubbing these containers before placing them in the purple carts, residents can ensure that their recyclables are contaminant-free and ready for processing. It is important to refer to local guidelines and stay informed about the types of plastics accepted for recycling in Denver.
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Frequently asked questions
Denver Recycles accepts rigid plastic containers (like bottles, jugs, jars, tubs, cups and trays) marked with a number 1 through 7. These containers must be empty, clean and dry, with any lids removed.
Denver Recycles does not accept plastic bags, plastic film, utensils, straws, coffee stirrers, and plastic wrap. These items are too small or flimsy for Denver's sorting facilities.
Denver Recycles also accepts newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, pizza boxes (with no excessive grease and food residue), glass bottles and jars, aluminium cans, tin cans, aerosol cans, and paper cups and cartons.
