Omar Khalid
Plastic recycling in New Jersey is a complex issue. While the state has made efforts to improve its recycling infrastructure, with counties investing in advanced sorting machines, some types of plastic remain challenging to recycle. This is where the plastic numbering system comes into play, with #1 and #2 plastics being widely accepted in curbside recycling, while #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 plastics are often rejected. The market demand for these plastics has decreased since 2018 due to China's National Sword policy, which restricted the importation of recyclables. As a result, residents must take extra care to separate their recyclables and ensure they are free from food and liquid waste, which can increase costs for recycling centers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic #6 recyclable in NJ | No |
| Other non-recyclable plastics in NJ | #3, #4, #5, #7 |
| Recyclable plastics in NJ | #1, #2 |
| Plastic bags recyclable in curbside recycling containers | No |
| Plastic bags recyclable in drop-off sites | Yes |
| Plastic bags as contaminants | Yes |
| Plastic bags interfere with | Mechanical recycling process |
| Plastic bags cause | Slow-downs, stoppages, potential damage to recycling processing equipment |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags cannot be recycled in curbside recycling containers
In New Jersey, plastic bags cannot be recycled in curbside recycling containers. They are considered the most problematic contaminant found in the curbside recycling mix. Plastic bags interfere with the mechanical recycling process by causing slowdowns, stoppages, and potential damage to recycling processing equipment at the recycling processing facility. They often get stuck in the machinery, requiring workers to shut down the machines and remove the bags manually, resulting in a waste of time, money, and material.
However, plastic bags can be recycled separately at designated locations. Many supermarkets and big-box stores have containers available for customers to recycle plastic bags. For example, Trex, one of the largest recyclers of plastic bags, uses recycled plastic bags to create composite lumber for decks, fences, and other outdoor uses. A 500-square-foot composite Trex deck contains approximately 140,000 recycled plastic bags.
It is important to note that the recyclability of certain plastics in New Jersey has changed over time. In 2018, China implemented the National Sword policy, restricting the importation of recyclables, including plastics #4, #5, and #7, which were previously recycled largely through markets outside the USA. As a result, these types of plastics are now rarely recycled and often end up in landfills. However, there are still strong domestic markets for plastics #1 (soda bottles, water bottles) and #2 (milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles), which make up most plastic containers in the waste stream.
While New Jersey does not send recyclables to landfills as much as possible, recycling facilities face challenges due to the high cost of recycling certain materials. The city's sanitation budget may not always be sufficient to cover the cost of recycling plastic. Additionally, the end market specifications for recycled materials have tightened, making non-recyclable items in curbside containers a bigger problem for facilities that separate and process these materials. As a result, residents are now required to rinse their containers before placing them in the curbside recycling container to meet the higher standards of the purchasing end markets.
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Plastic bags can be recycled at drop-off sites
Plastic bags cannot be recycled in your residential curbside container in New Jersey. They are considered a contaminant in single-stream residential recycling and can cause slowdowns, stoppages, and potential damage to recycling processing equipment. However, plastic bags can be recycled at specific drop-off sites.
Several supermarkets and big-box stores in New Jersey provide containers for customers to recycle plastic bags. These include select stores such as Walmart, Acme, Stop and Shop, Kohl's, ShopRite, Target, and Lowe's. These stores accept plastic film, including bags, for recycling.
It is important to ensure that any plastic bags being recycled are clean and dry to prevent food or product residue from contaminating the recycling process. Additionally, it is worth noting that the market for certain types of plastics, such as #4, #5, and #7 plastics, has decreased significantly due to restrictions on importation implemented by China in 2018.
As a result, some plastics that were previously recycled are now ending up in landfills. However, there are still strong domestic markets for plastics #1 (soda bottles, water bottles) and #2 (milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles), which make up most plastic containers. So, while it may be more challenging to recycle certain types of plastics, it is encouraging that plastic bags can be responsibly disposed of at designated drop-off locations in New Jersey.
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Plastic containers with #1 or #2 can be recycled
Plastic containers with #1 or #2 on the bottom can be recycled in New Jersey. These typically include soda bottles, water bottles, milk jugs, and laundry detergent bottles. However, it's important to note that the recycling guidelines may vary slightly depending on the specific county within New Jersey. For instance, in Camden County, residents are instructed to only place plastic bottles and jars with #1 or #2 on the bottom into their curbside recycling containers. Additionally, all containers must be emptied and rinsed thoroughly to remove food and drink residue.
It's worth mentioning that other types of plastics, such as #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7, are generally not recyclable in New Jersey and should be placed in the regular trash. This is due to the lack of domestic markets for these plastics and the restrictions on importing recyclables imposed by other countries.
It's important to properly dispose of plastic bags as well. Plastic bags cannot be placed in curbside recycling containers as they can clog the recycler's sorting systems and cause damage to the equipment. However, they can be recycled at designated drop-off sites throughout the state, including in Union County and many supermarkets and big box stores.
To ensure effective recycling, it is recommended to separate recyclables and non-recyclables properly. This includes removing non-recyclable caps and lids from containers and rinsing out containers to remove any food or liquid residue. By following these guidelines, residents of New Jersey can play their part in reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.
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Plastic containers with #3, #4, #5, #6, or #7 cannot be recycled
Plastic containers with the numbers #3, #4, #5, #6, or #7 cannot be recycled in some places, including New Jersey, due to various reasons, such as market restrictions and contamination issues. These non-recyclable plastics often end up in landfills or require special recycling procedures.
In Camden County, New Jersey, plastic containers with #4, #5, and #7 are no longer accepted for recycling. This change is implemented statewide and is due to the National Sword policy implemented by China in 2018, which restricted the importation of recyclables. As a result, the markets for these plastic types have diminished, and they often leave recycling facilities as trash. Additionally, #4, #5, and #7 plastics contribute to food waste contamination in the "Single Stream" mix, affecting the quality of cardboard and paper recycled.
Plastic bags, commonly made from resin code #2 or #4, are also non-recyclable in curbside recycling containers in Camden County, New Jersey. They can contaminate the recycling process and cause damage to equipment. However, they can be recycled through specific programs, often found in supermarkets and grocery stores.
While some places may not recycle #3, #4, #5, #6, or #7 plastics, it is essential to check with local recycling guidelines, as the recyclability of these plastics can vary by location. For example, Jersey City, New Jersey, accepts #5 plastics for recycling, while Camden County does not.
To reduce potential health risks, it is advisable to avoid using plastic containers marked with #3, #6, or #7, especially when microwaving food or beverages. These plastics may contain bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor, or other potentially harmful substitutes.
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Plastic containers must be rinsed before recycling
In New Jersey, it is important to rinse plastic containers before placing them in your recycling container. This is because end markets for recyclables have tightened their standards for the recyclables they purchase, and the presence of moisture from food and liquid waste in containers has become a more pressing issue. For this reason, residents are being asked to empty and rinse containers fully before placing them in the curbside recycling container.
It is worth noting that the change in recycling regulations is not unique to Camden County, but is being implemented across the state of New Jersey. While it may be tempting to simply wash containers with soap and water before recycling, this is not necessary. A quick rinse is usually more than enough to ensure that your plastic containers are ready for recycling. This is because a few spots of residue are unlikely to hinder the recycling process.
It is also important to note that not all plastic containers can be recycled in New Jersey. The recycling of plastic containers numbered #4, #5, and #7 was largely dependent on markets outside the USA. However, in 2018, China, which received most of these plastics, implemented a policy known as the National Sword, which resulted in greater restrictions on the importation of recyclables of any kind. As a result, these plastics are now almost never recycled and should be placed in trash receptacles.
The plastics that are still recycled in New Jersey include #1 (soda bottles, water bottles, etc.) and #2 (milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, etc.), which make up most plastic containers in the waste stream. It is also important to remember that plastic bags cannot be recycled in residential curbside containers as they are considered the most problematic contaminant found in the curbside recycling mix. They can, however, be recycled at many supermarkets and big-box stores that have containers available for customers to recycle plastic bags.
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Frequently asked questions
Only #1 and #2 plastics should be placed in the recycling container in New Jersey. Any other type of plastic, including #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 plastics, should be thrown in the regular trash.
The recycling of #4, #5, and #7 plastics was largely dependent on markets outside the USA. However, in 2018, China implemented a policy known as the National Sword, which resulted in greater restrictions on the importation of recyclables. As a result, these plastics often leave recycling facilities as trash and end up in landfills.
Curbside recyclers will reject bins with food waste, takeout food containers, plastic or foam egg cartons, dishware, glass, mirrors, paper towels, clothes hangers, flower pots, video tapes, pots and pans, light bulbs, batteries, hoses, shredded paper, syringes, and other medical waste.
No, plastic bags cannot be recycled in residential curbside containers in New Jersey as they are considered a contaminant. However, plastic bags can be recycled at designated drop-off sites, such as supermarkets and big box stores.
