Ethan Clarke
Plastic containers should be empty and rinsed clean of residue before being placed in the recycling bin. While a little organic matter is acceptable, large chunks of food or liquid left in containers can contaminate an entire pickup of recyclables. This is because food rots and can cause mould and bacteria to grow, creating a health hazard for workers at the recycling facility. Liquids and food remnants can also contaminate other recycled materials they come into contact with. While recycling facilities do wash plastic containers, if they are too dirty, they may be rejected or thrown out as it is more economical to do so.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liquids | Empty all liquids from the containers |
| Food residue | No large chunks of food; a little organic matter is okay |
| Cleaning | Rinse with water; scrub sticky substances; wipe oily parts |
| Paper products | Mostly clean; no wet and mouldy paper |
| Plastic bags | Clean and dry |
| Aluminium cans | Empty of liquids |
| Aerosol cans | Must be completely empty |
| Aluminium foil | If it's not clean, leave it out |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic containers must be empty, with no food or liquid left inside
Liquids and food left in plastic containers can contaminate not only items in your recycling cart but also any other recycled materials they come in contact with. While a dollop of mayonnaise left in a jar or a swig of soda at the bottom of a bottle might not make a huge difference, the cumulative effect can ruin otherwise perfect recyclable items. Instead of being recycled, contaminated items will likely end up in a landfill.
According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), recycling supplies 40% of the raw material needs of American manufacturers. It can be nearly impossible for Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to sell materials to manufacturers at market value or at all if they don't meet strict quality standards that limit contamination, including food and liquids.
While guidelines vary by location, a general rule is that plastic containers should be empty, with no food or liquid left inside. A quick rinse is more than adequate, and you don't need to scrub containers with soap before recycling. A few spots won't likely hinder the process, but if the residue is sticky, you may need to use a scrub brush or scraper to remove more of the product.
In Chicago, recycling pickup crews will sometimes tag carts if they see obvious issues like containers filled with food or liquids. However, there is conflicting information, with some sources stating that recyclables do not need to be perfectly clean and that a little organic matter is okay. It is best to check your local guidelines for specific instructions.
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A quick rinse is enough, no need to scrub
It is important to keep your recyclables clean and dry to ensure they are successfully recycled. Liquids and food left in containers can contaminate not only items in your recycling cart but also any other recycled materials they come in contact with. While a dollop of mayonnaise left in a jar or a swig of soda at the bottom of a bottle might not make a huge difference, imagine if everyone in your neighborhood did the same thing. The cumulative effect can ruin otherwise perfect recyclable items.
So, how clean is clean enough? As a general rule, a quick rinse is more than adequate. You don't need to scrub containers with soap before recycling, and a few spots won't likely hinder the process. Simply fill the container with water and swish the water around inside vigorously. If you have just finished washing the dishes, you can use the leftover dishwater just before you drain it. If the residue is sticky, like jelly or honey, you may need to use a scrub brush or scraper to remove more of the product.
It's also important to keep in mind that guidelines can vary by location, so be sure to check your local recycling guidelines. For example, in Chicago, recycling pickup crews will sometimes tag carts if they see containers filled with food or liquids, or if recyclables are placed in plastic bags. However, according to Chris Goodwin, Communications Manager for a local recycling center in Minneapolis, recyclables will not be rejected if they're dirty, and food residue left on recyclables does not affect whether the item can be recycled.
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Sticky substances should be removed with a brush or spatula
When it comes to recycling plastic containers, it is essential to ensure that they are adequately cleaned to prevent contamination. While a few spots or a small amount of organic matter are generally acceptable, large chunks of food, especially sticky substances, should be removed as much as possible.
Sticky substances, such as jelly, honey, or peanut butter, can be challenging to remove from plastic containers. The best tools for the job are a brush, preferably a scrub brush, or a spatula, ideally a rubber spatula. These tools can effectively scrape and dislodge the sticky residue, ensuring that the container is as clean as possible.
Using a brush or spatula is a more targeted and thorough approach than simply rinsing with water. The brush's bristles or the spatula's edge can reach into the corners and crevices of the container, dislodging any stubborn residue. This additional step ensures that the plastic container is not just visually clean but also free from any sticky substances that could potentially cause issues during the recycling process.
It is worth noting that while a quick rinse may be adequate for some recyclables, taking the time to address sticky substances with a brush or spatula is crucial. This extra effort helps to maintain the integrity of the recycling process and ensures that your plastic containers can be successfully recycled without risking contamination.
By removing sticky substances with a brush or spatula, you are not only improving the chances of successful recycling but also contributing to a more sustainable future. This simple step can make a significant impact on the overall recyclability of plastic containers and is well worth the minor inconvenience.
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Plastic bags must be clean and dry to be recycled
It is important to keep your plastic bags clean and dry for them to be recycled. Wet or dirty plastic bags can contaminate an entire bale of plastic, making it non-recyclable. This is because of something called commingling, the single-stream method behind both curbside and commercial recycling. Liquids and food left in containers can contaminate not only items in your recycling cart but also any other recycled materials they come in contact with.
Although a little organic matter is okay, it is best to ensure that your plastic bags are empty and do not contain large chunks of food, especially if they will get dried up and hard, making the container difficult to clean. If your plastic bags contain sticky substances, it is best to wipe them out before washing them.
To wash your plastic bags, fill them with warm soapy water and give them a shake. This will usually be enough to get them ready for recycling. You can also use leftover dishwashing water just before you drain it. If the residue is particularly sticky, you may need to use a scrub brush or scraper to remove it.
Once you have washed your plastic bags, be sure to let them dry before placing them in the bin with your other recyclables. Most cities do not accept plastic bags at the curb, so you will need to take them to a grocery store that offers plastic bag recycling or get a membership to a local curbside service.
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Paper products can be recycled if they are mostly clean
When it comes to recycling, it is important to ensure that your items are clean and dry. While a little organic matter is typically acceptable, large chunks of food or heavily soiled items can render the entire batch non-recyclable. This is because contaminants can ruin the recycling process, and recycling facilities have strict quality standards that limit contamination.
Paper products, in particular, should be mostly clean in order to be recycled. This means no cheese-covered pizza boxes, but a small oil stain is generally acceptable. Paper products with food stains or waste on them, such as takeaway cartons or used paper towels, should not be placed in the recycling bin. Wet or mouldy paper should also be avoided, as it can cause issues during the recycling process.
To recycle paper products effectively, it is recommended to separate them from food and drink containers to keep them clean. Additionally, shredded paper should not be placed directly into the recycling bin, as it can blow away and cause littering. Instead, check with your local council or recycling provider for guidelines on how to recycle shredded paper. Some areas may accept shredded paper in the green garden waste bin for composting.
It is worth noting that not all paper products are recyclable. For example, tissue paper, hand towels, kitchen roll, and toilet roll are typically made from already recycled paper, so their fibres are too small to be recycled again. Greaseproof paper, also known as parchment paper or freezer paper, is coated with silicone and therefore cannot be recycled with regular paper. Wrapping paper is often not recyclable, especially if it has a shiny or laminated coating.
To determine if a piece of coloured paper can be recycled, you can try ripping it. If the paper is white in the middle, it is generally recyclable. Newspapers, magazines, and brown paper bags that are not contaminated with food waste can be recycled.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic containers should be empty, rinsed, and free of large chunks of food. A quick rinse is usually enough to clean the containers, and you don't need to scrub them with soap. However, sticky substances like honey or jelly may require a scrub brush or scraper. It's important to ensure that the containers are dry before placing them in the recycling bin.
If plastic containers are not clean enough, they can contaminate an entire pickup of recyclables. This is known as "commingling" in the single-stream recycling process. Contamination can also reduce the value of recycled materials, making it harder to sell them to manufacturers. As a result, contaminated items may end up in landfills.
To clean plastic containers for recycling, you can fill them with warm soapy water and shake the container. For sticky substances, it's best to wipe them out first. You can also use leftover dishwashing water to rinse the containers. Make sure to dry the containers before placing them in the recycling bin.
