Sofia Martinez
Missoula has various options for recycling plastic. The city has a curbside recycling service, Republic Services, that accepts clean, dry, and empty plastic. The University of Montana also accepts plastics 1-7 for recycling. Additionally, Walmart Supercenter and Albertsons take plastic bags. However, it's important to note that Missoula's recycling business is still growing, and there may be limited options for certain types of plastics. To reduce plastic waste, it's recommended to purchase plastic-free or easily recyclable products and buy in bulk using reusable containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic recycling options in Missoula | Limited |
| Plastic accepted by Republic Services | Clear #1 PET (e.g. soda bottles), translucent #2 (e.g. milk jugs) |
| Plastic accepted by Precious Plastic Missoula | All plastic from university area residents until manufacturing process is in place |
| Plastic accepted by Walmart Supercenter, Missoula | Plastic bags |
| Plastic accepted by Albertsons, Belgrade | Plastic bags |
| Plastic accepted by University of Montana, Missoula Campus | Plastic 1-7 |
| Plastic accepted by Madison County, Norris | Plastic #1 & #2 |
| Plastic accepted by Sanders County, Noxon | Plastic #1 & #2 |
| Plastic accepted by Lake County, Pablo | Plastic #1 & #2 |
| Plastic accepted by Flathead County Solid Waste District, Big Fork | Plastic #1 & #2 |
| Plastic accepted by Gallatin Solid Waste Management District, Amsterdam/Churchill | Plastic #1 & #2 |
| Plastic accepted by Gallatin Solid Waste Management District, Belgrade | Plastic #1 & #2 |
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What You'll Learn
Where to recycle plastic in Missoula
Missoula has several options for recycling plastic. The main recycling business in Missoula is Republic Services, which accepts clean, dry, and empty plastic. The Republic Services Missoula Recycling Center is located at 3207 West Broadway in Missoula and can be contacted at 406-721-1120. This facility accepts plastic for recycling and has been in operation since 1971, processing over 13 million pounds of materials per year.
Another option for recycling plastic in Missoula is through the University of Montana, which accepts a wide range of recyclables, including plastics 1-7, electronics, clothing, furniture, books, and light bulbs.
Additionally, Walmart Supercenter in Missoula accepts plastic bags for recycling. Axmen Recycling, located at 9775 Summit Drive, also accepts batteries, metal, and auto fluids.
It is important to note that as of May 7, 2024, Pacific Steel and Recycling announced that it will no longer accept plastic due to economic reasons. However, they will continue to accept three grades of plastic.
When recycling plastic, it is important to ensure that the items are clean, dry, and free of any food residue or contaminants. This helps ensure that the plastic can be effectively recycled and does not end up in landfills.
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How to prepare plastic for recycling
Missoula has a variety of options for recycling plastic. The city has a forward-thinking community, with many residents actively engaged in recycling. The list of things that can be recycled in Missoula is long and includes plastic, cardboard, and aluminium cans. Missoula has set a goal of becoming Montana's first zero-waste community.
Republic Services Missoula Recycling Center on West Broadway accepts #1 plastics (e.g. soda bottles) and #2 plastics (e.g. milk jugs). They must be clean and dry before being compressed into bales for shipment to another processing facility. This facility has been operating since 1971 and processes over 13 million pounds of materials per year. It accepts recyclables from people outside of Missoula as well.
Pacific Steel & Recycling, located at 2600 Latimer, accepts all of Missoula's standard recyclables in its designated bins. Customers are responsible for sorting their materials and placing them in the corresponding marked bins. They also accept odd items for recycling, such as deer, elk, and moose hides and antlers, as well as various metals.
Precious Plastic Missoula is a group working on ways to collect discarded plastic, shred it into small pieces, and remold it. They are currently taking some plastic from university-area residents until they finalise their manufacturing process.
In addition to these options, Missoula offers curbside recycling services for glass and green waste, and residents can also arrange for curbside pickup of their recyclables or drop them off at a recycling centre.
- Check with your local recycling provider to learn what items they accept. Retail and grocery stores often accept plastic bags and plastic wrap/film for recycling.
- Separate different types of plastic, such as #1 and #2 plastics, and clear and translucent plastics.
- Remove lids, caps, and labels from containers.
- Clean containers thoroughly to remove food residue and ensure they are dry.
- Cut off sealable zippers from plastic bags before recycling.
- Avoid recycling compostable plastics with non-compostable plastics to prevent contamination. Check with your local garbage/recycling company or government for compostable plastic drop-off locations if your community does not have a composting program.
- Choose products with easily recyclable plastics, such as clear #1 PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or translucent #2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene).
- Reduce your purchase of plastics that cannot be recycled.
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Types of plastic accepted by Missoula recycling centres
Missoula has several recycling centres that accept different types of plastic. Here is a list of the recycling centres and the types of plastic they accept:
Republic Services Missoula Recycling Center
The Republic Services Missoula Recycling Center accepts clear #1 PET (e.g. clear soda bottles) and translucent #2 (e.g. milk jugs). They also accept other recyclables like cardboard, aluminium cans, and metals. This centre has been operating since 1971 and is located at 3207 West Broadway in Missoula.
Pacific Steel & Recycling
Pacific Steel & Recycling, located at 2600 Latimer, used to accept all of Missoula's standard recyclables in designated bins. However, as of May 7, 2024, they no longer accept plastic due to economic reasons. They continue to accept other recyclables, and customers are responsible for sorting their materials and placing them in the corresponding marked bins.
Walmart Supercenter, Missoula
Walmart Supercenter in Missoula accepts plastic bags for recycling.
Precious Plastic Missoula
Precious Plastic Missoula is a group working on collecting, shredding, and remoulding discarded plastic. They are currently taking some plastic from residents of the university area until they can finalise their manufacturing process.
It is important to note that when recycling plastic, it is crucial to ensure that the items are clean, dry, and empty to avoid contamination.
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Recycling options beyond official channels
Recycling options in Missoula are limited, and the market for recycled plastic is in flux. However, there are still ways to recycle plastic beyond official channels. One option is to join community groups such as Precious Plastic Missoula, which is working on ways to collect discarded plastic, shred it into small pieces, and remold it. The group is currently taking some plastic from residents of the university area.
Another way to recycle plastic beyond official channels is to practice responsible purchasing and consumption habits. This includes choosing plastic-free or reduced-plastic products, such as bamboo toothbrushes or products with easily recyclable plastic like clear #1 PET or translucent #2 HDPE. Buying in bulk using reusable containers such as glass, metal, or cloth can also reduce plastic waste.
Additionally, some retailers and businesses in Missoula offer unique recycling options. For example, Pierce Flooring & Cabinet Design Center accepts old carpets for recycling, and Axmen Recycling specializes in recycling automotive fluids and batteries.
Finally, electronics can be recycled for a fee at all Staples stores and during annual E-waste collection events. Certain brands of printers and similar electronic equipment can also be recycled for free at specific locations.
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Reducing plastic consumption
Missoula has a variety of options for recycling plastic, including the Republic Services Missoula Recycling Center, which accepts plastic for recycling and has been in operation since 1971. However, reducing plastic consumption is also important to minimize the negative impact of plastic on the environment. Here are some ways to reduce plastic consumption:
Understand your plastic consumption
Before reducing plastic consumption, it is helpful to understand how much plastic you are currently using. Take an inventory of the plastic items in your home and tally up the different types of plastic packaging used. This will give you a baseline to work from and help you identify areas where you can reduce plastic consumption.
Choose reusable options
Single-use plastic items, such as disposable coffee cups, straws, and carryout containers, contribute significantly to plastic waste. Opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. For example, carry a reusable coffee cup or flask, use a refillable water bottle, and bring your own containers for leftovers or takeout food. Reusable options are often more durable and environmentally friendly, and some coffee shops even offer discounts for customers who bring their own cups.
Buy in bulk and use reusable containers
Purchasing items in bulk with reusable containers can reduce the amount of plastic packaging waste. Glass, metal, cloth, or safe reusable plastic containers are great alternatives to single-use plastic packaging. Buying in bulk also reduces the overall amount of packaging required per unit of product.
Choose plastic-free or reduced-plastic products
Look for products that are plastic-free or have minimal plastic packaging. For example, choose a bamboo toothbrush over a plastic one or opt for products packaged in cardboard instead of plastic. You can also support companies that use recycled materials in their products to promote a more circular economy.
Reuse and recycle plastic items
If you must purchase plastic items, try to reuse them instead of immediately discarding them. For example, refill and reuse plastic bottles or find new purposes for plastic containers, such as using them for food storage or planting seedlings. When plastic items can no longer be reused, make sure to recycle them properly by checking with your local recycling program and ensuring that the items are clean and dry before placing them in the recycling bin.
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Frequently asked questions
Missoula has a few plastic recycling options. The Republic Services drop-off recycling center accepts clear #1 PET (e.g. clear soda bottles) and translucent #2 (e.g. milk jugs). The center also accepts plastic bags, but they must be clean, dry, and empty. Additionally, the University of Montana, Missoula, Campus accepts plastics 1-7 for recycling.
Ensure that your plastic items are clean, dry, and empty before recycling. Remove any lids or caps, and thoroughly clean containers. When recycling plastic bags, ensure they are free of food residue. Also, try to reduce your purchase of plastics that cannot be recycled.
Yes, Missoula offers recycling for various other materials, including cardboard, aluminum cans, glass, metals, paper, and electronics. The city also provides curbside compost pickup for organic waste and food scraps.
You can take your recyclables to the Republic Services Missoula Recycling Center on 3207 West Broadway. Another option is Pacific Steel & Recycling, located at 2600 Latimer, which accepts standard recyclables and some odd items. Axmen Recycling, located at 9775 Summit Dr, is another recycling center in Missoula.
Recycling at most of the centers in Missoula is free of charge. However, there may be fees for certain types of items, such as electronics, which can be recycled at Staples stores for a $10 fee per item. Additionally, there may be costs associated with curbside recycling services, which are typically added to your trash collection bill.
