Recycling Plastic No. 5: Rumpke's Acceptable Or Not?

Rumpke is a waste and recycling company that offers single-stream recycling for a variety of materials, including plastics. While not all plastics are recyclable, Rumpke has recently expanded its acceptable items list to include some #5 plastics, such as tubs, fruit cups, and yogurt cups. This addition to their recycling program is a positive step towards increasing the capture of polypropylene, a material that has often been passed over by residential recycling programs. However, it's important to note that not all #5 plastics are accepted, and certain items, like medication containers and takeout containers, are still not recyclable through Rumpke. To ensure the effectiveness and safety of the recycling process, it is crucial to follow Rumpke's guidelines and only include the specified acceptable items in their recycling bins.

Rumpke now accepts some #5 plastics for recycling

This expansion of Rumpke's acceptable items list is due to recent innovations in plastic recycling. Steve Sargent, Rumpke’s director of recycling, stated that 95% of Rumpke’s recyclables are used domestically, with most circulating in Ohio or the greater Midwest area. The company has also secured contracts with regional companies that plan to convert the material from the newly accepted items into new containers.

It is important to note that not all #5 plastics will be accepted by Rumpke. Just as the company only accepts #1 and #2 plastics in bottle or jug form, #5 plastics like medication containers and takeout containers will not be accepted. Residents should always check Rumpke’s list of acceptable items for recycling in their neighborhood, as acceptable materials may vary slightly in some locations.

When recycling plastic items, it is important to ensure that they are empty, clean, and placed loose in recycling containers. Lids should be reattached, and any food residue should be rinsed off. Plastic bags and film should not be placed in recycling bins as they can damage sorting equipment and interrupt the recycling process.

#5 plastics are polypropylene plastics

Rumpke is a recycling program that accepts a variety of plastic items. However, the acceptance of specific plastic types may vary across different locations. For instance, in Central Kentucky, cups and tubs are not accepted, while in Greater Columbus and Central Ohio, Northern Ohio, Southeast Ohio, and West Virginia, plastic clamshells are recycled.

Polypropylene can be recycled, and many curbside recycling programs accept both rigid and flexible forms. However, it is important to check with your local recycling program to ensure they accept plastics #5 and polypropylene. It is also crucial to avoid contaminating recycling bins with plastic bags and other soft plastics, as these can cause issues in the recycling process.

Rumpke's recycling centers generally accept plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and cups. They specify that items should be empty, clean, and placed loosely in recycling containers without being placed inside plastic bags. This helps prevent damage to sorting equipment and interruptions to the recycling process.

#5 plastics are accepted in the form of tubs and fruit and yogurt cups

Rumpke has recently expanded its recycling program to include some #5 plastics, which include tubs and fruit and yogurt cups. This is a significant development, as #5 PP (polypropylene) plastics have often been passed over by residential recycling programs due to the relatively high expense of recycling the material compared to producing it from scratch.

Rumpke now accepts #5 polypropylene plastic tubs and fruit and yogurt cups for recycling. Specifically, these tubs include containers for butter, sour cream, cottage cheese, whipped topping, and yogurt. Plastic lids should be reattached to the tubs before recycling, while film or foil lids should be discarded. These tubs should be empty, clean, and dry, and placed loosely in recycling containers.

Rumpke's acceptance of #5 plastics for recycling is a positive step towards increasing the range of acceptable items for recycling and reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. It is important to note that not all #5 plastics are accepted, and it is always advisable to check Rumpke's list of acceptable items for recycling in your specific location.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Rumpke's recycling program does not accept plastic bags, as they can cause damage to sorting equipment and interrupt the recycling process. Instead, plastic bags can be returned to many local grocery and retail stores for recycling.

#5 plastics are not accepted in the form of medication containers and takeout containers

Rumpke has recently expanded its recycling program to include some #5 plastics, which are all #5 PP, or polypropylene, plastics. However, it is important to note that not all #5 plastics are accepted. Specifically, #5 plastics in the form of medication containers and takeout containers will not be accepted by Rumpke.

Rumpke's acceptable items list for recycling includes plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and cups. Plastic bottles refer to those with a small mouth and wider base, such as milk jugs, soda bottles, laundry detergent bottles, water bottles, shampoo bottles, and contact solution bottles. Plastic tubs include containers for butter, sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurt, Jello, and fruit slices. Lids should be reattached to tubs and bottles before recycling, while straws and foil lids should be discarded. Plastic cups, including those from fast-food restaurants and coffee shops, are also accepted.

It is important to ensure that all items are empty, clean, and placed loose in recycling containers. While labels do not need to be removed, contaminants on recyclables can disrupt the recycling process. Therefore, it is crucial to rinse out any plastic food and drink containers to eliminate food residue. Additionally, plastic bags should not be placed in the recycling bin as they can cause damage to sorting equipment and interrupt the recycling process.

Rumpke's recycling centers can accommodate a wide range of plastic items, and the company is continuously working to upgrade its facilities and expand its recycling options. However, it is always advisable to check Rumpke's list of acceptable items for recycling in your specific location, as acceptable materials may vary slightly across different areas.

Rumpke accepts plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and cups

When recycling plastic bottles and jugs, ensure they have a small mouth and a wider base. Acceptable items include milk jugs, soda bottles, laundry detergent bottles, water bottles, shampoo bottles, and contact solution bottles. Bottles should be empty, crushed, and have their lids reattached before placing them in the recycling container.

Plastic tubs that can be recycled include containers for butter, sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurt, Jello, and fruit slices. Lids should be reattached, and these containers should also be empty and clean. Plastic cups, such as those from fast food restaurants and coffee shops, are also accepted. Please remove and discard any straws and reattach the lid. It's important to note that colored party cups are not accepted.

To ensure your plastic items are properly recycled, always check Rumpke's list of acceptable items for your specific location. Keep in mind that items should be empty, clean, and placed loose in recycling containers. Do not place items in plastic bags, as they can damage sorting equipment and interrupt the recycling process. By following these guidelines, you can help contribute to a more sustainable future.

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