Maya Ellison
Plastic recycling in New Jersey has seen stricter rules and regulations in recent years, with a focus on reducing contamination and increasing efficiency. While some types of plastic are widely accepted in recycling streams (#1 and #2), the fate of #5 plastics is less clear. #5 plastics are not universally accepted in New Jersey, and their recyclability depends on the local area. Some municipalities and counties in New Jersey have stopped accepting #5 plastics due to the loss of external markets, particularly in China, which implemented stricter policies on imported recyclables in 2018. However, it is worth checking with local recycling coordinators, as some areas may still accept #5 plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability of plastic #5 in New Jersey | Not commonly recyclable; some local recyclers may accept it |
| Reasoning | Markets for plastic #5 are almost non-existent since China's 2018 National Sword policy |
| Other unrecyclable plastics in New Jersey | #3, #4, #6, #7 |
| Commonly recyclable plastics in New Jersey | #1, #2 |
| Other recyclable materials in New Jersey | Glass bottles and jars, cans, newspaper, mixed paper, cardboard, steel and aluminum food and beverage containers |
| Notes on recycling in New Jersey | Containers must be empty and rinsed; no plastic bags or styrofoam |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic #5 is not accepted by all counties in New Jersey
The recycling landscape in New Jersey has been evolving, with counties tightening their rules and regulations to keep up with market changes. For example, in 2018, China, which was a major importer of recycled materials from the US, implemented the National Sword policy, restricting the importation of recyclables. This caused a ripple effect, with other nations following suit and tightening their regulations as well. As a result, some plastics that were once recyclable are now considered waste.
The market for recycled materials has become more selective, and counties are facing challenges in finding buyers for certain types of plastics. This has led to a situation where some counties in New Jersey are no longer accepting certain types of plastics, including #5. It is important for residents to stay informed about the recycling regulations in their specific county to ensure they are properly disposing of their waste.
To address the issue of non-recyclable plastics, some counties in New Jersey have introduced drop-off sites for plastics that cannot be recycled through curbside collection. For example, Union County has designated drop-off sites for plastic bags, bubble wrap, and other plastic films. Additionally, some counties have implemented public education programs to help residents understand the importance of proper waste sorting and the impact of contamination on the recyclability of materials.
Overall, the recycling landscape in New Jersey is dynamic, and residents need to stay informed about the specific regulations in their county. While some counties may accept #5 plastics, others do not, and it is important for individuals to take responsibility for properly disposing of their waste to reduce contamination and support the recycling process.
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Some recyclers in Union County take #5 plastic
In Union County, New Jersey, some recyclers accept #5 plastic. However, it is important to check with your local recycling coordinator to confirm if your recycler is among them.
Union County has specific guidelines for recycling, and not all items are accepted through curbside collection. While metal cans, glass bottles and jars, and plastic bottles or jugs labelled #1 and #2 are accepted, other items must be brought to drop-off sites or disposed of with household trash. For example, plastic bags, which clog recycling sorting systems, should be brought to designated drop-off sites throughout the county. Similarly, Styrofoam, which contaminates sorting systems, has several drop-off locations in Union County.
Union County also offers additional recycling programs and events. For instance, they provide scrap metal and household hazardous waste recycling programs from April to November each year. They also host free drop-off shredding events for sensitive personal documents, which are shredded on-site by a licensed recycler.
It is worth noting that recycling rules in New Jersey are becoming stricter, and residents are encouraged to pay closer attention to regulations. This includes checking the number on plastic containers, rinsing containers before recycling, and ensuring that recyclables are clean and free from contamination. These measures help maintain the value of recycled materials and reduce the costs associated with recycling.
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Plastic #5 is often contaminated by food waste
Plastic #5, also known as polypropylene, is a hard and heat-resistant plastic. It is often used in food storage containers, such as soup and yogurt containers, as well as in straws and other clouded plastic containers, including baby bottles. Due to its frequent use with food products, it is common for Plastic #5 to become contaminated by food waste.
Contamination of Plastic #5 by food waste can occur in several ways. For example, food residue can be left on containers after consumption, especially if the food was fatty or acidic, as these types of foods can more easily absorb chemicals from the plastic. Additionally, heat can accelerate the leaching of chemicals from the plastic into the food, so if a plastic container is not properly cooled before being washed or recycled, it can be a source of contamination.
The presence of food waste on Plastic #5 can impact its recyclability. In order to be recycled, plastics need to be clean and free of any contaminants. Food waste can hinder the recycling process by introducing organic matter that cannot be easily separated from the plastic. This can lead to entire batches of recycled materials being rejected or contaminated, as was the case with China's National Sword policy in 2018, which tightened restrictions on imported recycled materials due to high levels of contamination.
To address the issue of food waste contamination, it is important for individuals to properly clean and prepare their Plastic #5 materials before recycling. This includes ensuring that all food residue is removed, and that containers are cooled before washing to reduce the risk of chemical leaching. Additionally, it is important to check with local recycling guidelines, as some areas may have specific requirements or limitations on recycling Plastic #5 materials. Proper sorting and disposal of materials can help reduce contamination and increase the likelihood of successful recycling.
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Plastic #5 is no longer recycled due to China's National Sword policy
In New Jersey, plastics labelled with numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 are considered non-recyclable and should be disposed of in the regular trash. However, China's National Sword Policy has had a significant impact on plastic recycling worldwide, including in the US.
The National Sword Policy, or Operation National Sword (ONS), was implemented in 2017 by the Chinese government. The policy was designed to monitor and more stringently regulate recyclable waste imports into China. By January 1, 2018, China had banned 24 categories of solid waste and stopped importing plastic waste with a contamination level above 0.5%. This policy change had a significant impact on the global trade of plastic scrap, causing a 45.5% decline in trade flows by 2018.
Prior to the National Sword Policy, China imported the majority of recyclables from North America and Europe for two decades. This practice provided China with raw materials for its growing industrial capacity but also resulted in the accumulation of contaminated recyclables, leading to environmental concerns such as air and water pollution.
The policy has had a notable impact on the US plastic recycling industry, including an increase in the cost and risk of exporting plastic materials. The stringent contamination limits imposed by China mean that there is a higher possibility of shipments being rejected and sent back if they do not meet the standards. As a result, it is speculated that the landfilling of plastics in the US may have increased.
While China's National Sword Policy has disrupted the plastic recycling industry, it has also necessitated innovation in recycling methodologies worldwide. It has prompted a shift towards reusable and non-plastic products, as well as easier-to-recycle plastics, such as Types 1, 2, and 5.
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Plastic #5 can be recycled at drop-off sites in some counties
Plastic #5 cannot be recycled in your curbside recycling container in New Jersey. However, some counties in New Jersey have drop-off sites that accept Plastic #5 for recycling.
In Union County, some recyclers also take #5 plastic. Residents are advised to check with their local recycling coordinator to find out if their recycler includes #5 plastic. Union County has drop-off sites for various items that cannot be recycled at curbside, including household electronics, scrap metal, and household hazardous waste.
In Camden County, the recycling of plastic containers #4, #5, and #7 was largely dependent on markets outside the USA. However, due to policy changes in importing countries like China, these plastics are now almost non-existent in the recycling market, and residents are asked to place them in their trash receptacles.
It is important to note that recycling rules and regulations can vary across different counties in New Jersey. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with your local recycling coordinator or visit your county's website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on plastic #5 recycling in your specific area.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some items, such as plastic bags, bubble wrap, and plastic film, can be brought to drop-off sites in certain counties, like Union County. These materials are upcycled by companies like Trex to create new products like decking and other outdoor items.
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Frequently asked questions
No, number 5 plastic is not recyclable in NJ. This is because the market for these plastics is now almost non-existent. Previously, China received most of these plastics, but in 2018, they implemented a policy known as the National Sword, which resulted in greater restrictions on the importation of recyclables of any kind.
Plastics numbered 1 and 2 can be recycled in NJ. Examples of these include soda bottles, water bottles, milk jugs, and laundry detergent bottles.
End markets for recyclables have tightened their standards for the recyclables they purchase, so the presence of moisture from food and liquid waste in containers has become a greater issue.
Other materials that can be recycled in NJ include glass bottles and jars, cans, newspaper, mixed paper, cardboard, and steel and aluminum food and beverage containers.
