Maya Ellison
Philadelphia's recycling system has been described as broken, with a lack of staff to manage the city's recycling program. The city has a single-stream recycling system, which means that all recyclable materials are thrown into the same bin without sorting. While this has increased participation and efficiency, it has also led to an increase in contaminated materials. Plastic bags, for example, are not accepted in recycling bins as they can tear and wrap around the moving parts in recycling processing machines. However, they can be recycled at most local grocery stores. In the past, the Philadelphia Streets Department identified what could be put in recycling bins by number, and plastics #1, #2, and #5 were always accepted. However, more recently, the Streets Department has only identified a few types of recyclable materials, and it is unclear whether plastic #5 is still accepted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Plastic number | 5 |
| Recyclable in Philadelphia | Yes |
| Examples | Auto parts, industrial fibers, food containers |
| Other names | Plastic containers with a number in a triangle |
| Other recyclable plastics in Philadelphia | 1s and 2s |
| Not recyclable in Philadelphia | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, paper cups, plastic cups, red solo cups, washed plastic cutlery, soft 'clamshell' deli containers |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic #5 is recyclable in Philadelphia
Firstly, it is important to ensure that all recyclables are clean, empty, and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. This is because contamination from oils, food, and liquids can reduce the value of recyclable materials such as paper and cardboard. Residents are also advised to place recyclables loosely in the bin without using plastic bags, as they can cause issues during the recycling process.
Another challenge is the issue of illegal dumping, which has been a persistent problem in Philadelphia. The city has implemented a single-stream recycling system, where all recyclable materials are thrown into the same bin without sorting. While this has increased participation and efficiency, it has also led to a higher rate of contaminated materials and items that cannot be recycled.
Despite these challenges, Plastic #5 can be recycled in Philadelphia. Residents are encouraged to check with the Streets Department for specific guidelines and to separate recyclable materials as much as possible to reduce contamination. Additionally, clean plastic bags and film can be recycled at most local grocery stores.
It is worth noting that Philadelphia's recycling system has faced criticism for being broken and understaffed. The city's recycling program has struggled with contamination and a lack of market demand for certain recyclable materials. As a result, there is no guarantee that all recyclable materials collected will actually be recycled.
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Plastic #5 is polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is considered one of the safer plastics and is FDA-approved for food contact. It is not known to cause cancer or other harmful effects in humans. However, some newer research has pointed to potential toxicity in certain polypropylene containers, indicating that more research is needed to understand the full range of effects.
When sent to landfills, polypropylene can take 20-30 years to decompose and may release chemicals and microplastics into the environment. Despite being widely used, it is one of the least recycled plastics, with less than 1% of PP reportedly being recycled. This highlights the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling PP products whenever possible.
Recycling PP plastic can depend on the type of product and local rules. Many curbside recycling programs accept rigid PP products like plastic bottles or tubs, but most do not accept flexible PP like bags or soft packaging. It is important to check with your local recycling program to ensure that plastic number 5 is accepted. When recycling PP products, ensure they are clean, empty, and dry to prevent contamination.
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Plastic bags are not recyclable curbside
In Philadelphia, plastic bags are not recyclable curbside. This is because plastic bags can tear and wrap around the moving parts in recycling processing machines, leading to higher maintenance costs, equipment damage, and even worker-safety issues. In addition, when recyclables are transported and sorted, oils, food, and liquids can contaminate the surrounding paper and cardboard, making them less valuable for recycling.
However, this does not mean that plastic bags cannot be recycled at all. Many local grocery and retail stores in Philadelphia accept plastic bags for recycling. These stores often have recycling bins placed outside or inside their premises. Some large retailers also accept plastic film packaging for recycling.
It is important to note that not all plastic bags are recyclable, even at these stores. For example, potato chip bags, candy bar wrappers, and coffee bags, which have plastic on the outside and foil on the inside, are not recyclable.
To recycle plastic bags, it is recommended to keep them loose and not place them in a bag or cardboard box. This makes it much easier to see and sort the recyclable materials. It is also important to ensure that recyclables are clean, empty, and dry to avoid contamination.
While Philadelphia does not offer curbside recycling of plastic bags, other places like a Chicago suburb have implemented programs that allow residents to recycle plastic film packaging curbside. This program is expected to expand and reach 8% of US households by 2025.
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Plastic #1 and #2 are also recyclable in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, plastic #5, which is polypropylene, is recyclable. The city has a single-stream recycling system, which means that any plastic container with a number in a triangle can be recycled. However, it is important to note that not all materials with a recycling symbol are accepted as curbside recycling. Some materials are unsafe or unsuitable for recycling. For example, plastic bags are not recyclable curbside as they can damage recycling equipment and endanger workers.
The City of Philadelphia provides additional curbside services, such as the collection of bulky items that can be compacted (excluding metal items). The city also promotes composting as a way to divert waste from landfills and convert it into nutrients for healthy soil and plants. Residents can also recycle clean plastic bags and film at most local grocery stores.
It is worth noting that the recycling landscape in Philadelphia has evolved. In 2010, the Philadelphia Streets Department allowed all numbered plastics except for styrofoam to be recycled. At that time, the city generated a substantial revenue from recycling and embraced a "when in doubt, throw it in" approach. However, due to recycling contamination issues, the city has shifted its motto to "when in doubt, throw it out." This change has resulted in the Streets Department narrowing down the list of acceptable recyclable materials.
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Plastic recycling in Philadelphia is single-stream
However, this increase in participation came at a cost. The amount of contaminated materials in Philadelphia's municipal recycling stream also increased, as well as the quantity of materials that can't actually be recycled. For example, paper cups, plastic bags, and food packaging with food waste still on them cannot be recycled. In reality, Philadelphia's recycling system can only truly recycle two types of plastic: #1 and #2.
The City of Philadelphia provides several resources to help residents properly recycle items. In addition to curbside collection, the city has six sanitation convenience centers, composting programs, and other services. Residents can also recycle clean plastic bags and film at most local grocery stores.
It's important to note that not everything with a recycling symbol is accepted for curbside recycling in Philadelphia. Some materials are not safe or useful for recycling. For example, needles and syringes should be disposed of in the regular trash in a strong plastic container or wrapped in cloth. Packing materials such as packing peanuts and Styrofoam blocks should be removed, and empty boxes should be collapsed, folded, and placed inside the recycling bin.
Overall, while Philadelphia's single-stream recycling system has increased participation, there are still challenges in terms of contamination and the types of materials that can be recycled.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic #5 is recyclable in Philadelphia. However, it is important to ensure that all recyclables are clean, empty, and dry.
Plastic #5 can be recycled in single-stream recycling bins. Residents can use any kind of receptacle for their recyclable items, as long as it is labeled "recycling".
In addition to plastic #5, plastics #1 and #2 are also recyclable in Philadelphia. These include items such as beverage bottles, cups, milk jugs, and food containers.
