Alexei Volkov
Plastic containers are a common household item, and with the current climate crisis, many people are looking for ways to recycle them. While some plastic storage containers cannot be put in your recycling bin, there are other ways to recycle them. Some plastic containers are recyclable, and this will be indicated on the product or website. For example, Rubbermaid containers can be recycled through the Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program, which has now ended, or through local recycling programs. To determine how and where to recycle plastic containers, it is best to consult your local waste management agency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling options | TerraCycle's Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program (closed on 31 December 2023), council-provided bins, alternative recycling skips, local waste management agencies, local charity shops |
| Recyclable containers | Plastic containers with #2 or #5 on them, glass containers |
| Preparation | Empty, clean and dry containers |
| Accepted by most recycling programmes | Containers with numbers 1, 2, or 5 |
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What You'll Learn
Recycling programs and partnerships
Community Recycling Programs
The type of recycling program available in your community will influence how you recycle plastic containers. Two common systems are Single-Stream Recycling and Multi-Stream Recycling:
- Single-Stream Recycling: All recyclables, such as paper, plastics, glass, and metals, are mixed together in a collection truck. This system is convenient, but it's important to check with your waste management service provider for a list of acceptable recyclables.
- Multi-Stream Recycling: Recyclables are sorted into different streams or bins according to material type (glass, plastic, paper, etc.). Collection trucks maintain the separation, ensuring proper recycling.
Council-Provided Bins
Councils often provide bins for different waste streams, such as plastic, paper, glass, and food waste. However, they may not accept plastic storage containers in the recycling bin due to their size and the limitations of kerbside recycling services. Instead, they may direct you to put them in the general waste bin.
Alternative Recycling Centres
If your plastic containers are not accepted by your council's recycling program, you can search for alternative recycling centres or skips in your area. These facilities often accept larger or hard-to-recycle items. It's always a good idea to contact them beforehand to confirm.
TerraCycle's Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program
TerraCycle, in partnership with Rubbermaid, offered a notable recycling program for food storage containers in North America. This program, which ended on December 31, 2023, accepted all brands of food storage containers, including plastic and glass. Through this initiative, over 37,000 containers were collected in 2021, amounting to about 17,000 pounds of recyclable material.
Local Waste Management Agencies and Online Locators
Consulting your local waste management agency or using online recycling locators, such as Recycle Now, can provide you with specific advice on how and where to recycle plastic containers in your area. They can direct you to the nearest recycling centre or provide information on special recycling programs.
Remember, recycling programs vary by location, so it's essential to stay informed about the specific guidelines and partnerships in your community. These programs play a vital role in ensuring that plastic containers are properly recycled and given a second life.
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Local waste management advice
If you're looking to recycle your plastic containers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check with your local waste management agency, as they can provide the most relevant advice on how and where to recycle plastic items. You can usually find this information online, through your local council, or in local directories.
Some general guidelines for recycling plastic containers include:
- Checking for the universal recycling symbol: This symbol, consisting of three arrows in a triangle, indicates that the container is recyclable. Look for numbers 1, 2, or 5 inside the symbol, as these are commonly accepted by recycling programs.
- Cleaning and drying containers before recycling: Make sure to empty, wash, and completely dry your containers before placing them in the recycling bin.
- Alternative recycling locations: If your plastic containers are not accepted by your regular kerbside recycling service, you can search for alternative locations by searching for "recycling centre" or "recycling skip" in your area. These facilities often accept larger or hard-to-recycle items.
- Sorting your recycling: Depending on your local system, you may have Single Stream Recycling or Multi-Stream Recycling. In Single Stream Recycling, all recyclables are mixed together in the collection truck. In Multi-Stream Recycling, materials like glass, plastic, and paper are sorted and maintained separately in the collection process. Check with your municipality to understand their sorting requirements.
- Recycling programmes: Some companies, like TerraCycle, offer recycling programs that make it easy to recycle specific brands of containers. For example, the Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program accepts all brands of food storage containers for recycling.
Remember, reducing your waste and reusing items whenever possible is always preferable to recycling. Consider donating your plastic containers to local charity shops if they are still in good condition. Additionally, look for recycled alternatives when purchasing new plastic containers to reduce your carbon footprint.
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Sorting and collection systems
Material Sorting
The first step in any recycling process is sorting materials into distinct categories. This step is crucial as different types of plastics have different recycling requirements and value. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), for example, is a commonly recycled plastic in Europe due to its use in beverage bottles and food packaging. Effective sorting of PET from other plastics ensures its value as a post-consumer commodity. Similarly, polyolefins, such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), need to be effectively sorted to create high-value recyclates. AI-powered sorting systems and deep learning technologies assist in this process, achieving high purity levels in the separation of food-grade plastic packaging.
Sensor-Based Sorting
Advanced sensor-based sorting systems are essential for detecting and removing contaminants from various polymers. TOMRA, a leader in plastic recovery, employs market-leading sensor technologies to instantly sort polymers into individual fractions. This technology can differentiate between different types of plastics and remove difficult-to-detect contaminants, ensuring high-quality plastic fractions for recycling.
Collection Systems
Collection systems play a vital role in gathering plastic waste for recycling. These systems can vary depending on the region and the specific waste stream. For example, drop-off locations are designated for large plastic storage tubs with specific resin identification codes, such as #2 (HDPE) or #5 (PP). These drop-off locations ensure that bulky rigid plastics are properly recycled, including items like plastic lawn furniture, laundry baskets, and plastic trash containers.
Brand-Specific Recycling Programs
Some brands, like Rubbermaid, have partnered with recycling companies like TerraCycle to offer brand-specific recycling programs. These programs focus on recycling specific products, such as food storage containers, and may accept items from various brands. The Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program, for instance, collected over 37,000 containers in 2021, amounting to about 17,000 pounds of recyclable material.
Volume and Market Value
It is important to recognize that novel materials may not always be recyclable due to low volume. For a novel material to become recyclable, it often needs to be produced and collected in large volumes or have a high market value. Metals with high recycling rates, such as Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu, are typically recycled at high rates because they are produced and collected in large volumes or have significant market value.
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Container preparation
If you want to recycle your Rubbermaid plastic containers, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing them for recycling. Firstly, check with your local council or waste management agency to understand the specific recycling guidelines and requirements in your area. They can provide information on acceptable materials, collection procedures, and any available recycling programmes or centres.
Secondly, identify the type of recycling system in your community. Some areas have Single Stream Recycling, where all recyclables, including paper, plastics, glass, and metals, are mixed together in a collection truck. In this case, you can use a 2-in-1 Recycler, which allows you to store recyclables and other trash together in a single bin. On the other hand, some communities have Multi-Stream Recycling, where materials are sorted into different streams, such as glass, plastic, and paper. For this system, the 2-in-1 Recycler with two separate bins can help you easily sort and carry different types of materials. If you need to sort multiple categories of recyclables and prefer to store them outside or in a garage, consider using Stackable Recyclers, which are durable and configurable to your space.
Before placing your Rubbermaid plastic containers in the recycling bin, ensure they are empty, clean, and dry. Remove any remaining food or liquid residue by washing the containers with soap and water. This step is crucial because recycling facilities often require containers to be free of food waste, which can contaminate the recycling process. Additionally, check for the recycling symbol on the containers and lids. The universal recycling symbol is a triangle composed of three arrows, typically with a number inside. Numbers 1, 2, and 5 are commonly accepted by recycling programmes. If your container does not have this symbol or is not one of these numbers, contact your local recycling service to inquire about their specific guidelines.
If your containers are in good condition but no longer needed, consider donating them to a local charity shop. These containers can be useful for various purposes, such as storing items or even planting small indoor gardens. Additionally, look for recycling centres or skips in your area that accept large or hard-to-recycle items. These facilities often take materials that kerbside recycling services do not collect, providing another avenue for responsible disposal. Remember to separate any metal components, such as screws, bolts, or handles, from the plastic containers before recycling, as these materials are typically recycled separately.
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Reuse and repurposing
If you're looking to reuse and repurpose your Rubbermaid plastic containers, there are several options available. Firstly, it's important to check if your containers are suitable for recycling. Look out for the universal recycling symbol, which consists of three arrows in the shape of a triangle, with a number 1, 2, or 5 inside. These containers can be washed and reused for various purposes, such as storing stationery, crafts, makeup, bathroom essentials, or even starting a small indoor garden.
If you no longer need your containers, consider donating them to a local charity shop, which may find them useful for storage or resell them to someone who can reuse them. Alternatively, you can contact your local waste management agency or recycling centre to inquire about specific recycling procedures for plastic containers. They may have special programs or facilities to handle these items.
Some communities have Single Stream Recycling, where all recyclables are mixed together in one bin. Others have Multi-Stream Recycling, where materials like glass, plastic, and paper are sorted into separate bins. Understanding your community's system will help you properly recycle your containers. Rubbermaid also offers recycling bins with labels to create a custom sorting system, making it easier to recycle.
Additionally, some brands, like Really Useful Boxes, create their products from recyclable plastic, and you can simply put them in your recycling bin. You can also opt to buy recycled plastic containers made from materials like old car batteries, reducing your carbon footprint and supporting environmentally friendly practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Rubbermaid plastic containers can be recycled.
You can recycle your well-used plastic and glass food storage containers through the Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program. This program is now closed, but TerraCycle offers dozens of other free recycling programs that you can join.
If you cannot find a recycling program, you can search for your nearest "recycling centre" or "recycling skip" online. These facilities usually accept larger and more difficult-to-recycle items. You can also contact your local waste management agency for advice.
Some other programs that recycle plastic containers include Babybel, Barilla Ready Pasta, Bimbo Bakeries, Calphalon Cooking Tools, Kroger Our Brands, Solo Cup, and Tide.
Once your food storage containers have been washed, you can reuse them for stationery and crafts, or fill them with soil to grow small indoor plants. They can also be used to store makeup and bathroom essentials, as well as food items such as cereals and nuts.
