Ethan Clarke
Plastic food containers are a convenient way to store food, but what happens when they reach the end of their useful life? Are they recyclable? In the case of Rubbermaid, the answer is yes. Rubbermaid has partnered with TerraCycle, an international recycling leader, to make all brands of used food storage containers recyclable in the US and Canada. This partnership ensures that all glass and plastic food storage containers will have a sustainable end to their lifecycle. Consumers can now send in their well-used containers to be recycled for free through the Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program. This program helps divert waste from landfills and promotes responsible disposal of food storage containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | All brands of Rubbermaid plastic food containers are recyclable in the US and Canada |
| Recycling Process | Consumers can send in their well-used containers for free using a prepaid shipping label |
| Recycled Material | The containers are cleaned and melted into hard plastic or glass that can be remoulded to make new recycled products |
| Environmental Impact | The partnership with TerraCycle® diverts waste from landfills and promotes sustainability |
| Consumer Benefits | Users can sign up for the program and receive a prepaid shipping label to recycle their containers |
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What You'll Learn
Rubbermaid's partnership with TerraCycle
On July 14, 2020, Rubbermaid, a leader in home organization and food storage solutions, announced a partnership with international recycling leader, TerraCycle, to make all brands of well-used food storage containers recyclable in the US and Canada. Through this partnership, Rubbermaid and TerraCycle aim to ensure that all glass and plastic food storage containers will have a sustainable end to their lifecycle.
The TerraCycle program is a step towards Rubbermaid's existing sustainability efforts, making its products an even stronger choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Ryan Hall, the Marketing Director of Food Storage at Newell Brands, stated that "Our food storage products help keep food fresh to reduce waste and are made better to enable a long life of reusability. Partnering with TerraCycle allows us to create an even more sustainable product lifecycle, while giving consumers an easy way to recycle their well-used containers whenever they are ready to upgrade to our newest innovations."
Through the Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program, consumers can send in all brands of well-used glass and plastic food storage containers to be recycled for free. The process is simple: participants sign up on the TerraCycle program pages for the United States or Canada and mail in their containers using a prepaid shipping label. Once collected, the containers are cleaned and melted into hard plastic or glass, which can then be remolded to create new recycled products.
Tom Szaky, the TerraCycle Founder and CEO, commented on the partnership, saying, "Newell Brands and Rubbermaid are offering consumers a unique opportunity to divert waste from landfills and responsibly dispose of food storage containers that may initially seem unrecyclable. By accepting and recycling any food storage product, regardless of brand, through the recycling program, Rubbermaid is expanding their commitment to sustainability and helping to build awareness that a recycling solution exists for just about everything."
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How to recycle Rubbermaid containers
In 2020, Rubbermaid partnered with TerraCycle, an international recycling leader, to make all brands of used food storage containers recyclable in the US and Canada. Through this partnership, Rubbermaid aims to ensure that all glass and plastic food storage containers will have a sustainable end to their lifecycle.
The Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program allows consumers to send in all brands of well-used glass and plastic food storage containers to be recycled for free. To participate, you can sign up on the TerraCycle program page and mail in your well-used food storage containers using a prepaid shipping label. Once collected, the containers are cleaned, melted into hard plastic or glass, and remoulded to create new recycled products.
Alternatively, you can check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept high-density polyurethane plastics, which are used in many Rubbermaid containers and products. Some communities provide designated recycling bins for these materials, and some local utility departments offer utility credits for plastic recyclables.
By taking advantage of these recycling options, you can help divert waste from landfills and ensure that your Rubbermaid containers are responsibly disposed of or given a new life as recycled products.
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The Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program
In a bid to strengthen its sustainability efforts, Rubbermaid® launched a national recycling program in partnership with TerraCycle®, an international leader in recycling. The Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program allows consumers to send in all brands of well-used glass and plastic food storage containers for recycling, free of charge.
The program is open to individuals, schools, offices, or community organizations, and participation is easy. Users can sign up on the TerraCycle program page and mail in their used food storage containers using a prepaid shipping label. Once collected, the containers are cleaned, melted down, and remoulded into new recycled products, ensuring a sustainable end to their lifecycle.
This initiative is particularly significant as it addresses the challenge of recycling high-density polyurethane plastics, which are commonly used in Rubbermaid containers. Some communities have designated recycling bins that accept these materials, but not all recycling plants process this type of plastic. By partnering with TerraCycle, Rubbermaid is providing consumers with a convenient and environmentally responsible way to dispose of their well-used containers.
Through this program, Rubbermaid and TerraCycle are offering a unique opportunity to divert waste from landfills. It empowers consumers to responsibly recycle containers that may have otherwise been deemed unrecyclable, contributing to a more sustainable product lifecycle. This aligns with TerraCycle's mission to eliminate the concept of waste and build awareness about recycling solutions for various products.
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Local utility departments and recycling credits
In 2020, Rubbermaid launched a national recycling program in partnership with TerraCycle® to make all brands of well-used food storage containers recyclable in the US and Canada. The program aimed to ensure that all glass and plastic food storage containers would have a sustainable end to their lifecycle. Unfortunately, this program closed on December 31, 2023.
Regarding local utility departments and recycling credits, it is important to note that these credits are often specific to certain regions or states and their respective departments that manage waste and recycling. For example, in Washington state, the Department of Ecology oversees recycling credits, which are entered in Section B3 of the Generation and Management (GM) Form of the Dangerous Waste Annual Report. To verify recycling credits in Washington state, specific documentation is required from the waste service provider. This documentation must include the identification of the waste stream recycled, a qualifying management method code, the percentage recycled during the reporting year, and a signature from an authorized representative of the waste service provider.
Recycling credits are typically associated with waste management and recycling efforts, providing incentives for proper waste disposal and diversion from landfills. These credits can be earned by individuals, businesses, or organizations that participate in approved recycling programs or contribute to waste reduction initiatives. The specific criteria for earning recycling credits can vary depending on the local utility department's guidelines and the particular recycling program in place.
It is recommended to contact your local utility department or the relevant waste management authority in your area to obtain detailed information about recycling credits specific to your location. They can provide you with the necessary guidelines, requirements, and procedures for earning and claiming recycling credits. Additionally, they may offer information on any partnerships or programs they have in place to promote recycling and sustainability within your community.
While the Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program has concluded, it is worth noting that the company has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and may continue to explore initiatives that align with environmental goals. This includes their partnership with TerraCycle®, a leading international recycling company, to create sustainable solutions for well-used storage containers.
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Rubbermaid's sustainability efforts
Rubbermaid has been a leader in home organization and food storage solutions for over 80 years. The company has been committed to sustainability and has taken several steps to reduce its environmental impact.
In 2020, Rubbermaid partnered with TerraCycle®, an innovative waste management company, to launch a national recycling program. This program allowed consumers to recycle well-used food storage containers, including glass and plastic containers from any brand, for free. The collected containers were then cleaned and melted down to create new recycled products, reducing waste and diverting materials from landfills. This initiative built upon Rubbermaid's existing sustainability efforts, as the company has long been committed to manufacturing durable, long-lasting products that encourage sustainable habits among its customers.
The TerraCycle partnership was a significant step towards creating a more sustainable product lifecycle and providing an easy recycling solution for consumers. In addition to this program, Rubbermaid has also prioritized sustainable practices across its business operations. The company holds itself and its suppliers to strict environmental standards and constantly seeks out opportunities to minimize landfill waste, reuse and recycle materials, and promote best practices within its community.
Rubbermaid Commercial Products, in particular, has emphasized its commitment to sustainability. They aim to manufacture and ship their products in the most sustainable way possible, utilizing sustainable materials and practices to reduce their environmental footprint. The company has also set specific targets for its packaging, aiming for 100% of its paper-based packaging to come from certified, verified, or recycled sources by 2025.
Through these initiatives, Rubbermaid has demonstrated its dedication to environmental stewardship and its commitment to reducing its impact on the planet. The company's sustainability journey involves making incremental gains and taking steps to act more sustainably, both within its own operations and by empowering its customers to make more sustainable choices.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Rubbermaid plastic food containers are recyclable. In 2020, Rubbermaid partnered with TerraCycle to create a recycling solution for well-used storage containers.
You can recycle your old Rubbermaid plastic food containers through the Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program. Sign up on the TerraCycle program page and mail in your well-used food storage containers using a prepaid shipping label.
Once collected, the containers are cleaned and melted into hard plastic or glass that can be remolded to make new recycled products.
