Ethan Clarke
Plastic containers are a common household item, but it is not always clear which bin they should go in. Many factors determine where plastic containers should be disposed of, including the type of plastic and the local recycling guidelines. Some areas have specific bins for recycling plastic, while others require plastic containers to be placed in general recycling bins. It is important to properly clean and prepare plastic containers before disposal to ensure they can be recycled effectively. Additionally, certain types of plastic, such as plastic bags and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), may not be recyclable in curbside bins and require special disposal methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bin Colour | Green, Grey, Black, Blue, Brown, Dark Green |
| Plastic Type | PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, Biodegradable |
| Plastic Items | Bottles, Tubs, Trays, Pots, Bags, Film, Containers, Blister Packs, Bags, Wrappers, Bottle Caps, Food Packaging, Plastic Toys, Kitchenware |
| Additional Information | Plastic containers should be empty and clean. Lids should be removed and placed in the general waste bin. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic containers in green recycling bins
Plastic containers can be recycled in green bins, but the specifics depend on your local council's guidelines. For example, the Rochdale Borough Council instructs residents to put plastic bottles, tubs, trays, pots, and aerosol cans in their light green mixed recycling bins. Bradford Council also includes plastic food trays, yoghurt pots, margarine/butter tubs, and drinks cartons in their list of accepted items for the green general waste bin.
Some councils use black bins for recycling plastics, metals, and containers. However, it is important to check your local guidelines, as some councils use black bins for general waste.
When recycling plastic containers, ensure they are empty, cleaned, and dried. Remove any lids or caps from bottles and place them in the general waste bin, as they cannot usually be recycled. Plastic bags, crisp packets, cling film, and bubble wrap are also considered low-grade plastics that cannot be recycled in your bin but may be accepted at local supermarkets or grocery stores.
The type of plastic resin is another important factor. PET, found in plastic drink bottles and microwavable food trays, is widely recycled in standard curbside bins. HDPE, used in plastic bags and drink bottles, can be recycled in some grocery store HDPE programs. LDPE, commonly used in shrink wrap and bread wrappers, cannot be recycled in curbside bins, but some stores may accept it. Biodegradable plant-based plastics require industrial composting facilities.
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Plastic bags and plastic film
However, this does not mean that plastic bags and plastic film cannot be recycled at all. Many retail stores and drop-off centres have bins specifically for collecting plastic film packaging for recycling. These retailers then back-haul the plastic film to multiple businesses that recycle it into new products. For example, recycled plastic film can be turned into plastic pellets, which can then be used to create synthetic lumber for decking or park benches, or they might be recycled into another form, such as a film, pouch, or bag.
Before bringing plastic film to a store, it is important to ensure that the plastic is clean and free of any residue, as this will ensure that it can be recycled effectively without contaminating other materials. It is also important to check which types of plastic film are accepted by the store, as some flexible plastic packaging is made of multiple layers that are difficult to recycle or break down.
In some locations, there are also programs that allow for the curbside collection of plastic film packaging. For example, residents in a Chicago suburb can recycle plastic film packaging curbside through a program launched by Dow and Waste Management. Therefore, it is always good to check with your local recycling entity to find out the correct way to recycle plastic film in your area.
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Plastic food trays
Before recycling plastic food trays, it is essential to clean them and remove any food residue. Some local recycling programs may also require you to separate the different packaging components, such as the tray and plastic film, for proper disposal.
In some areas, plastic food trays can be placed in the recycling bin along with other plastic items. For example, in Rochdale, plastic trays can be placed in the light green mixed recycling bin along with plastic bottles, tubs, pots, and other recyclable materials.
To properly recycle your plastic food trays, it is recommended to use resources such as online recycling locators or local council websites to determine the specific guidelines and requirements in your area.
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Plastic bottle caps
Due to this difference in material, plastic bottle caps are not as commonly accepted for recycling as the bottles themselves. Some local recycling programs may ask you to leave the caps on, some accept caps but want them separated, and some will ask you to throw them away. If you know your local program doesn't accept caps, you should try to contain them in a plastic bag before putting them in your garbage bin to prevent them from becoming marine debris.
If your local program accepts non-bottle plastics, you can reattach the lid before recycling if the container and lid are made of the same type of plastic (e.g., #5 plastic).
Some private companies, such as TerraCycle, also offer recycling services for bottle caps. They recycle the waste into raw materials, which are then sold to manufacturing companies to produce new products, completing the recycling journey.
To properly recycle plastic bottles and their caps, it is important to check with your local recycling program or visit your local council's website to find out which plastics you can recycle and any specific preparation rules, such as removing lids or leaving them on.
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Biodegradable plastics
The bin for plastic containers varies depending on your location. Some places require you to put plastic containers in a green bin, while others specify a brown bin or black box. It is important to check with your local council for the correct bin to use. In general, plastic containers can be recycled, but it is important to ensure they are empty, clean, and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. Lids from bottles and jars, plastic film, plastic bags, and crisp packets generally cannot be recycled and should be placed in the general waste bin.
Now, when it comes to biodegradable plastics, these are plastics that can be decomposed by microorganisms or other living organisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. In some cases, methane may also be a byproduct of this biodegradation process. Biodegradable plastics are typically produced using renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of these. They are commonly used for disposable items such as packaging, cutlery, and food service containers.
There are two main classes of biodegradable plastics. The first is bioplastics, which are derived from renewable raw materials such as plants, animals, or microorganisms. The second type is made from petrochemicals with biodegradable additives that enhance biodegradation. It's important to note that not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics may be fully petroleum-based.
The use of biodegradable plastics has been touted as a solution to the global plastic pollution problem. However, it is important to distinguish between biodegradable plastics and compostable plastics. While biodegradable plastics break down into smaller pieces, they may not fully biodegrade and can still contribute to microplastic pollution. On the other hand, compostable plastics are designed to break down completely under specific conditions, but they require well-managed waste systems to ensure proper degradation.
Recent advancements, such as the work by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed processes to make biodegradable plastics truly compostable. By embedding enzymes like proteinase K or using additives, these plastics can biodegrade into simple molecules when exposed to heat and water within a few weeks. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the recycling process and reduce our environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
The colour of the bin that plastic containers go in varies depending on your location. In some places, it is green, whereas in others, it is grey or blue.
No, all recyclable items can go together in the same recycling bin.
Yes, please make sure all containers are empty and have been cleaned.
No, plastic bags cannot be disposed of in your recycling bin. However, some local supermarkets will accept them and dispose of them properly.
No, black plastic food trays cannot be put in your recycling bin because they are made from low-grade plastic and contain black pigment.
