Chloe Zhang
Johnson City, TN, has a voluntary, curbside recycling program that was started in 1989. The city recycles plastics marked with a 1 or a 2, including milk jugs, water bottles, juice containers, soda bottles, and laundry detergent containers. ETSU, located in Johnson City, TN, has its own recycling center that is open to the public and operates as a self-service system. The center only accepts plastics numbered 1 or 2 for recycling. There are also private companies in Johnson City that buy all grades of plastic in bulk for recycling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic recycling program start year | 1989 |
| Plastic grades recycled | 1 and 2 |
| Plastic items recycled | Milk jugs, water bottles, juice containers, soda bottles, laundry detergent and fabric softener containers, bleach bottles, and windshield solvent bottles |
| Other items recycled | Glass, cardboard, paper, and aluminum drink cans |
| Plastic recycling bins | Available outside most residence halls |
| Plastic bags recycling bins | Available at Food City and some other local grocery stores |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Johnson City's curbside recycling program
Oils, including cooking and motor oils, are no longer accepted through curbside recycling but can be dropped off at a specified location. Plastic bags and films are also not accepted as part of the curbside program, but some local grocery stores, such as Food City, provide plastic bag recycling bins.
The city's recycling guidelines have recently changed due to market fluctuations, and it is important to adhere to these guidelines to ensure the entire bin of recyclables does not become non-recyclable. Contamination can occur if there is a high presence of non-recyclable items, especially food and liquid, in the recycling bin.
East Tennessee State University (ETSU), located in Johnson City, has its own Recycling Center, which is open to the public 24/7. The center operates as a self-service system, and all recyclable materials must be sorted according to the labels on the recycling bins. ETSU provides roll bins for plastic, cans, and mixed paper, as well as cardboard mini-cycler recycling bins in residence halls and around the campus.
Hoffman Composting also offers a residential pick-up program for a monthly fee, providing a 5-gallon bucket with weekly collections.
China's Plastic Recycling Policy Shift: Impact on Global Trade
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic grades #1 and #2
Johnson City, TN, accepts plastics #1 and #2 for recycling as part of its curbside recycling program. Plastic #1, also known as PET or PETE, is a commonly used plastic in consumer products, often found in water and soda bottles, and some packaging. It is easy to recycle and is accepted at most recycling plants. However, it should not be heated as it can cause a toxic chemical, antimony, to leach out. Plastic #2, also known as HDPE (high-density polyethylene), is considered one of the safest forms of plastic. It has a high strength-to-density ratio, making it highly durable and reliable. Products made from HDPE can be reused without any harm and are safe for use in various weather conditions.
In Johnson City, the accepted items for plastics #1 and #2 recycling include milk jugs, water bottles, juice containers, soda bottles, laundry detergent and fabric softener containers, bleach bottles, and windshield solvent bottles. These plastics are marked with a triangle of chasing arrows and the number 1 or 2 inside, known as the resin identification code or recycling symbol. This code provides information about the type of plastic used and its recyclability.
It is important to note that not all items made of plastics #1 and #2 are accepted for recycling in Johnson City. The city's recycling guidelines have recently changed due to market fluctuations, and some previously accepted items may no longer be included. Additionally, while plastic #2 is considered safe, it is always advisable to avoid heating or microwaving plastic products, even if they are marked as microwave-safe.
Plastics #1 and #2 are two of the most commonly picked-up types of plastic by recycling programs. They are considered safer choices and do not contain BPA. Recycling these plastics helps reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste, minimizing the need for new raw materials and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Recycling Plastic: What's Safe and What's Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic food containers
Johnson City, TN, has a voluntary, curbside recycling program that was established in 1989. Since its inception, the city has recycled more than 131,200 tons of materials. The program accepts plastics #1 and #2, which include milk jugs, water bottles, juice containers, soda bottles, laundry detergent containers, fabric softener containers, bleach bottles, and windshield solvent bottles. These types of plastic are commonly used for food containers, beverage bottles, and other packaging.
It's important to note that the recycling guidelines in Johnson City have recently changed due to market fluctuations. While the city still accepts plastics #1 and #2, there are now limitations on the types of items accepted. Other recyclable materials accepted through the curbside program and at the five drop-off locations across the city include cardboard, aluminium cans, glass, and paper.
When it comes to plastic food containers specifically, it's important to ensure that they are clean and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. This is because contaminants like food residue or liquids can affect the quality of the recycled plastic. It's also worth mentioning that not all plastic food containers are created equal; some may be made of different types of plastic resins, which can impact their recyclability.
Additionally, some plastic food containers may have a recycling symbol with a number in the centre, indicating the type of plastic they are made of. This can help you determine if they are accepted by the Johnson City recycling program. However, it's always a good idea to check with your local waste management guidelines or recycling centre to ensure that the specific type of plastic food container you have is accepted in their program. Proper sorting and disposal are crucial to the effectiveness of the recycling process.
Properly recycling plastic food containers can have a significant positive impact on the environment. It reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, decreases the need for new raw materials, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production. By participating in the recycling program, residents of Johnson City can play a crucial role in creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for their community and the planet.
Plastic Packaging: All Recyclable or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic beverage bottles
Johnson City, Tennessee, buys and recycles all grades of plastic in bulk. However, due to market fluctuations, the city has recently changed some of its recycling guidelines.
For plastic beverage bottles, Johnson City currently accepts plastics marked with a 1 or a 2 for curbside recycling and at its five drop-off locations. This includes milk jugs, water bottles, juice containers, soda bottles, laundry detergent containers, fabric softener containers, bleach bottles, and windshield solvent bottles.
It is important to ensure that all containers are empty, rinsed, and crushed, with the lid or cap removed, before placing them in the recycling. Additionally, plastic bags, plastic wrap, and stretch films are also accepted for recycling but should be placed in the designated Blue Recyclops bags, which help keep the recycling clean and protect the drivers from injury.
The Resilience of Recycled Plastic: Strength Under Scrutiny
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic bags
Johnson City, Tennessee, offers multiple options for recycling plastic bags. The city operates several recycling centers that accept a variety of materials, including plastic. However, it's important to note that each recycling center may have specific guidelines and accepted materials, so it's always a good idea to check with the individual center before dropping off your plastic bags.
One option for recycling plastic bags in Johnson City is the Publix Grocery Store, which has recycle bins for plastic at its front door. Additionally, the Elizabethton Lowes at 925 Patriot Drive accepts plastic bags for recycling. This location also accepts other recyclable materials like compact fluorescent light bulbs and rechargeable batteries.
It's worth mentioning that some locations might have specific requirements for plastic bag recycling. For example, Food City and some other local grocery stores provide plastic bag recycling bins, but it's important to check with them directly to understand any restrictions or guidelines they may have.
When recycling plastic bags, it's important to ensure that they are clean, dry, and free of any food residue. It is also recommended to avoid bagging the plastic bags themselves, as placing items in bags can slow down the recycling process. Instead, recyclables should be placed loosely into the bins to increase efficiency.
Additionally, it's always recommended to check for any updates or changes in accepted materials. For instance, Washington County, which is relevant to Johnson City, has mentioned that they are temporarily unable to accept plastic for recycling. Staying informed about such notices is essential to ensure your plastic bags are properly recycled.
Tulsa's Plastic Recycling: The Process and Impact
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Johnson City, TN, recycles plastics numbered 1 and 2.
Items include milk jugs, water bottles, juice containers, soda bottles, laundry detergent containers, fabric softener containers, bleach bottles, and windshield solvent bottles.
Johnson City has a voluntary, curbside recycling program. There are also five self-service drop-off locations across the city. If you live on the ETSU campus, you can recycle your plastic at the ETSU Recycling Center, located behind Buc Ridge Apartments.
