Alexei Volkov
Plastic yogurt containers are typically made from polypropylene, a lightweight plastic resin marked with #5 inside chasing arrows on the bottom of the container. Polypropylene accounts for about 14% of US plastic production and is used in dairy and deli packaging because it has a lower environmental impact to produce and transport. However, polypropylene is not widely accepted by recycling programs due to its low recyclable value, and the contamination issues it poses as it comes into contact with food. Despite this, some companies like Whole Foods have implemented recycling programs specifically for polypropylene plastic, and consumers can also refer to online resources to find the closest collection program that accepts polypropylene containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Polypropylene or #5 plastics, #6 plastics, polyethylene, polystyrene, PLA (polylactic acid) |
| Recyclability | Difficult to recycle due to low value and contamination issues; however, some programs and companies accept #5 plastics and have recycling initiatives |
| Colour | White, see-through |
| Texture | Hard to snap/separate, bendable |
| Environmental impact | Toxic additives, possible human carcinogen, potential for chemical leaching into food |
| Brand usage | Chobani, Fage, Yoplait, Stonyfield, Danone |
| Alternative materials | Recycled polystyrene, PLA |
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What You'll Learn
- Yogurt containers are often made from polypropylene (#5 plastic)
- Polypropylene is recyclable but not always accepted by curbside programs
- Plastic lids are usually #2 or #4, and can be recycled separately
- Plastic wrap around yogurt cups cannot be recycled
- Some companies are researching more sustainable packaging options
Yogurt containers are often made from polypropylene (#5 plastic)
Yogurt containers are often made from polypropylene, otherwise known as #5 plastic. Polypropylene is a polymer plastic resin, marked with a #5 inside the chasing arrows recycling symbol on the bottom of plastic containers. It is a lightweight plastic, which is why it is commonly used in dairy and deli packaging. According to a packaging study by the Tellus Institute, 95% of the environmental costs of packaging are associated with production and less than 5% with disposal. As polypropylene is lighter, it has a lower environmental impact to produce and transport than other plastics.
However, polypropylene is not widely recycled. Only 2.7% of polypropylene containers and packaging were recycled in 2018, according to EPA data. One reason for this is that it is not as clean or pure as other plastics. Curbside recycling programs have also been cut in recent years due to labour shortages and high prices for recycled materials, making it even more difficult to recycle polypropylene.
Despite this, some places still accept #5 plastic for recycling. For example, New York City accepts #5 plastic, and Greensboro, North Carolina also accepts yogurt containers, although they ask that people be careful when recycling anything smaller than a yogurt cup. If your local curbside program doesn't accept #5 plastic, you can use the Recycle More Plastic map to find a nearby collection program that does. You can also drop off old yogurt containers at some Whole Foods stores through the Gimme 5 program, or mail them to the Gimme 5 centre in Cortland, New York.
Some yogurt containers are also made from other plastics. For example, Chobani "Flip" yogurts are made from #6 plastic, and some plastic lids are #2 or #4.
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Polypropylene is recyclable but not always accepted by curbside programs
Polypropylene, also known as PP, is a thermoplastic polymer that is widely used in various applications, including food packaging such as yogurt containers. While PP is technically recyclable, it is not always accepted by curbside recycling programs, and there are several reasons for this.
Firstly, curbside recycling programs often do not support polypropylene processing due to the challenges in sorting and recycling PP products. PP is a versatile material used in a diverse range of products, resulting in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. This diversity makes it difficult for Material Sorting Facilities (MRFs) to accept and sort PP waste properly. Additionally, many PP products are contaminated with non-PP materials, such as PET, or they may be challenging to identify with optical sorting equipment, like black takeout containers.
Secondly, the financial feasibility of recycling polypropylene is a significant factor. Recycling PP can be difficult and expensive, and it may not always be financially worthwhile for municipalities or recycling companies. The low recycling rates of PP, despite its popularity as a packaging material, indicate that most PP waste ends up in landfills. Recycling PP can help reduce the environmental impact of plastic production, conserve natural resources, and create new products, but the process requires extra time and effort from individuals and businesses to locate private companies that can handle PP recycling.
Another reason for the limited acceptance of PP in curbside programs is the lack of infrastructure and equipment in residential recycling centers to recycle PP effectively. This shortfall prompts individuals and companies to seek out specialized polypropylene recycling companies, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming. However, some organizations, like Preserve's Gimme5 program, specifically focus on recycling PP, and websites like Earth911 assist in locating nearby PP recyclers.
The recyclability of PP products is also influenced by the efforts of industry groups and labeling initiatives. How2Recycle, for instance, has deemed a wide range of PP products as "widely recyclable," suggesting that more than 60% of Americans have access to recycling programs that accept them. However, industry experts and environmental advocates have disputed this claim, arguing that polypropylene recycling is not as prevalent as implied by such labeling.
In conclusion, while polypropylene is recyclable, its acceptance in curbside programs is limited due to sorting challenges, financial considerations, inadequate infrastructure, and varying interpretations of recyclability. To effectively recycle PP, individuals and businesses must often go beyond curbside recycling and actively seek out specialized polypropylene recycling companies or programs.
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Plastic lids are usually #2 or #4, and can be recycled separately
Plastic yogurt containers are typically made from polypropylene, also known as #5 plastic. This type of plastic is considered food-safe and is often used for packaging various food products, including cottage cheese, hummus, ice cream, and takeout containers. However, recycling #5 plastic can be challenging due to its low recyclable value and the restrictions imposed by some recycling facilities.
While some communities have comprehensive plastic recycling programs that accept #5 plastic, many curbside recycling programs do not. This issue has led to the creation of specialized recycling initiatives, such as Preserve's Gimme 5 program, which aims to recycle #5 plastic specifically. Participants can drop off their #5 plastic items, including yogurt containers, at collection bins in partnering stores like Whole Foods or mail them directly to the recycling centers.
It's worth noting that yogurt container lids are often made from a different type of plastic than the tubs themselves. These lids can be plastic, foil, or wax paper, and their recyclability depends on the material and the policies of local recycling facilities. Plastic lids are usually #2 or #4 plastic and can be recycled separately from the containers. However, it is always advisable to check with your local recycling center or refer to the symbol on the plastic item to determine its recyclability.
The recycling symbol, typically found on the bottom of plastic items, consists of a number placed inside a triangle. This number identifies the type of plastic, with #1 and #2 plastics being the most commonly accepted through curbside recycling programs. However, some communities, like Rockville (MD), Raleigh (NC), and Ann Arbor (MI), accept a broader range of plastics, including #5.
To properly recycle yogurt containers and their lids, it is essential to separate them and ensure they are empty and clean. By taking these extra steps, you can contribute to reducing waste and promoting the reuse of valuable resources.
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Plastic wrap around yogurt cups cannot be recycled
Plastic yogurt containers are typically made of polypropylene, also known as #5 plastic. This type of plastic is considered food-safe and is used for various products, including food and beverage containers, medications, carpeting, roof membranes, and fabric. While polypropylene yogurt containers can be recycled, the plastic wrap around yogurt cups cannot be recycled.
The plastic wrap used around yogurt cups is often a different type of plastic than the cup itself, such as thin plastic or shrink wrap. These types of plastic are not commonly accepted by recycling programs due to their low recyclability value. Additionally, small pieces of plastic, such as those from yogurt cup wrappers, can contaminate other recyclable materials, such as glass, during the recycling process.
Even if a community accepts plastic yogurt containers for recycling, they may not accept the lids or plastic wrap. Foil lids, in particular, can be challenging to recycle as they come into contact with food, creating contamination issues for some recycling facilities. Clear plastic or wax paper lids on yogurt cups also need to be thrown away, as they are not recyclable.
To properly recycle yogurt containers, it is essential to check with local recycling programs to understand their specific guidelines. Some communities, like New York City and Greensboro, North Carolina, accept #5 plastic through their curbside programs. However, it is important to note that recycling programs may have size restrictions, excluding items smaller than a yogurt cup.
If your local program does not accept #5 plastic, there are other options for recycling yogurt containers. Preserve, a company that collects #5 plastic to create consumer products, runs a program called Gimme 5. Whole Foods stores often participate in this program, providing collection bins for yogurt containers and other #5 plastic items. Additionally, you can mail #5 plastic items to Preserve or use the Recycle More Plastic map to find a nearby collection program specifically for polypropylene plastic.
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Some companies are researching more sustainable packaging options
Yogurt containers are typically made of polypropylene, also known as #5 plastic. This type of plastic is considered food-safe and is often used for storing various foods, beverages, and medications. However, polypropylene plastic has little recyclable value, and many curbside recycling programs do not accept it. As a result, some companies have started researching and implementing more sustainable packaging options for yogurt.
Yoplait, for example, has introduced recyclable board cartons for its yogurt products, reducing its packaging by 50% compared to its previous plastic pots. The new cartons are designed to fold easily when empty, minimizing space in recycling bins and optimizing waste collection. Yoplait aims for all its packaging to be recyclable by 2025.
Another company, We Bar None, has become the first Victorian company to offer 100% compostable wrappers for its health bars. They initially experimented with baking paper and recyclable plastic pouches but transitioned to compostable packaging to combat plastic pollution in waterways.
One Good Thing, a UK-based sustainable snack company, has also introduced an innovative, edible wrapper made predominantly from beeswax. This wrapper eliminates the need for traditional plastic or paper wrappers, reducing plastic waste. The bars can be rinsed before consumption without compromising taste or texture.
These companies demonstrate a proactive approach to promoting sustainability and reducing their environmental impact. They recognize the importance of balancing performance, product protection, function, design, and sustainability in their packaging choices. However, it is important to note that consumer behavior towards sustainability does not always align with their stated preferences. While 79% of consumers expressed a desire for low to zero-waste packaging, sustainability ranked low in importance when compared to other factors such as price, flavor, and brand.
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Frequently asked questions
Yogurt containers are often made of polypropylene, a #5 plastic.
You can identify the plastic type by the number on its bottom.
Check your local recycling program’s rules online to see if they accept #5 plastic. If they don't, you can use Recycle More Plastic’s map to find a nearby collection program that does.
