Ethan Clarke
San Francisco has been a leader in recycling and waste management services, with Recology, the city's waste management system, offering a variety of programs to ensure sustainability and reduce landfill waste. However, the presence of non-recyclable plastics in the trash remains a significant concern. While Recology accepts a wide range of plastics for recycling, certain types, such as PVC, PETG, EPS, PS, and XPS, are not accepted due to their chemical composition and manufacturing processes. Plastic bags, in particular, are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills due to their unique characteristics. Additionally, contaminated plastic items with food or liquid residues are not suitable for recycling. Understanding what kinds of plastics cannot be recycled is essential for reducing plastic pollution in landfills, oceans, and natural habitats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags | Not accepted |
| Plastic items contaminated with food or liquid | Not accepted |
| Plastic sheeting | Accepted if separated into a clear bag or labeled, clean, dry, and larger than a basketball |
| Styrofoam | Large blocks of clean Styrofoam can be dropped off for recycling at the Recology San Francisco Transfer Station at 501 Tunnel Avenue in San Francisco |
| Plastic containers | Must be rinsed and emptied before being placed in the recycling bin |
| Hazardous materials | Paint and batteries must be taken to special drop-off locations |
| Plastic types | PVC, PETG, EPS, PS, and XPS are not accepted |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags are not recycled
Plastic bags are one of the most challenging items to recycle. They are typically made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a flexible and stretchable plastic. This material is not easily recyclable through standard curbside recycling methods. The issue is not limited to San Francisco; it is a widespread problem.
In San Francisco, Recology, the company responsible for waste management, has acknowledged the difficulty in recycling plastic bags. Despite their efforts to find new ways to reuse materials, plastic bags often end up in landfills. The challenge lies in the fact that plastic bags are not easily recyclable, and even if they are, there is a lack of demand for recycled plastic bags, making it difficult to find a market for them.
The recycling process for plastic bags is labor-intensive and costly. They cannot be sorted by machines at recycling facilities, requiring manual labor. When plastic bags are missed and end up in the mix with other recyclables, they can cause significant issues. The bags can get caught in the equipment, leading to machine shutdowns and extra costs. Additionally, the bags are often too dirty to be accepted by end-users, even if they could be sorted.
To address this issue, it is crucial to reduce or eliminate the use of plastic bags. Reusable bags are a more environmentally friendly option, and many grocery stores and retailers provide collection bins specifically for plastic bags, ensuring proper management and disposal. Plastic bags can also be reused at home as trash can liners, carriers, or packing material. Upcycling is another creative way to extend their lifespan, such as using them for craft projects, weaving, or making durable outdoor cushions.
While plastic bags pose a recycling challenge, adopting responsible disposal and reduction strategies can help mitigate their environmental impact. Individuals can play a significant role in reducing plastic pollution and moving towards a more sustainable future by minimizing their use of plastic bags and exploring alternative options.
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Plastic with food/liquid contamination
Plastic is a significant contributor to the waste problem, and while some plastics can be recycled, others cannot. Recology San Francisco provides recycling services for the city, and the types of plastics they can recycle include laundry detergent containers, large plastic baskets, and containers for salads or sandwiches (known as clam shells).
However, one of the challenges with plastic recycling is contamination. Food and liquid contamination is a critical issue that can render plastic unrecyclable. Any food scraps or liquids left in plastic containers can contaminate the recycling process, leading to higher processing costs and causing recyclable materials to be sent to landfills. To avoid this, it is essential to ensure that plastic items are thoroughly cleaned and dried before being placed in the recycling bin.
At Recology San Francisco, they have strict protocols in place to manage contamination. If a container is found to be contaminated, they will leave an “oops tag” to indicate that it contains materials that belong elsewhere. Recology may leave full containers on the service day if the contents are highly contaminated. Repeated contamination can result in contamination charges, and the contaminated containers will be treated as garbage and sent to landfills.
To prevent food and liquid contamination, residents should ensure they properly sort their waste. Food scraps do not belong in the recycling or garbage containers and should be composted instead. Liquids should not be placed in the recycling containers as well. By following these guidelines, residents can help reduce contamination rates and ensure that their plastic waste is recycled properly.
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Plastic sheeting must be clean, dry, and large
Plastic sheeting is a versatile material with a wide range of applications, from construction projects to disaster preparedness. When it comes to recycling plastic sheeting, it's important to ensure that it meets certain criteria: it must be clean, dry, and large.
Firstly, the plastic sheeting needs to be clean. This means that any dirt, debris, or contaminants must be removed before recycling. It is important to note that even large blocks of clean Styrofoam can be dropped off for recycling at the Recology San Francisco Transfer Station. This indicates that cleanliness is a crucial factor in determining whether plastic sheeting can be recycled.
Secondly, the plastic sheeting should be dry. Moisture can affect the recycling process and the quality of the recycled material. By ensuring that the plastic sheeting is dry, you improve its chances of being effectively recycled.
Lastly, the plastic sheeting needs to be large. Small pieces of plastic can be difficult to recycle and may not be accepted by recycling facilities. Large sheets of plastic provide a greater surface area and volume, making them more suitable for recycling. This is evident in Recology's acceptance of large blocks of Styrofoam for recycling.
It's worth noting that Recology San Francisco offers tailored programs for businesses, property managers, and residents to manage their waste effectively. They recycle a range of plastics, including laundry detergent containers, large plastic baskets, and containers for salads or sandwiches (clam shells). However, plastic bags are not typically recycled and usually end up in landfills due to their challenging nature.
Overall, by ensuring that plastic sheeting is clean, dry, and large, you increase the likelihood of it being accepted for recycling and contribute to more sustainable waste management practices.
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Styrofoam can be recycled
Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene (EPS), is technically recyclable but is rarely accepted by curbside recycling programs due to its low density and high volume, which makes it challenging and costly to collect and transport for recycling. However, some facilities have the necessary equipment to grind and compact Styrofoam into a denser shape, making it suitable for recycling.
In San Francisco, large blocks of clean Styrofoam can be dropped off for recycling at the Recology San Francisco Transfer Station on Tunnel Avenue. This initiative by Recology San Francisco is part of their efforts to find new ways to reuse materials, including certain types of plastics.
While Styrofoam can be recycled at specific locations, it is essential to recognize that it is not as simple as placing it in a recycling bin. The process often involves compressing the Styrofoam into an ultra-dense form to make transportation economical. It is then taken to a facility that can shred and repurpose it, often into hard plastic.
Some shipping stores will take back packaging peanuts for reuse, and some local governments and recycling companies have drop-off locations specifically for foam packaging. Additionally, there are companies that buy EPS and other plastic types for recycling.
Although Styrofoam can be recycled under specific conditions, it is worth noting that it is a significant contributor to the plastic problem. Plastic bags, for instance, almost always end up in landfills because they are extremely difficult to recycle, despite often displaying the recycle symbol.
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Hazardous materials have special drop-off locations
The Household Hazardous Waste Facility accepts items such as batteries, medications, paint, propane tanks, needles, syringes, motor oil, and filters. San Francisco residents can also schedule a free home pick-up service by calling Recology at (415) 330-1405 or emailing [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Appointments are available from Wednesday to Saturday mornings, and someone must be present at the time of pick-up.
Small businesses located in San Francisco that generate less than 27 gallons (220 lbs) of hazardous waste per month can make an appointment by calling 415.330.1425. A California State EPA ID number is required in advance of the appointment.
Additionally, there are other drop-off locations for specific items. For instance, medications can be dropped off at any San Francisco police station and select pharmacies, while batteries can be dropped off at any Walgreens in San Francisco, most hardware stores, or the SF Transfer Station Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
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Frequently asked questions
San Francisco Recology does not accept plastic bags, PVC, PETG, EPS, PS, and XPS, and plastic items contaminated with food or liquid. Plastic bags are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills.
Glossy cardboard boxes, Styrofoam, and plastic sheeting (unless separated into a clear bag or labelled, clean, dry, and larger than a basketball).
Non-recyclable plastics that are placed in your recycling bin will be picked out and thrown into a bin headed for landfill.
