Ethan Clarke
Plastic containers are a common household item, but not all of them are recyclable. The recyclability of plastic containers depends on several factors, including the type of plastic, the presence of food residue, and local recycling guidelines. It is important to properly clean and prepare plastic containers before placing them in the recycling bin to ensure they can be effectively recycled and do not contaminate other recyclables. While some containers, such as those made of polystyrene foam or black plastic, are generally non-recyclable, others with specific resin identification codes, like #2, #4, and #5, are considered safer for reuse and recycling. It is always advisable to check with local recycling programs and guidelines to confirm which types of plastic containers can be accepted for recycling in your area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic containers that can be recycled | Single-use plastic containers (e.g. yoghurt or fruit cups), plastic food trays, aluminium containers, paper or cardboard containers, paper bags, plastic containers labelled No. 1 or No. 2, plastic bags (at specialised recycling centres or grocery stores) |
| Plastic containers that cannot be recycled | Plastic bags, polystyrene foam containers, black plastic containers, Chinese takeout containers, soiled paper plates and napkins, plastic utensils (dependent on the local facility) |
| Other considerations | Containers should be clean and empty before recycling; guidelines may vary by location and collector |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic food containers
When it comes to cleaning plastic containers before recycling, it is recommended to avoid using hot water as it can melt the plastic. Instead, fill the container with lukewarm water and soap and let it soak for a few hours. Placing the container in the sun for a while after washing can also help. While it is important to remove as much residue as possible, it is not necessary to scrub the containers vigorously, as this may release microplastics.
It is worth mentioning that some types of plastic food containers are preferred over others for their durability and safety. Tupperware, for example, offers a lifetime guarantee and will replace broken or damaged items for free. Sistema is another brand that produces durable and BPA-free plastic food storage containers. According to National Geographic's The Green Guide, plastics #2, #4, and #5 are the safest for repeatedly storing food.
Additionally, certain types of plastic are not suitable for household recycling. Bulky, rigid plastics, such as buckets, laundry baskets, and storage bins, require a different recycling process and should be handled separately. Plastic bags, pouches, and snack bags are also not suitable for household recycling due to their mixed material composition, but they may be accepted through specialized mail-in recycling programs.
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Plastic bags
Some municipalities allow overflow to be bagged in large transparent recycling bags, but small plastic shopping bags filled with recyclables should never be placed in a recycling bin. This is because they can get tangled in the equipment at recycling facilities. Instead, loose recyclables can be placed in paper bags or stored until the next service day.
It is important to note that not all plastic bags are recyclable. Plastic bags made of type 4 plastic, such as produce and grocery bags, should not be put into recycling bins. These bags can be recycled, but they must be taken to a grocery store or a local recycling facility that accepts them.
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Black plastic containers
Black plastic is also made with highly dangerous toxins, such as heavy metals like cadmium, mercury, and lead, which are known carcinogens. These toxins leach into the soil and waterways, wreaking havoc on animals and the planet.
However, some waste management companies are now using a special type of black plastic that can be detected by NIR technology. In these cases, the waste management companies need to fine-tune their NIR equipment to be able to sort the special black plastic for recycling.
If you want to dispose of black plastic containers properly, you can check with your local authority or local recycler to see if they have a separate process for black plastic. While it may be possible to turn it in for recycling if you've sorted it from other items, it is generally recommended to avoid using black plastic containers altogether and to choose products packaged in clear or light-coloured plastic that are easily recyclable.
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Polystyrene foam containers
Polystyrene foam, often referred to as Styrofoam, is identified by the recycling number 6, which indicates polystyrene (PS) as its material. This number is usually found inside a triangle on the bottom or side of the container and is part of a resin identification coding system that helps identify different types of plastics for recycling purposes. While having a recycling number does not necessarily mean the material is recyclable, it serves as a guide for consumers and recyclers.
Recycling polystyrene foam containers can be challenging due to several reasons. Firstly, the material is often contaminated with food residue, grease, or other liquids, making it unrecyclable in many facilities. Additionally, polystyrene foam is lightweight and bulky, which makes transportation for recycling less economically viable compared to other plastics. As a result, many recycling centers do not accept polystyrene foam, and even when accepted, it often ends up in landfills due to the challenges of effectively recycling this material.
However, some specialized facilities can recycle polystyrene foam. These facilities use specific processes to clean, melt, and repurpose the material into new products. To recycle polystyrene foam containers, it is important to first check with your local waste management guidelines to identify if there are specific drop-off locations or programs for this material. Before placing them in the recycling bin, ensure the containers are clean and free of any food residue. Some facilities might require the foam to be compressed or densified to reduce volume, which can be done using specialized machines.
Despite the challenges, it is important to handle polystyrene foam containers responsibly due to their environmental impact. When not recycled or disposed of properly, these containers can break down into smaller pieces, leading to microplastic pollution in the environment. Additionally, the chemicals in polystyrene foam can leach into the soil and water, affecting ecosystems and human health. As such, it is crucial to prioritize reducing, reusing, and properly disposing of polystyrene foam containers whenever possible.
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Plastic product packaging
It is important to check the specific guidelines of your local recycling collector, as these can vary by location. Some plastics are not recyclable at all, such as polystyrene foam containers, often referred to as "Styrofoam", and black plastic containers.
Other plastic containers can be recycled, but only if they are clean. This includes most single-use plastic containers, such as yoghurt or fruit cups, and plastic food storage containers. It is worth cleaning these as much as possible, but even if they are not completely clean, they will likely be recycled at the plant. However, to avoid contaminating batches of otherwise recyclable plastic, it is best to ensure they are as clean as possible.
When it comes to buying plastic food storage containers, it is worth investing in durable options that will last longer, such as Tupperware or Sistema. According to National Geographic’s The Green Guide, plastics #2, #4 and #5 are the safest for repeatedly storing food.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic containers with a recycling symbol and labelled No. 1 or No. 2 can be recycled. Plastics #2, #4, and #5 are considered the safest for food storage. Most single-use plastic containers, such as yoghurt or fruit cups, can be recycled as long as they are clean and empty.
Plastic bags, polystyrene foam containers, and black plastic containers are non-recyclable. Plastic product packaging, flexible packaging like pouches and snack bags, and foam are also not recyclable.
It is important to clean and empty plastic containers before placing them in recycling. Soaking containers in lukewarm water and soap and then keeping them in the sun for a few hours is an effective way to clean them without scratching off microplastics.
