Alexei Volkov
Connecticut has had mandatory recycling since 1991, with a universal list of what is accepted in its Mixed Recycling (Single Stream) Program. The state disposes of about 4 pounds of trash per resident per day, recycling the rest. Plastic bags and plastic film should not be put in recycling bins as they can jam equipment, but some retailers have collection bins for plastic bags. So, which plastics are recyclable in Connecticut?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic types | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE, #1) plastic containers of three gallons or less; high-density polyethylene (HDPE, #2) plastic containers of three gallons or less |
| Plastic bags and plastic film | Should not be put in recycling bins as they can jam equipment; some retailers have collection bins for plastic bags |
| Mandatory recyclables | Glass food and beverage containers; metal food and beverage containers; newspapers; corrugated cardboard; boxboard; magazines; leaves; scrap metal; used motor oil; lead-acid batteries; residential white and colored paper/junk mail; grass clippings and nickel-cadmium batteries |
| Additional recyclables | Food scraps, plastic film/bags, eyeglasses, books, mattresses |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags and plastic film
However, plastic bags and plastic film can be recycled in Connecticut. Many participating retailers, such as Stop & Shop, have collection bins for plastic bags and plastic film at their stores. These bags are often sent to the manufacturer of a recycled composite lumber that is used for outdoor decking.
In Middletown, CT, the local community has joined the Wrap Recycling Action Program (WRAP). This program allows residents to recycle plastic bags, plastic wraps (like bread bags and bubble wrap), newspaper bags, overwrap around household products, case wrap around beverages, and other household items such as dry cleaning bags at local retail grocery and home improvement stores.
It is important to remember that plastic bags and plastic film should be kept separate from other recyclables. Trash and recyclables are usually picked up separately, so it is best to bring reusable cloth bags when shopping.
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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE, #1) plastic containers
Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET or PETE, is a strong, stiff synthetic fibre and resin and a member of the polyester family of polymers. It is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, and thermoforming for manufacturing. PET is also used in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins. In the context of textiles, PET is referred to as polyester, while in packaging, it is known by the acronym PET.
In Connecticut, it is mandatory to recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE, #1) plastic containers of three gallons or less. This is in line with the state's recycling laws, which require everyone, including businesses, households, institutions, and government agencies, to recycle specific items. The recycling code number for PET is 1, and it is one of the most widely recycled plastics. However, in the United States, only about 20% of PET material is recycled.
PET is commonly recycled by melting down bottles and containers and spinning them into fibres for fibrefill or carpets. When PET is collected in a suitably pure state, it can be recycled into its original uses. Additionally, methods have been developed to break down the polymer into its chemical precursors for resynthesizing into PET. One of the processes for making PET involves the use of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, which can be synthesized through an esterification reaction or a transesterification reaction.
Another important aspect of PET recycling is the role of retailers. Many participating retailers provide collection bins for plastic bags at their stores, and these bags are often sent to manufacturers to produce recycled composite lumber for outdoor decking. It is worth noting that plastic bags should not be placed in curbside or transfer station single-stream recycling bins as they can jam the equipment at Intermediate Processing Centers. Instead, reusable cloth bags are recommended for shopping.
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High-density polyethylene (HDPE, #2) plastic containers
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a type of plastic that is commonly found in households. It is denoted by the number 2 symbol, with the number enclosed by the chasing arrows. HDPE is a robust, durable, and lightweight plastic that is widely used for packaging and containers. It is also BPA-free and safe for food storage.
In Connecticut, recycling has been mandatory since 1991, and HDPE (#2) plastic containers of three gallons or less are included in the list of designated recyclable items. This means that residents are required to recycle these containers, which can be identified by the #2 symbol, usually located on the bottom or side of the container.
The properties of HDPE make it a versatile and useful material. It is stiff, strong, and durable, with good chemical resistance, meaning it will not react with foods, beverages, or household chemicals. It is also lightweight and easily molded into various shapes, making it ideal for packaging and containers. Additionally, HDPE is resistant to extreme temperatures and does not break down under sunlight exposure.
HDPE is one of the most widely recycled plastic materials globally, and it is recyclable in almost all programs in the United States. Recycling HDPE helps to keep it out of landfills, save energy, and reduce the need for extracting virgin materials. Recycled HDPE can be used to create new products such as storage containers, lumber, patio furniture, playground equipment, and automobile parts.
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Plastic bags at participating retailers
Plastic bags should not be placed in curbside or transfer station single-stream recycling bins. This is because they can jam the equipment at the Intermediate Processing Centers that prepare recyclables to be marketed. However, some participating retailers do have collection bins for plastic bags at their stores. These bags are often sent to the manufacturer of a recycled composite lumber used for outdoor decking.
Connecticut's ban on single-use plastic bags took effect on July 1, 2021. This was preceded by a 10-cent fee on most plastic bags, which was introduced as a temporary measure to transition consumers to more environmentally friendly bags. The 10-cent fee was also applied to paper bags in some stores. The ban and fees are part of Connecticut's Mandatory Recycling Act, which has been in effect since 1991 and applies to every business, household, institution, and government agency in the state.
The state's waste reduction goals are outlined in a comprehensive management strategy released by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). To meet these goals, Connecticut needs to reduce or divert 2.3 million tons of trash per year. DEEP estimates that if residents continue to produce trash at the same rate, it will cost approximately $2.5 million more per year to handle waste.
The plastic bag recycling program in Connecticut accepts plastic grocery bags, produce bags, bread bags, dry cleaning bags, and zipper bags. Around 200 stores participated in the recycling campaign statewide, providing bins for consumers to deposit plastic bags and wraps.
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Plastic recycling code
The following plastic containers of three gallons or less are accepted as part of the state's recycling program:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE, #1)
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE, #2)
Other plastics that are recyclable in Connecticut include plastic bags and plastic film (or shrink wrap). However, these should not be placed in single-stream recycling bins as they can jam equipment. Instead, they can be returned to a number of retailers that have collection bins for plastic bags, or they can be reused.
To ensure that your plastics are recycled correctly, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by your local municipality. In Connecticut, this includes ensuring that all items are empty, rinsed, clean, and open.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, recycling is mandatory in Connecticut. This applies to residents, businesses, and institutions.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE, #1) plastic containers of three gallons or less, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE, #2) plastic containers of three gallons or less are recyclable in Connecticut.
Plastic bags and plastic film can be recycled at some participating retailers. Some municipalities also collect plastic bottles.
All items should be empty, rinsed, clean, and open.
The RecycleCT website and app provide detailed information on what is accepted under Connecticut's Mixed Recycling Program.
