Omar Khalid
Plastic is one of the most common materials used for food storage, but not all plastics are created equal when it comes to recycling. While some plastics are widely accepted by recycling programs, others are more difficult to recycle due to the specific processes and equipment required. It is important to check your local guidelines as the recyclability of plastic containers can vary by location and collector. In general, rigid plastics like buckets and laundry baskets are not suitable for household recycling, while single-use containers like yoghurt cups and most clear plastic takeout containers are acceptable as long as they are clean and dry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic containers that can be recycled | Single-serving microwave food trays, most single-use plastic containers (e.g. yoghurt or fruit cups), plastic bags (at specialised recycling centres), plastic food storage containers, plastic takeout containers with a recycling symbol, aluminium containers, paper or cardboard containers, paper bags |
| Plastic containers that cannot be recycled | Plastic product packaging, flexible packaging (pouches and snack bags), foam, polystyrene foam containers, black plastic containers, Chinese takeout containers, plastic utensils (dependent on the local facility) |
| General guidelines for recycling plastic containers | Containers should be clean and empty. Check local programmes and guidelines as these vary by location and collector. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic food trays
To recycle plastic food trays, it is important to ensure they are clean and dry. Most recycling programs require a basic level of cleaning to ensure the success of the recycling process and to avoid contamination. This means scraping any leftover food off the tray and giving it a quick rinse. It is worth noting that some local recycling programs may have specific requirements, so it is always a good idea to check with your local waste management guidelines.
Most plastic food trays will have a recycling symbol on them, usually with a number inside, which indicates the type of plastic. This can be used to determine if your local recycling program accepts that particular type of plastic. Some common types of plastic used for food trays include PET, as mentioned, as well as PP (polypropylene) and PS (polystyrene).
PP plastic is often used for items that need to withstand higher temperatures, such as microwaveable meals or containers for hot foods. PS, on the other hand, is a more brittle type of plastic and is commonly used for items like disposable cups, utensils, and take-away containers. These types of plastic are also recyclable, but it is always worth checking with your local facilities to ensure they are accepted as part of your curb-side collection or if they need to be taken to a drop-off point.
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Plastic bags
If you collect your recyclables in a plastic trash bag, dump the recyclables out of the bag and reuse the bag if you can. There are thousands of retail stores and drop-off centers across the US that accept plastic film packaging for recycling. These retailers collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-haul this plastic film to multiple businesses that recycle it into new products.
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Bulky, rigid plastic
Some municipalities and local authorities provide specific collection services or drop-off points for bulky, rigid plastics. For example, residents of Oneida and Herkimer Counties can recycle these items at the Authority's Utica and Rome EcoDrops during regular business hours, free of charge. Similarly, Montgomery County, Maryland, offers a bulky rigid plastic drop-off service. It is always a good idea to check with your local waste management guidelines to understand the specific recycling programs available in your area.
When preparing bulky, rigid plastics for recycling, ensure that they are clean and free from any non-plastic attachments. This may involve removing metal parts, such as screws, bolts, or axles. By following these guidelines and separating bulky, rigid plastics from other recyclables, you can ensure that these items are properly recycled and contribute to environmental preservation efforts.
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Plastic product packaging
Some other types of plastic containers are also not recyclable. These include polystyrene foam containers, often referred to as "Styrofoam", which are widely used for takeout and delivery. Black plastic containers are another type that cannot be recycled. They are often made from recycled materials, but the technology at recycling plants has not yet caught up with this type of plastic.
It is important to check local programs to confirm what is recyclable in your area, as guidelines vary by location and collector. For example, some cities have curbside composting for food-coated paper products, and some municipal drop-offs accept foam for recycling.
When it comes to recycling plastic containers, it is worth cleaning them as much as possible. This is because food residue can contaminate otherwise recyclable materials and cause them to be rejected. However, it is important to avoid using hot water to clean plastic containers, as this can cause the plastic to melt.
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Local recycling guidelines
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that not all plastic containers are recyclable. The recycling symbol on plastic products indicates the type of plastic used, but it does not guarantee that your local community will accept it for recycling. Check with your local program or collector to confirm which types of plastic they accept.
Most single-use plastic containers, such as yogurt or fruit cups, are typically accepted by household recycling programs as long as they are clean and empty. Rinse or scrape any food residue from containers before placing them in the recycling bin. Some people choose to fill containers with lukewarm water and soap and leave them in the sun for a few hours to ensure they are clean.
Avoid recycling plastic bags and flexible packaging, such as pouches and snack bags, in your household collection. These items often require specialized recycling and can cause damage to regular recycling equipment. However, many grocery stores accept these items for specialized recycling.
Bulky, rigid plastics, such as buckets, toys, laundry baskets, and storage bins, also require a different recycling process and should not be included in your household collection. Contact your local recycling program or waste management service to inquire about specific guidelines for these items.
Additionally, certain plastic products, such as plastic utensils and styrofoam, are not widely accepted in curbside recycling programs. Check with your local program or specialized recycling drop-off locations to properly recycle these items.
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Frequently asked questions
Most single-use plastic containers, such as yogurt or fruit cups, can be recycled, as long as they are clean and empty. Clear plastic takeout containers with a recycling symbol, labelled No. 1 or No. 2, can be recycled. Plastic bags, polystyrene foam containers, and plastic product packaging are not recyclable.
Containers should be thoroughly cleaned and empty before being recycled. One way to do this is to fill the container with lukewarm water and soap and leave it for a few hours. Keep them in the sun for a few hours after washing and avoid using hot water as it may melt the plastic.
Recycling guidelines vary by location and collector. It is important to reference the specific guidelines of the entity that collects your recycling to ensure you are following the correct procedure.
