Omar Khalid
The City of Asheville provides its residents with comprehensive recycling services. However, there is often confusion about what plastics can be recycled. The City's website and the Waste Wizard tool provide information on what can be recycled and how to prepare recyclables. While recycling by numbers is no longer the primary method, the shape of the plastic is now a key factor in determining recyclability. Plastic bags, films, and certain numbered plastics are not accepted in blue city bins. Curbside recycling is managed by Curbside Recycling in Woodfin, also known as Curbie, which serves Asheville and the surrounding area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic types | PETE (#1), HDPE (#2), polystyrene, PVC, cellophane, microwaveable trays, hard plastics |
| Recyclable plastic items | Bottles, tubs, jugs, jars |
| Non-recyclable plastic items | Plastic bags, to-go containers, clamshell containers, single-serve food containers, cutlery, black microwaveable trays, to-go containers, plastic clam shells, plastic film, Styrofoam |
| Additional information | Plastic containers should be rinsed and emptied. Metal jar/bottle caps/lids can be recycled if they're 2" in diameter or larger and screwed on. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are recyclable
When recycling plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars, it is recommended to check with local guidelines provided by the City of Asheville. They have resources like the Waste Wizard, which can provide specific instructions on how and where to recycle different materials. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure that your recyclables are properly sorted and prepared.
The City of Asheville also emphasizes the importance of keeping recyclables separate from non-recyclables and trash. Mixing recyclables with non-recyclable materials, such as plastic toys or non-recyclable plastic containers, can contaminate the entire batch, making it more challenging and costly to recycle. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of what can and cannot be recycled in your specific area.
While plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are generally recyclable, it is worth noting that not all types of plastic are accepted. Some plastics, such as Styrofoam (#6), black microwaveable trays, and plastic films, are not recyclable in Asheville. These items should be disposed of separately or through specialized programs like the Hard 2 Recycle events held by Asheville GreenWorks, which accept items that cannot be recycled through the city's regular programs.
By following the guidelines provided by the City of Asheville and properly preparing and sorting plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars, residents can play a crucial role in reducing waste and promoting sustainability in their community. It is important to stay informed about any updates or changes to the accepted recyclables and their preparation methods to ensure responsible recycling practices.
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Plastic bags are not recycled curbside
In Asheville, North Carolina, plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars can be recycled curbside. However, plastic bags are not recycled curbside. Plastic bags are not recycled curbside because they tangle up the machinery in recycling facilities, creating operational issues. They are also not in high demand by recycling centers, and there is a limited market for used plastic bags.
Plastic bags are typically made of #2 or #4 plastic, and while some types of #2 plastic are accepted for curbside recycling in Asheville, plastic bags are not. This is because plastic bags are classified as plastic film, which is a different category from plastic containers. Plastic films include plastic grocery bags, trash bags, and stretch wrap.
Plastic bags can gum up the works at recycling facilities, causing operational issues and wasting time and money. They can get stuck in the machinery, requiring workers to shut down the equipment and remove the plastic bags manually. This is why most recyclers prefer that you toss recyclables into your curbside bin loose, without using a bag.
While plastic bags cannot be recycled curbside in most locations, there are other ways to recycle them responsibly. Many grocery stores and large retailers collect plastic bags for recycling, and some communities have drop-off locations or programs that accept plastic film packaging. For example, residents of a Chicago suburb can recycle plastic film packaging curbside through a program launched by Dow and Waste Management. This program is expected to expand and reach more households in the coming years.
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Plastic films are recyclable at grocery stores
In Asheville, North Carolina, plastic films are not accepted in the blue city recycling bins. However, they can be recycled at specific locations, including some grocery stores.
Plastic films include grocery bags, plastic wraps, and other flexible plastic packaging. Before taking these items to a grocery store, ensure they are clean and dry to avoid contaminating other materials. Stretchy plastic films with resin codes 2 or 4 can usually be recycled. Look for the How2Recycle label or scan the Smart Label on the package for guidance on where and how to recycle flexible films.
In Asheville, it is recommended to refer to the Waste Wizard or the AVL Collects app to determine how to dispose of or recycle specific items properly. The City of Asheville's website also provides information on recyclable materials and Hard 2 Recycle events, which accept items that cannot be recycled through the city's regular programs.
It is important to note that not all flexible plastic packaging is accepted for recycling at grocery stores, so it is advisable to verify before dropping off these materials. Additionally, some grocery stores may have specific requirements or guidelines for accepting plastic films for recycling.
By recycling plastic films at participating grocery stores, you can help reduce waste and give these materials a new lease of life.
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Plastic containers should be rinsed and emptied
When it comes to recycling plastic containers in Asheville, NC, it's important to follow the guidelines provided by the city to ensure effective recycling practices. Here are some detailed instructions specifically regarding rinsing and emptying plastic containers before recycling:
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that not all plastic containers are recyclable. Plastic containers with shapes like bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are generally accepted for recycling. However, it is important to confirm this by checking the insignias on the containers or using resources like the Waste Wizard provided by the City of Asheville. This tool helps identify which items are recyclable and provides information on where to take non-recyclable items for safe disposal.
Once you have confirmed that your plastic containers are recyclable, it's time to prepare them for recycling. Empty and thoroughly rinse the containers to remove any residual food, beverages, personal care products, or household chemicals. This step is essential because contaminants, including food residue, can cause issues during the recycling process. They can make recycling more difficult and expensive and reduce the value of the recycled materials for factories that use them to create new products.
When rinsing, be sure to pay attention to the small parts of the containers, such as caps, lids, and pumps. These should be removed and discarded with your regular trash. It's important to note that metal jar/bottle caps/lids can be recycled only if they are 2 inches in diameter or larger and screwed on. Flat pop-on plastic lids, on the other hand, belong in the trash, while round plastic screw caps can be recycled if they are screwed on.
After rinsing and emptying, the next step is to dry the containers. This is particularly important for plastic containers that previously held liquid products. Drying helps prevent the growth of mold or bacteria during the recycling process. It is also advisable to flatten plastic containers whenever possible to reduce their volume and make the recycling process more space-efficient.
Lastly, it is important to remember that recycling guidelines can evolve over time. While “recycling by numbers” was once common, Asheville, like many other places, is moving away from this practice. Stay informed about the latest guidelines provided by the City of Asheville and local recycling companies to ensure that you are following the most up-to-date instructions for rinsing and emptying plastic containers for recycling.
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Plastic lids can be recycled if screwed on
In Asheville, North Carolina, plastic lids can be recycled if they are 2 inches or larger in diameter and screwed on. This is because loose caps can interfere with the recycling process and are considered contaminants. It is important to separate lids and caps from plastic and glass containers before recycling them. Flat pop-on plastic lids, on the other hand, cannot be recycled and should be thrown away.
The City of Asheville recommends using the Waste Wizard tool on their website or the AVL Collects app to determine how to dispose of specific items. This tool provides information on where and how to recycle or safely dispose of items.
In Asheville, plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are accepted for recycling. These items should be rinsed and emptied before being placed in the recycling bin. Plastic bags, plastic films, and plastic containers with numbers 3 through 7 are not recyclable in the blue city bins but may be accepted at other locations.
It is important to note that the guidelines for plastic recycling in Asheville are primarily based on the shape of the plastic rather than the numbers within the triangular recycling symbol. This means that even if a plastic item has a recyclable number, it may not be accepted in the curbside recycling program.
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Frequently asked questions
The City of Asheville accepts plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars for recycling. Plastic containers should be rinsed and emptied. Plastic bags are not recyclable and should be returned to grocery stores or Walmart.
Before placing your plastics in the recycling bin, make sure to remove and discard caps, lids, and pumps. Plastic containers should be flattened if possible.
The City of Asheville's Waste Wizard tool can provide information on how to dispose of specific items. Additionally, the AVL Collects app and website (ashevillenc.gov/AVLcollects) can provide guidance on recycling and waste management.
