Chloe Zhang
New Orleans has a complex recycling system, with different rules for different areas and materials. For example, in Orleans, plastics #1 and #2 are accepted for recycling, while plastics #5, such as Mardi Gras cups, are not. In Jefferson Parish, plastics #1-#7 are accepted, but plastic bags are not. In addition, some materials, such as electronics, lightbulbs, and batteries, can only be recycled on specific drop-off days or at certain locations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastics accepted for recycling | #1, #2 |
| Plastics not accepted for recycling | #3-#7, plastic bags, Mardi Gras cups |
| Other items accepted for recycling | Beverage bottles, food containers, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, prescription bottles, baby wipe containers, household cleaner and bleach bottles, flower pots, buckets, aluminum, tin, metal alloy beverage, paper, cereal and cracker boxes, lightbulbs, clothing, ink cartridges, batteries, paint, tires, cosmetics, building materials, electronics, glass |
| Other items not accepted for recycling | N/A |
| Curbside recycling | Available in Orleans and Jefferson Parish |
| Recycling drop-off locations | Elysian Fields Recycling Drop-off Center, Target, Tulane University's Art Department, Whole Foods Metairie, Glass Half Full, The Green Project, Best Buy, FedEx Office, Home Depot, Lowe's |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Plastic bags and films can be recycled at local grocery stores
In New Orleans, plastic bags and films can be recycled at local grocery stores. However, it is important to check with your closest grocer to see if they participate in the program. This is because, in New Orleans, plastic bags cannot be recycled in your curbside bin, even if they have the recycling logo on them.
Some examples of plastic films that can be recycled at local grocery stores include bubble wrap, Saran wrap (clean), bubble mailers, and Ziploc bags.
In addition to plastic bags and films, there are several other items that can be recycled in New Orleans. This includes plastics #1 and #2, beverage bottles, food containers (rinsed), detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, prescription bottles, baby wipe containers, household cleaner and bleach bottles (empty and rinsed), flower pots, buckets, aluminum, tin, and metal alloy beverage, food, and pet food cans (rinsed), paper (not with delivery bags), and cereal and cracker boxes (with liners removed).
There are also several drop-off locations for recycling glass, including Target, which accepts clean, unbroken recyclables, and Tulane University's Art Department, which accepts clean, clear, and green glass.
For those looking to recycle electronics, the Department of Sanitation Recycling Drop-Off Center at 2829 Elysian Fields Avenue accepts a wide range of electronic items on the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Recycled Plastic: Cost Analysis and Market Trends
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic drink containers can be recycled at Target
In New Orleans, residents can recycle plastic drink containers with the numbers #1 and #2 inside the triangular-shaped recycling symbol. These containers can be recycled curbside in Orleans. Other acceptable plastics for recycling in New Orleans include detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, prescription bottles, baby wipe containers, household cleaner and bleach bottles, flower pots, buckets, and more.
How 5 Plastic Recycling is Changing the World
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![[500 per box] | Recyclable Compostable Reusable Biodegradable Plastic T-Shirt Bags | Grocery Shopping Bags | Green Eco Plastic Bags (500 per box) | T-Shirt Carryout Bags 500 count Restaurant Quality, Durable, Reusable and Econ Friendly | Measures 11. 5" X 6. 25" X 21"( large size 1/6) , 16 Mic (0. 63 Mil)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/719yx8flCNL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Plastics #1 and #2 are collected curbside
In New Orleans, residents can recycle plastics #1 and #2 curbside. These are plastics that have the triangular-shaped recycling symbol with the number 1 or 2 inside. Examples of plastics #1 and #2 include beverage bottles, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, and bleach bottles. It is important to ensure that these items are empty and rinsed before placing them in the recycling bin.
Plastics with the number 1 are typically clear and are commonly used for beverage bottles and food packaging. On the other hand, plastics with the number 2 are usually opaque and are used for items such as detergent bottles, milk jugs, and shampoo bottles. These two types of plastic are the most commonly recycled plastics and are accepted by most curbside recycling programs in New Orleans.
It is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable curbside in New Orleans. Plastics #3-#7, such as Mardi Gras cups, are not accepted by the city's recycling program and will be added to landfills if placed in the curbside recycling bin. Other non-recyclable plastics include plastic bags, which can clog the mechanics of recycling sorters. However, many local grocery stores in New Orleans will take back plastic bags and recycle them separately.
In addition to plastics #1 and #2, there are several other items that can be recycled curbside in New Orleans. These include aluminum, tin, and metal alloy beverage cans, food cans, and pet food cans, as well as paper and cardboard. It is important to break down boxes and crush cans to maximize space in the recycling bin.
For items that cannot be recycled curbside, New Orleans offers several drop-off options. The City of New Orleans hosts drop-off days for items such as lightbulbs, clothing, ink cartridges, and batteries. Additionally, residents can recycle electronics, glass, and certain types of plastics at specific locations, such as Target and Whole Foods. It is always important to check with local recycling guidelines and drop-off locations to ensure that items are properly recycled.
Effective Ways to Recycle Plastic Wrappers Properly
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![[100 per box] | Recyclable Compostable Reusable Biodegradable Plastic T-Shirt Bags | Grocery Shopping Bags | Green Eco Plastic Bags (100 per Pack) | T-Shirt Carryout Bags 100 count Restaurant Quality, Durable, Reusable and Econ Friendly | Measures 11. 5" X 6. 25" X 21"( large size 1/6) , 16 Mic (0. 63 Mil)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/7152VP7YM1L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Mardi Gras cups are plastic #5 and will be added to landfill
In New Orleans, only plastics #1 and #2 are accepted for recycling. Any other type of plastic will be sent to a landfill. Mardi Gras cups are made from plastic #5 and, therefore, will be added to the landfill.
The Gimme 5 program does accept Mardi Gras cups for recycling. However, this is not a curbside program. In general, New Orleans has a curbside recycling program, but it does not include plastics #3-7 due to oversupply and contamination issues.
In addition to plastics #1 and #2, the following items can be recycled curbside in Orleans:
- Beverage bottles
- Food containers (rinsed)
- Detergent bottles
- Shampoo bottles
- Prescription bottles
- Baby wipe containers
- Household cleaner and bleach bottles (empty and rinsed)
- Flower pots
- Buckets
- Aluminum, tin, and metal alloy beverage, food, and pet food cans (rinsed)
- Paper (not with delivery bags)
- Cereal and cracker boxes (with liners removed)
There are also several drop-off options for recycling in New Orleans. For example, Target accepts clean, unbroken recyclables, including aluminum, glass, plastic drink containers, plastic bags, bubble wrap, and other plastic films and electronics. Tulane University's Art Department accepts clean, clear, and green glass for art students. Arc of Greater New Orleans accepts tossed-aside throws, including stuffed animals and toys, which are sorted, repackaged, and sold for another Carnival season.
Other items that can be recycled at specific locations in New Orleans include:
- Lightbulbs: at Lowe's, Home Depot, and City of New Orleans drop-off days
- Clothing: at dropboxes
- Ink cartridges: at Office Depot, FedEx, and City of New Orleans drop-off days
- Batteries: at Home Depot and City of New Orleans drop-off days
- Paint: at The Green Project
- Tires: at City of New Orleans drop-off days
- Cosmetics: at Origins makeup counters
- Building materials: at The Green Project
Recycling Grade 5 Plastic: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![500 Biodegradable Compostable Thank You Plastic Bags - Grocery Shopping Bags with Handles [12" X 6.5" X 22"] Eco Friendly Green Plastic T Shirt Bags for Small Business Restaurant Supplies Retail Store](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81OI7irP-6L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Cosmetics containers can be recycled at Origins makeup counters
In New Orleans, you can recycle plastics with a #1 or #2 inside the triangular-shaped recycling symbol. These include beverage bottles, food containers, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, prescription bottles, baby wipe containers, and household cleaner and bleach bottles.
If you're looking to recycle cosmetics containers specifically, Origins makeup counters will take any brand's glass or plastic jars, bottles, tubes, lipstick covers, and caps. They cannot accept sample sizes, tweezers, brushes, or the packaging the cosmetics came in.
You can recycle your cosmetics containers at Origins counters, located in stores such as Ulta Beauty. It is recommended that you call ahead to confirm that your local store has a makeup counter and participates in the recycling program.
In addition to Origins, there are other drop-off options for recycling glass and plastic in New Orleans. Target accepts clean, unbroken recyclables, including glass, plastic drink containers, plastic bags, bubble wrap, and other plastic films and electronics. Tulane University's Art Department also accepts clean, clear, and green glass for art students, although their storage space may be limited.
Remember that New Orleans does not accept plastic bags in curbside recycling bins, but many local grocery stores will take them back and recycle them. Always check with your closest store to see if they participate.
How Plastic Recycling Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Plastics with #1 and #2 inside the triangular recycling symbol can be recycled in New Orleans. Mardi Gras cups are plastic #5 and will be added to a landfill.
Plastic drink containers, plastic bags, bubble wrap, and other plastic films can be recycled.
The City's Recycling Drop-off Center at 2829 Elysian Fields Avenue accepts plastic items for recycling on the second Saturday of each month from 8 am to 1 pm.
Yes, Target stores in New Orleans accept clean, unbroken recyclables, including plastic containers, plastic bags, bubble wrap, and other plastic films.
