Sofia Martinez
The City of Pittsburgh has strict guidelines for the types of plastic that can be recycled. While the city's recycling program has moved away from using plastic numbers, it now focuses on the overall shape of the container. The City currently accepts plastic bottles, jugs, and jars of 3 gallons or less for recycling. Plastic containers with necks are usually made from heavier, rigid #1 (PET) or #2 (HDPE) plastic, which are the most valuable and re-sellable types of plastic. However, plastic items such as bags, buckets, tubs, tubes, trays, and clamshells are not accepted in Pittsburgh's curbside recycling program. Residents are encouraged to reduce their consumption of non-recyclable plastics and choose products with non-plastic packaging or reusable alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic containers | Bottles, jugs, and jars (all 3 gallons or less) |
| Plastic types | #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE) are the most valuable and re-sellable |
| Plastic numbers | No longer uses 1-5 and 7 |
| Plastic tubs | Accepted from January 2025 (similar to yogurt, cottage cheese, butter, and sour cream containers) |
| Plastic bags | Not accepted by the City of Pittsburgh, but some local grocery stores accept them |
| Plastic clamshells | Not accepted by the City of Pittsburgh, but some private haulers do |
| Plastic cartons | Not accepted by the City of Pittsburgh, but some local grocery stores accept them |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bottles, jugs, and jars are accepted
It's important to remove any caps, lids, pumps, or other small pieces from your plastic bottles, jugs, and jars before placing them in your recycling bin. You should also rinse out these containers before recycling them.
Other plastic items, such as bags, buckets, tubs, tubes, trays, and clamshells, are not currently accepted as part of Pittsburgh's curbside recycling program. This is because they are made from lighter, thinner plastic, which is less valuable and more likely to be missed during the sorting process. These items are considered contaminants, and if too many are included in a load, the entire load has to be recycled as it is too time-consuming to separate the recyclable from non-recyclable items by hand.
While plastic numbers 1-5 and 7 are no longer used, you can identify #1 and #2 plastics by their necked-container shape. As of March 2021, a Pittsburgh-area hauler, Michael Brothers Hauling, has started a collection for thin #1 and #2 plastics like clamshells, providing another option for residents to recycle these items.
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Plastic bags are not accepted
The City of Pittsburgh has strict guidelines for recycling plastic materials. While the city has taken steps towards improving its recycling program, there are still several types of plastic that are not accepted, including plastic bags.
Plastic bags or films are not accepted in Pittsburgh's curbside recycling program. This is because they are considered contaminants and can lower the value of other recyclables, such as paper and heavier plastics. When mixed with other recyclables, they can be time-consuming to separate, and therefore, they are not collected by the city's recycling processor.
However, some local grocery stores in Pittsburgh do accept plastic bags for recycling. It is recommended that residents choose to reuse plastic bags or, when buying items, look for products packaged in recycled plastic and paper. Increasing the demand for post-consumer recycling materials can help to increase their value and encourage more recycling.
In addition to plastic bags, other plastic items that are not accepted by the City of Pittsburgh's curbside recycling program include plastic lids, pumps, caps, buckets, tubs, tubes, trays, and clamshells. These items are often made of lighter, thinner plastic, which is less valuable and less likely to make it through the sorting process.
While it can be confusing to determine which plastics are recyclable, it is important to remember that not all plastics are created equal. The shape and form factor of a plastic item play a significant role in its recyclability. Neck-shaped bottles, for example, are usually made of heavier, rigid plastic, which is more valuable and resellable.
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Plastic tubs like yogurt containers will be accepted from 2025
As of 2021, plastic tubs like yoghurt containers are not accepted in Pittsburgh's curbside recycling programme. This is because they are typically made of low-value, lightweight plastic that is difficult to sell on the market. However, there are some specialised recycling programmes that accept plastic tubs, such as Gimme 5, which accepts mailed-in #5 plastics, and Reimagined Recycling, which collects #2 and #5 plastics for shredding and repurposing.
From January 2025, the City of Pittsburgh will start accepting plastic tubs similar to sour cream, cottage cheese, butter, and yoghurt containers for recycling. This change is due to the transition away from using plastic numbers 1-5 and 7, and instead focusing on the overall shape of the container. Neck-shaped containers, such as bottles and jugs, are typically made of heavier, rigid plastic that is more valuable and easier to resell. By accepting plastic tubs with similar neck shapes, the city can increase the amount of recyclable material it collects while also ensuring that the material is marketable.
It is important to note that all caps, lids, and other small pieces should be removed from the tubs before recycling. Additionally, it is recommended to rinse the containers thoroughly and remove any foil or plastic film pieces on the lip. These steps help ensure that the recycled material is of higher value and can be properly processed.
While the City of Pittsburgh is taking steps in the right direction by accepting plastic tubs for recycling, it is still essential for residents to reduce their consumption of single-use plastics. This can be achieved by choosing products with non-plastic packaging, purchasing in bulk, and carrying reusable containers for items like cups or takeout. By reducing plastic waste at the source, we can minimise the environmental impact of plastic pollution and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Overall, the City of Pittsburgh's decision to accept plastic tubs for recycling from 2025 is a positive step towards improving the city's recycling capabilities and encouraging more environmentally friendly practices among its residents.
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Plastic numbers 1-5 and 7 are no longer used
The City of Pittsburgh has stopped using plastic numbers 1-5 and 7 due to changes in the market. Residents are encouraged to recycle plastic items with necked-shaped bottles as they are marketable commodities. Plastic tubs resembling sour cream, cottage cheese, butter, and yogurt containers will also be accepted starting in January 2025.
The City does not accept plastic clamshells, berry, salad, or other to-go plastic containers, often made of #1 plastic. They are brittle and cannot be processed by the City's recycling processor. Additionally, plastic bags, cartons, and any other plastic that is not a bottle, jug, or jar is not accepted for recycling.
While the numbers on plastic items indicate the type of material, they do not determine their recyclability. The form factor, or shape, of a plastic product significantly impacts its value and how well it navigates the recycling sorting process. Necked containers, typically made of heavier and rigid #1 (PET) or #2 (HDPE) plastic, are currently the most valuable and resellable plastics in the recycling market.
To reduce plastic waste, it is advisable to opt for products with non-plastic packaging, such as glass, cans, boxes, or no packaging at all. Buying in bulk also reduces the amount of plastic packaging relative to the product. Residents can also carry their reusable containers for items like cups or takeout containers.
Although recycling plastic in Pittsburgh can be confusing, there are some specialized programs for specific plastic items. For instance, plastic bags and film are accepted at many local grocery stores, and Reimagined Recycling accepts items made from polypropylene (#5 PP) and high-density polyethylene (#2 HDPE).
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Plastic clamshells are not accepted
The City of Pittsburgh does not accept plastic clamshells as part of its recycling program. This includes berry, salad, and other to-go plastic containers. Plastic clamshells are often made from #1 plastic, which is lightweight and thin, and therefore less valuable and less likely to make it through the sorting process. As a result, they are not accepted by the city's curbside recycling program, and there are currently no other options for Pittsburgh residents to recycle these items.
While plastic clamshells are technically recyclable, they are not accepted by the city's recycling processor due to their brittle nature. The City of Pittsburgh's recycling program focuses on the overall shape of the container, prioritizing necked-containers made from heavier, rigid plastic, such as bottles and jars. These types of plastic are more valuable and resellable, and they sort relatively well.
It is important to note that plastic lids, pumps, and other small pieces are also not accepted by the City of Pittsburgh's recycling program. These items should be removed from bottles, jars, and jugs before recycling. Additionally, all other plastic items, such as bags, buckets, tubs, tubes, trays, and clamshells, are not currently accepted in Pittsburgh's curbside recycling program.
To reduce the impact of plastic waste, it is recommended to choose products with non-plastic packaging or to purchase items in bulk to reduce the ratio of packaging to product. Residents can also carry their own reusable containers to avoid using single-use plastic cups or takeout containers. By increasing the demand for post-consumer recycling, the value of recyclables can be enhanced. There are also some specialized recycling programs for specific items, such as plastic bags and toothbrushes.
Although plastic clamshells cannot be recycled through the City of Pittsburgh's program, there may be alternative options available. For example, a Pittsburgh-area hauler, Michael Brothers Hauling, has started a collection for thin #1 and #2 plastics, including clamshells. As of March 2021, residents can take these items to their collection center, and they are working on finding a sales channel for them.
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Frequently asked questions
The City of Pittsburgh currently accepts plastic bottles, jugs, and jars (all 3 gallons or less) for curbside recycling and at their drop-off centers. Plastic containers should be emptied and rinsed, with all lids and caps removed and discarded.
Plastic bags, buckets, tubs, tubes, trays, and clamshells are not accepted for curbside recycling in Pittsburgh. Plastic items with a neck shape, such as bottles and jars, are preferred as they are made from heavier and more rigid plastic, which is more valuable and recyclable.
Yes, there are specialized recycling programs for certain types of plastic items. For example, Reimagined Recycling in Pittsburgh collects items made from polypropylene and high-density polyethylene, which are then shredded and turned into new products and artwork. Some local grocery stores also accept plastic bags or film for recycling.
