Maya Ellison
Rhode Island has a mixed recycling program that covers the items that can be put in recycling bins at home, school, or work. The state's recycling program only accepts plastic #1 and #2, which are the most commonly consumed plastics, but only those with necks on them, such as soda and detergent bottles. However, other grassroots recycling programs collect more difficult-to-recycle plastics. Plastic containers of all kinds can be recycled, but non-container plastics like toys, hangers, and other plastic items are not accepted. Plastic bags and films can be taken to any large grocery, pharmacy, or big-box store in Rhode Island for recycling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic containers | Accepted, including bottles, jugs, jars, cups, tubs, clamshells, and buckets |
| Plastic grocery bags | Not accepted, return to the local grocery store for proper recycling or place in the trash cart |
| Plastic film | Accepted |
| Bulky, rigid plastic items | Accepted in some cities and towns, check with your local government |
| Plastic resin type | Not a factor in recyclability |
| Molding process | May be a factor in recyclability |
| Melting point | May be a factor in recyclability |
| Shape and size | May be a factor in recyclability |
| Rinsed and empty | Containers should be rinsed and empty |
| Crushing containers | Do not crush containers until they are completely flat |
| Plastic tops | Place plastic tops back on containers before recycling |
| Accepted plastic types | #1 and #2 plastics, with necks, such as soda and detergent bottles |
| Other programs | Preserve and Gimme 5 program accept #5 plastics, including yogurt containers, medicine bottles, and plastic takeout containers |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic containers are recyclable, but not non-container plastics like toys
- Rinse containers and replace their plastic tops before recycling
- Plastic bags and film can be recycled at large grocery, pharmacy or big-box stores
- Bulky, rigid plastic items can be recycled at local drop-off containers or the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation
- Only #1 and #2 plastics are accepted by the state's recycling program
Plastic containers are recyclable, but not non-container plastics like toys
In Rhode Island, plastic containers of all kinds can be recycled, but non-container plastics like toys, hangers, and other plastic items are not accepted. This is because the state's recycling program only accepts plastic #1 and #2, which are the most commonly consumed plastics, specifically those with necks, such as soda and detergent bottles.
It is important to note that the numbers on plastic items are Resin Identification Codes, indicating the initial plastic resin type used, not their recyclability. Two plastic items could have the same number but different molding processes and melting points. Rhode Island was one of the first states to implement a recycling program through the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC). However, it has been slow to upgrade its facilities, and as of 2013, only accepts #1 and #2 plastics.
There are some exceptions to the "container rule" for plastics. Foam containers, such as takeout containers and coffee cups, and plastic containers that held thick hazardous fluids, like automotive fluids and pesticides, should be kept out of recycling bins. Plastic bags and films can be taken to any large grocery, pharmacy, or big-box store in Rhode Island for recycling. Additionally, some cities and towns have local drop-off containers for bulky, rigid plastic items, and the RIRRC accepts these items for free.
For those with access to drop-off locations, Preserve, a Massachusetts-based company, offers a program to recycle #5 plastics, including yogurt containers, medicine bottles, and plastic takeout containers. Patagonia on Thames in Newport, RI, collects residents' #5 plastics and drives them to a Whole Foods location for proper recycling.
By adhering to the guidelines and recycling plastic containers properly, Rhode Islanders can play their part in keeping recycling workers safe, saving cities money, providing high-quality raw materials, and preserving space in the Central Landfill.
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Rinse containers and replace their plastic tops before recycling
Rinsing containers before recycling them is important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the containers are free of grease, food scraps, and other organic matter that can contaminate the recycling process. Contamination can occur when sorting machines cannot properly process plastic containers with liquid or air trapped inside due to lids being left on. Additionally, clean containers help keep pests away from your bins, as they are not attracted to any food residue. While some recycling centers may accept slightly dirty containers, it is always best to check the regulations of your local waste management facility.
In Rhode Island, the mixed recycling program allows residents to recycle certain plastics in their bins at home, school, or work. However, it is important to note that plastic grocery bags, even those marked "recyclable," are not recyclable in Rhode Island and should be returned to a local grocery store for proper recycling or placed in the trash cart.
To properly prepare your plastic containers for recycling, follow these steps:
- Rinse containers: Use water to rinse away any food residue, grease, or liquids from the containers. You can use leftover washing-up water or rinsing water to conserve water.
- Remove plastic tops: Take off the plastic lids or caps from the containers. This helps prevent liquid or air from being trapped inside, which can interfere with the automatic sorting machines at recycling facilities.
- Dispose of plastic tops: Check with your local council for guidelines on disposing of plastic tops. Some councils consider lids in the recycling as contamination, while others may accept them.
- Replace plastic tops: If your local guidelines allow, you can replace the plastic tops back on the containers after rinsing. This helps keep the containers clean and dry during storage or transportation to the recycling facility.
- Dry containers: Before placing the containers in your recycling bin, ensure they are dry to prevent any residual liquid from damaging other recyclable materials, such as paper.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your plastic containers are properly prepared for recycling, contributing to a more effective and efficient recycling process.
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Plastic bags and film can be recycled at large grocery, pharmacy or big-box stores
Plastic bags and film can be recycled at large grocery, pharmacy, or big-box stores. In Rhode Island, plastic grocery bags, including those that say "Recyclable", are not recyclable and should be returned to the local grocery store for proper recycling. If this is not possible, they should be placed in the trash.
Plastic bags and film can be recycled at most grocery stores, big-box stores, or at one of the drop-off locations. Ask an employee for the location of the drop-off bins, as these vary from store to store. Bags and film should be clean and dry, with stickers and labels removed. Plastic bags should never be placed in curbside recycling or used to contain other recyclables. They can cause issues at sorting plants, tangling in the equipment and causing jams and breakages.
Recyclable plastic film includes grocery, produce, bread, dry-cleaning, Ziploc-type, and newspaper bags, as well as industrial shrink-wrap, air pillows, and bubble wrap. Plastic wrapping, such as that around paper towels and toilet paper, can also be recycled. Plastic films are often labelled with a #2 (HDPE) or #4 (LDPE) in the chasing arrows.
After collection, the flexible plastic is sold to independent companies, who turn it into plastic pellets. These pellets can then be used to create synthetic lumber for decking or park benches, or they can be recycled into another film, pouch, or bag form.
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Bulky, rigid plastic items can be recycled at local drop-off containers or the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation
Bulky, rigid plastic items such as laundry baskets and old recycling bins can be recycled at local drop-off containers or the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC). The RIRRC is located in Johnston, about 10 miles west of Providence, and is home to the state's central landfill and materials recycling facility. It manages the solid waste and recyclables for the state.
While Rhode Island was one of the first states in the US to implement a recycling program through the RIRRC, it was unfortunately one of the last states to upgrade its recycling facilities. The RIRRC has been working to improve its capabilities, and as of 2013, it only accepts #1 and #2 plastics, specifically those with necks on them, such as soda and detergent bottles.
It's important to note that not all #1 and #2 plastics are accepted, and any other types of plastics will go straight to the landfill. However, there are grassroots recycling programs in Rhode Island that collect more difficult-to-recycle plastics. For example, Preserve, a Massachusetts-based company, offers a recycling program for #5 plastics, which can be mailed back to them or dropped off at select retail locations like Whole Foods.
In addition to these options, Rhode Island has a special program for recycling plastic bags and film in partnership with Recycle Across America®. Plastic bags and film can be taken to any large grocery, pharmacy, or big-box store in the state for proper recycling. This program is part of the "Let's recycle RIght!" campaign, which promotes proper recycling practices in the state.
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Only #1 and #2 plastics are accepted by the state's recycling program
The state of Rhode Island was one of the first in the US to implement a recycling program through the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC). However, it is one of the last states to upgrade its recycling facilities. As a result, the RIRRC currently only accepts #1 and #2 plastics for recycling.
This includes plastic containers such as bottles, jugs, jars, cups, tubs, clamshells, and buckets. It is important to ensure that these containers are empty and rinsed before placing them in the recycling bin. Additionally, keep in mind that not all #1 and #2 plastics are accepted; the ones that have necks on them, such as soda and detergent bottles, are recyclable.
Other types of plastics, such as toys, clothes hangers, and other non-container plastics, are not accepted by the state's recycling program. These items should be kept out of the recycling bin to avoid contamination. It is worth noting that the RIRRC plans to upgrade its facility to accept up to #7 plastics, but until then, all other plastics besides #1 and #2 must be disposed of in the regular trash.
While the state program has its limitations, there are grassroots recycling initiatives in Rhode Island that collect more challenging-to-recycle plastics. For example, the "Let's recycle RIght!" campaign, in partnership with Recycle Across America®, provides standardized labels to help residents properly recycle various materials, including plastic bags and films. Additionally, some cities and towns have local drop-off containers for bulky, rigid plastic items, and the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation accepts these items for free.
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Frequently asked questions
With few exceptions, plastic containers of all kinds can be recycled, but toys and other non-container plastic types like clothes hangers are not accepted. The state's recycling program currently only accepts plastic #1 and #2, which include soda and detergent bottles. However, other grassroots recycling programs collect more difficult-to-recycle plastics.
Plastic containers should be empty and rinsed whenever possible. Don't crush containers until they are completely flat, and make sure to place plastic tops back on before recycling.
Plastic bags and film can be taken to any large grocery, pharmacy, or big-box store in Rhode Island for recycling.
