Omar Khalid
Plastic recycling is an important way to reduce waste and help the environment. However, not all plastics are created equal when it comes to recycling, and it's important to know what types of plastics your local recycling center accepts. Many recycling centers provide information on their websites or over the phone about the specific plastics they recycle, and it's worth checking this information to ensure you're recycling correctly. Curbside recycling bins often accept a range of plastics, including plastic bottles and containers, but it's important to avoid bagging recyclables in plastic bags, as these can cause damage to recycling machinery. So, what plastics does your local recycling center accept, and how can you ensure you're recycling correctly?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Types Accepted | Numbers 1 through 7, including PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS, and other |
| Plastic Bottle Recycling | Accepted; the most common and convenient type of plastic to recycle |
| Plastic Bag Recycling | Accepted at specific locations, but not in standard curbside bins; must be clean and dry |
| Plastic Film Recycling | Accepted at specific locations, but not in standard curbside bins; includes grocery, produce, newspaper, and sandwich bags |
| Plastic Container Recycling | Accepted; includes rigid plastic containers like shampoo bottles and milk jugs |
| Other Accepted Items | Plastic pouches, air pillows, dry cleaning covers |
| Non-Accepted Items | Cling plastic wrap, salad bags, candy wrappers, pet food bags, compostable bags, dirty or wet plastics |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bottles
Most communities accept hard plastic bottles, including those labelled with #1, #2, or #5. These plastic resins are in high demand and can be turned into new products. #1 plastic, or polyethylene terephthalate, is commonly used for water bottles and other beverage containers. #2 plastic, or high-density polyethylene, is used for items like milk jugs and detergent containers. #5 plastic, or polypropylene, is also accepted by many recycling centres.
It is important to separate plastic bottles from other plastic items that may not be accepted by your local recycling centre. Plastic bags, plastic wrappers, bubble wrap, and foam packaging are not typically recyclable and should be kept out of the recycling bin. These items can contaminate the recycling process and are considered garbage. Additionally, plastic trays from microwave meals, deli products, and pre-packaged foods are not recyclable and should be disposed of separately.
Some recycling centres may also accept other plastic containers beyond bottles, such as jars, buckets, and nursery pots. It is always a good idea to check with your local recycling centre or waste management guidelines to understand exactly what types of plastic they accept and any specific preparation or sorting requirements they may have.
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Containers
When it comes to containers, recycling centres typically accept a range of plastic items, but the specific types of plastic and containers vary depending on your location. It is always best to check with your local recycling centre or your local council's website to confirm what they accept.
Plastic bottles are the most convenient to recycle and are usually accepted. Beverage containers, such as plastic drink bottles, are often made with plastic #1 or PET/PETE, and are commonly recycled. These can be recycled in your curbside bin or taken to a recycling centre, and some locations will pay for these containers.
Other plastic containers that are often accepted include those made with plastic #2 or HDPE, which is a slightly thicker plastic used for milk jugs and shampoo bottles. These are also highly recyclable and generally accepted in curbside recycling.
Plastic #3 or PVC is a flexible plastic used for plastic film on food and mouthwash bottles. It is less commonly accepted at recycling locations and should not be heated or reused as it can leach into food.
Plastic #4 or LDPE is thin and flexible and is often used in shopping bags and bread bags. It is not commonly accepted in curbside recycling, but some locations do collect these bags for recycling.
Plastic #5 is another type of plastic used in food containers such as yoghurt and margarine tubs.
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Plastic bags
Before recycling plastic bags, ensure they are clean and dry. Food residue, crumbs, stickers, and receipts should be removed, as contamination can render a batch of plastic non-recyclable.
Grocery, produce, newspaper, sandwich, bread, and some cereal bags can be recycled. Additionally, plastic pouches, air pillows, and dry-cleaning covers can be recycled at these locations. However, compostable and biodegradable bags should not be placed in these recycling bins as they can cause issues with the recycled material. Instead, they should be placed in a home composting bin if you have one.
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Plastic films
It is important to separate plastic films from other types of plastics, as mixing different resins can change the characteristics of the polymers and hinder their intended use. To ensure effective recycling, it is recommended to clean the plastic films by lightly wiping them with a dry cloth to remove any residue.
Some local recycling centers may have specific drop-off locations or collection bins for plastic films. It is always a good idea to check with your local recycling center or visit your city's website to find out the specific guidelines and drop-off locations for plastic films and other recyclable materials.
There are also retailer-sponsored programs and subscription services through specialty recyclers that offer alternative ways to recycle plastic films. These programs are often introduced as pilot initiatives to promote the recycling of flexible plastic packaging. Additionally, certain communities may provide collection bins for plastic films in public parking lots or community centers.
The Flexible Film Recycling Alliance (FFRA) maintains a Plastic Film Recycling Directory to help consumers identify options for flexible film recycling. The directory includes information on various collection systems beyond retail drop-off, providing a transparent and reliable resource for those seeking to recycle plastic films responsibly.
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Plastic pouches
Some recycling centers do accept plastic pouches for recycling, but it is important to check with your local center to confirm. You can do this by giving them a quick call or checking their website. It is worth noting that plastic bags, wraps, and films are not accepted in most curbside or drop-off programs in the US. However, many of these packages, including some plastic pouches, may be eligible for store drop-off recycling.
If you are unable to recycle plastic pouches through your local recycling center or a store drop-off program, there are other options to consider. Some private companies and organizations may accept plastic pouches for recycling, so it is worth exploring options in your area. Additionally, you can try to reduce your use of plastic pouches and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible.
When preparing plastic pouches for recycling, it is important to ensure that they are clean and dry. Contamination can render a batch of plastic non-recyclable, so it is crucial to take the time to wash and dry any plastic pouches before dropping them off at a recycling center. It is also important to note that biodegradable or compostable plastic pouches should not be recycled and should be disposed of separately.
Overall, recycling plastic pouches can be challenging due to the varying capabilities of local recycling centers and the specific preparation and disposal methods required. However, with a bit of research and effort, it is possible to responsibly recycle or dispose of plastic pouches and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
The types of plastics accepted by recycling centers vary according to location. It is recommended that you contact your local recycling center to confirm which plastics they accept. Generally, plastic bottles are the easiest and most convenient to recycle, and some centers also accept plastic bags, wraps, and films, as long as they are clean and dry. Some centers also take plastic containers numbered 1 through 7.
No, plastic bags cannot be put into your standard home recycling bin. They can, however, be recycled at specific locations, which you can find using tools such as Plastic Film Recycling.
Plastic #1 or PET is commonly used for beverage bottles. Plastic #2 and #3 are used for items such as shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles, and milk jugs. Plastic #4 is usually a plastic film, such as a plastic bag. Plastic #5 is used for food containers like yogurt and margarine.
The material used for plastic bags is processed differently from rigid plastic containers. Lower-density plastics can cause issues and delays at recycling centers as they can get entangled in the machinery.
It is important to know the specific rules and guidelines of your local recycling program. Additionally, ensure that any plastics you are recycling are clean and dry, as contamination can render a batch of plastic non-recyclable.
