Chloe Zhang
Plastic recycling is challenging, especially for #5 plastics, which are widely used in yogurt and cottage cheese containers. While #5 plastics were previously accepted at curbside and drop-off recycling centers, China's National Sword policy in 2018 disrupted this system. Some curbside and drop-off programs are now reintroducing #5 rigid plastic recycling, but films and bags remain an issue. To recycle #5 plastics, individuals can use websites like Earth911 to find local options or mail their plastics to specialized recyclers. Additionally, companies like TerraCycle offer recycling programs for various products, including #5 plastics, for a fee. Reducing plastic waste and advocating for earth-friendly packaging are also crucial steps in managing #5 plastic waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | #5 (PP) or Polypropylene |
| Plastic form | Rigid plastic |
| Plastic use | Yogurt containers, medicine bottles, cottage cheese containers |
| Recyclers | Preserve, TerraCycle, Earth911, Neighborhood disposal, Whole Foods |
| Recycling options | Curbside recycling, drop-off recycling, mail-in recycling |
| Plastic waste issues | Plastic films and bags are not accepted by most curbside or drop-off programs |
| Plastic waste solutions | Reuse or upcycle plastic containers, buy products in bulk or in glass containers instead of plastic |
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What You'll Learn
Recycling #5 plastic at Whole Foods
Polypropylene, otherwise known as #5 plastic, is one of the harder plastics to recycle. While some curbside and drop-off recycling centres used to accept #5 plastics, China's National Sword policy of 2018 put a stop to this.
One option for recycling #5 plastic is to use the mail-in service Gimme 5, founded by Preserve in 2008. Gimme 5 works with retailers such as Whole Foods Market, as well as consumer brands like Burt's Bees and Stonyfield, to help collect and repurpose #5 plastic. The Gimme 5 program has been used to create Preserve toothbrush and razor handles, as well as plastic lumber, rain barrels, and watering cans. While Preserve is no longer running a retail-based collection program, it does continue to offer takeback for its toothbrushes and other products.
Another option is to use TerraCycle, a company that offers recycling programs for almost any type of waste. While TerraCycle does not have a specific program for #5 plastics, it does offer free and fee-based recycling programs for a variety of home and personal care products. Its All-in-One Zero Waste Box, for example, accepts any material, including #5 plastics.
Some local recycling centres may also accept #5 plastics, although this varies by location. For instance, one source mentions that the small bin outside of Whole Foods accepts #5 plastic for recycling, although they mention having to spend $20 at the store each time they recycle there.
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#5 plastic recycling in California
California has been taking steps to address its plastic waste problem. Despite the state's best efforts, about 85% of single-use plastics in California end up in landfills, equating to 4.5 million tons of plastic waste annually. This is due to the amount of plastic produced and used far outstripping the state's recycling capabilities.
In 2020, California lawmakers passed a "minimum recycled content" bill, mandating that most plastic beverage bottles contain a minimum amount of recycled content. The law targets bottle manufacturers, who typically use new plastic, which is usually cheaper than recycled plastic. In addition, California legislators directed the State Water Resources Control Board to study the levels of microplastics in municipal drinking water supplies in 2018.
Despite these efforts, California's recycling system has faced challenges. In 2021, a bill was introduced to restrict which plastics can bear the triangular recycling symbol, as it was found that many plastics marked as recyclable were not actually being recycled. This bill, known as SB 343, aimed to reduce confusion among Californians about what can and cannot be recycled.
When it comes to #5 plastic specifically, also known as polypropylene, recycling can be particularly challenging. While #5 plastic was previously widely accepted in both curbside and drop-off recycling centres, this changed with the introduction of China's National Sword policy in 2018, which tightened restrictions on the import of contaminated plastic waste. As a result, many recycling programs have stopped accepting #5 plastic films and bags, although some are now reintroducing #5 rigid plastic recycling.
Currently, there are a few options for recycling #5 plastic in California. One option is to check with your local solid waste district to find local recycling options. Additionally, the international humanitarian aid organisation, Mathew 25: Ministries, accepts clean, empty pill bottles, including prescription medicine bottles, for reuse and recycling. Another option is to utilise the services of TerraCycle, a company that offers recycling programs for a variety of hard-to-recycle materials, including #5 plastics.
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TerraCycle's All-in-One Zero Waste Box
Recycling plastic has become increasingly challenging, especially for #5 plastics. #5 plastics are used in yogurt and cottage cheese containers and are among the more difficult types of plastic to recycle.
TerraCycle is a company that provides recycling programs for almost any type of waste. While they do not have a specific program for #5 plastics, they offer the All-in-One Zero Waste Box, which accepts any material, including #5 plastics. This box provides a solution for hard-to-recycle waste that cannot be recycled through free programs or regular municipal recycling.
The All-in-One Zero Waste Box can be ordered online and shipped directly from TerraCycle. It is important to note that the box has a maximum weight limit of 20 kg and specific shipping guidelines must be followed to ensure safe and effective recycling. Once the box is received, users can collect and fill it with accepted items, including #5 plastics. After sealing the box securely to prevent spillage, it can be shipped back to TerraCycle using the prepaid return label for recycling.
The collected waste is then separated into various forms of plastic, which are then processed through extrusion and pelletization to create new recycled plastic products. By using TerraCycle's All-in-One Zero Waste Box, individuals can play a part in reducing plastic waste and contributing to the creation of new recycled products.
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Preserve's Gimme 5 program
Preserve Gimme 5 program was a nationwide initiative to encourage the recycling of No. 5 plastic, which is known for being hard to recycle. The program was founded in 2008 or 2009 by Preserve, an American sustainable consumer goods company, in partnership with Whole Foods Market and other like-minded companies such as Stonyfield Farm, Berry Plastics, and Brita. Gimme 5 collection bins were set up in over 200 Whole Foods Markets nationwide, allowing consumers to drop off their clean, rigid plastics stamped with a "5" at any Gimme 5 station. The program also accepted mail-ins, with a specific address provided for those who didn't live near a physical drop-off location.
The Gimme 5 program aimed to bridge the gaps in America's recycling infrastructure and demonstrate that recycled plastic could be used to create new products. The collected plastic was used to make Preserve toothbrush and razor handles, as well as other products like plastic lumber, rain barrels, and watering cans. By partnering with various companies, Gimme 5 highlighted the importance of brands collaborating on sustainability initiatives.
However, as of 2022, Preserve's Gimme 5 program has been closed down. Preserve continues to offer takeback services for its toothbrushes and accepts its own products for recycling. While the company has no near-term plans to reopen a retail-based collection program, it remains committed to exploring more efficient solutions for a more sustainable future.
The closure of the Gimme 5 program reflects the challenges of recycling No. 5 plastics. While some curbside and drop-off programs are reintroducing #5 rigid plastic recycling, films, bags, and other flexible plastics remain difficult to recycle. To reduce waste, it is recommended to avoid or reduce the use of plastic, especially single-use plastic packaging.
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Reusing and upcycling #5 plastic
#5 plastic, also known as polypropylene, is a challenging type of plastic to recycle. While it is possible to recycle #5 plastic, with some curbside recycling programs accepting it, it often ends up in landfills.
To reduce waste and the environmental impact of #5 plastic, reusing and upcycling are great alternatives. Here are some ideas for reusing and upcycling #5 plastic:
Reusing Ideas:
- Food storage: #5 plastic containers, such as yogurt cups and tubs, margarine tubs, and syrup bottles, can be washed and reused to store food.
- Organizers: These containers can also be used as organizers for items like office supplies, craft materials, or cosmetics.
- Creative projects: Clear lids from #5 plastic containers can be made into suncatchers, while plastic bottles can be used for bowling games or other creative projects.
Upcycling Ideas:
- Mail-in programs: If you're unable to reuse #5 plastic yourself, you can consider upcycling it through mail-in recycling programs. For example, the organization Mathew 25: Ministries accepts clean, empty pill bottles and reuses bottles in countries where such supplies are limited and recycles those they cannot use.
- TerraCycle: This company specializes in recycling hard-to-recycle waste and offers various free and fee-based programs for recycling different types of waste, including some that accept #5 plastic.
- Local options: Check with your local solid waste district or use online tools like Earth911's Recycling Locator to find local recycling options for #5 plastic in your area.
- Contact manufacturers: If you frequently purchase products packaged in #5 plastic, let the manufacturers know that you would prefer earth-friendly packaging. This can help encourage companies to switch to more sustainable alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Number 5 plastics can be recycled at some curbside and drop-off centres. You can use the Recycling Locator on Earth911's website to find out which stores take them by typing in your zip code. You can also mail your #5 plastic to a recycler called Preserve, which has a programme called Gimme 5.
#5 plastic, or polypropylene, is used in yogurt and cottage cheese containers and is among the more difficult types of plastic to recycle into useful things.
You can buy yogurt in bulk or in glass containers, or make your own. You can also cut down on packaging by ordering a three-month supply of medicine instead of one.
