Maya Ellison
Large plastic bins are difficult to recycle and cannot be placed in your curbside recycling bin. To recycle large plastic bins, you can check with your local government, as some counties have alternative places to take plastic items for recycling. You can also search online or consult your local recycling coordinator or waste management agency for suggestions. Another option is to reuse the bins, such as for holding recyclable materials that cannot be placed in your curbside bin or for worm bins.
Where to bring large plastic bins for recycling
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Local recycling center | Check if your local recycling center accepts large plastic bins |
| County government alternative drop-off locations | Some county governments have alternative places to take plastic items for recycling. For example, Newton, MA, and Santa Cruz accept plastic storage containers. |
| Private companies | Many private companies run recycling programs. |
| Local recycling coordinator or waste management agency | They may have suggestions for where to take plastic storage containers. |
| Online tools | Use online tools such as Recycle Nation's Recycle Search tool to locate recyclers near you. |
| Reuse options | Large plastic bins can be reused for worm bins or to hold recyclable materials that cannot be placed in your curbside recycling bin. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the number and type of plastic
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number is known as the Plastic Resin Identification Code. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic, indicating the type of resin used to produce it. However, the presence of a resin code does not necessarily mean that the product can be recycled—it is the number inside the triangle that counts.
PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate): This type of plastic is commonly used for single-use bottled beverages, water bottles, soda bottles, and other drinks. It is also used for cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars, and containers for other food items. PET/PETE products can be recycled. However, it is recommended to avoid reusing PET containers as they are designed for single-use applications, and repeated use increases the risk of leaching and bacterial growth.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): HDPE plastics are commonly used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, cleaning product containers, and some trash bags and shopping bags. HDPE products can be recycled through most curbside recycling programs. However, it is recommended to check with your local municipality regarding their specific guidelines and preferences.
PVC: PVC is a soft, flexible plastic used for a wide range of household products, including plastic tubing, children's toys, plastic trays, and furniture. Unfortunately, PVC products cannot be recycled.
LDPE: LDPE plastic is commonly used for plastic wrappings, grocery bags, and bags for sliced bread loaves, fresh produce, and newspapers. LDPE bags should not be placed in recycling bins as they can get tangled in the equipment at recycling facilities. However, some grocery stores collect these bags for proper recycling.
PS (Polystyrene): Styrofoam products, such as disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers, and to-go food containers, are made from PS plastic. PS products can sometimes be recycled, but they often require specialized handling due to their chemical compounds, which have been linked to human health and reproductive system dysfunction.
Other Plastics: Any plastic that doesn't fit into the above categories falls under the "other" category, denoted by the number 7. These plastics are often made from multiple types of plastic or other challenging-to-recycle materials. Assume that plastics with the number 7 cannot be recycled or reused.
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Local government and private recycling programs
You can also look beyond government organizations, as many private companies run recycling programs. Search online or check the phone book for the closest one to you. Your local recycling coordinator or waste management agency may also have suggestions for where to take plastic storage containers. Tools like Recycle Nation’s Recycle Search can help you locate recyclers of all types near you.
Some places host one or two days per year where they collect large plastic bins, and for the rest of the year, you can drop them off by appointment only. It is worth asking your local town or municipality hall about this. They may even pick them up for you.
Large plastic bins can also be reused in a variety of ways. For example, they can be used to hold the recyclable materials you cannot place in your curbside recycling bin. They can also be used for worm bins or for vermicomposting, which uses worms to compost food waste.
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Reuse for worm bins or other storage
Large plastic bins are difficult to recycle and are often not accepted by curbside recycling programs. However, they can be reused in various ways, such as for worm bins or other storage purposes.
Worm Bins
Worm bins, or vermicomposters, are a great way to reuse large plastic bins. Vermicomposting is the process of using worms to digest and convert organic material into compost, which can be used to fertilize plants. This method of composting is inexpensive, easy to maintain, and can be done indoors or outdoors.
To create a worm bin, you will need a large plastic container with a lid, such as a bin or bucket. The container should be approximately 15 inches deep, 25 inches wide, and 5 inches high, with holes drilled near the top and bottom for ventilation and drainage. The holes should be covered with a fine vinyl or window screen to prevent the worms from escaping.
Once you have your container, you can follow these steps to set up your worm bin:
- Add bedding: Fill the bin about three-quarters full with moistened shredded newspaper or cardboard strips, creating a comfortable environment for the worms.
- Add soil: Sprinkle a small amount of soil into the bin to introduce beneficial microorganisms that aid the worms' digestive process.
- Add worms: Red wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida and E. andrei) are recommended as they reproduce quickly and produce a larger volume of waste.
- Feed the worms: Bury fruit and vegetable scraps, bread, tea bags, coffee grounds, and cereal under the bedding. Avoid animal products and oily or spicy foods, as they can be harmful to the worms.
- Maintain moisture: Cover the bin with a lid and monitor the moisture level, adding dry newspaper strips if it gets too wet.
- Choose a location: Place the bin in a basement or kitchen cabinet, away from windows and heaters, to protect the worms from extreme temperatures.
Other Storage Options
Large plastic bins can also be reused for various storage purposes:
- Holding recyclable materials that cannot be placed in your curbside recycling bin, such as film plastic or baby food pouches.
- Storing seasonal items: Use the bins to store Christmas decorations, sporting goods, or seasonal clothing in your garage or attic.
- Organizing crafts or toys: The bins can be used to sort and store crafts, children's toys, or other miscellaneous items.
- Collecting donations: Use the bins to collect items for donation, such as clothing, books, or non-perishable food items.
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Cut into smaller pieces for disposal
Large plastic bins are difficult to recycle and cannot be placed in your curbside recycling bin. They are typically too large to fit in the bin and most curbside recycling programs are not set up to recycle these items.
If you have a large plastic bin that you want to dispose of, you can try cutting it into smaller pieces. However, this may not be an option for everyone, as it requires time and effort. Here are some steps and suggestions to help you with the process:
- Contact your local recycling coordinator or waste management agency for guidance on how to properly dispose of large plastic bins. They may have specific instructions or requirements for cutting and preparing the plastic for recycling.
- Ensure that the plastic bin is made of a type of plastic that can be recycled. Not all plastics are created equal, and some may have specific disposal methods.
- Clean and dry the plastic bin thoroughly before cutting it into pieces. Remove any residue or contaminants that may be present. This step is important because recyclers often require that plastic items be clean and dry to facilitate the recycling process.
- Using a sturdy and suitable cutting tool, carefully cut the plastic bin into small, uniform pieces. The size of the pieces may vary depending on the guidelines provided by your local recycling facility. Be cautious and take the necessary safety precautions when handling sharp tools.
- Once you have a collection of small plastic pieces, you can prepare them for recycling. Some facilities may require you to bundle or contain the pieces in a specific way.
- Reach out to your local recycling center or private recycling companies to inquire about accepting your cut-up plastic pieces for recycling. Some centers may have specific drop-off locations or collection schedules for these types of plastics.
Remember that the process of cutting large plastic bins into smaller pieces for disposal can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for everyone. It is always a good idea to first check with your local recycling resources and follow their guidelines for proper disposal or recycling of large plastic items.
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Check with local town or municipality hall
Checking with your local town or municipality hall is a great way to find out where to bring large plastic bins for recycling. These local government bodies are responsible for waste management and often have specific departments or coordinators dedicated to recycling efforts and programs. They can provide you with accurate and up-to-date information on the proper procedures for recycling large plastic items.
When you contact or visit your local town or municipality hall, inquire about their policies regarding plastic recycling. Some municipalities have specific days or events dedicated to collecting hard-to-recycle items, such as large plastic bins. For example, some towns may host collection drives once or twice a year where residents can bring their large plastic items for recycling. This information can help you plan and prepare for the appropriate recycling times.
Additionally, they may offer alternative options for large plastic bin recycling. Some municipalities provide drop-off locations or centers specifically for these items. These drop-off points could be permanent or temporary, depending on the local arrangements. By inquiring with the town or municipality hall, you can gain clarity on the specific locations and their operating hours, making it more convenient for you to recycle your large plastic bins.
Another benefit of checking with the local authorities is that they may offer special collection services. In some cases, they might even provide a pick-up service for large plastic items that cannot be accommodated by your regular curbside recycling program. This information can save you time and effort in transporting the bulky bins to a recycling center. Therefore, it is always worth asking about any additional services they may provide to facilitate the recycling of large plastic items.
Lastly, the town or municipality hall can provide you with guidance on any specific preparation or sorting requirements for large plastic bins. They can inform you about any necessary steps, such as cleaning or dismantling the bins before recycling. This ensures that you follow the correct procedures, making the overall recycling process more efficient and effective. By reaching out to your local town or municipality hall, you can gain comprehensive knowledge about the recycling options available for large plastic bins in your area.
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