Omar Khalid
Plastic recycling is a complex and often misunderstood topic. While the recycling symbol, with its chasing arrows, is ubiquitous, the reality is that not all plastics can be recycled. In fact, an NPR and PBS Frontline investigation revealed that the oil and gas industry promoted plastic recycling despite knowing it was not economically viable on a large scale. This has led to a situation where consumers are unsure about which plastics can be recycled and how to recycle them properly. To navigate the world of plastic recycling, it is essential to understand the different types of plastics, the varying capabilities of local recycling programs, and the specific guidelines for proper disposal.
Where to recycle big pieces of plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags | Recyclable, but not at the curb. Take them back to stores or drop them off at recycling centers. |
| Plastic bottles, jugs, and jars | Recyclable. |
| Plastic containers | Recyclable if they are round, have a threaded neck, or have a neck narrower than the base. |
| Plastic containers with food debris | Not recyclable. |
| Plastic wrap/film | Recyclable at some locations. |
| Plastic packaging | If it doesn't conform to the bottle, jar, bucket, or round container shapes, it may be recyclable at specific locations. |
| Compostable plastic | Not intended for recycling and can contaminate the recycling stream. |
| Biobased plastic | Check the product's label for compostability and recyclability. |
| Community recycling programs | May not accept all types of plastic. Check with your local program to find out which types they accept. |
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Plastic bags
- Many grocery stores and supermarkets have collection bins specifically for plastic bags. These bins are usually located near the entrance or exit of the store. Check with your local grocery store to see if they have a plastic bag recycling program in place.
- Some communities have specialized recycling programs that accept plastic bags and other soft plastics. Contact your local waste management authority or recycling center to inquire about any such programs in your area. They may provide specific instructions on how to prepare and drop off your plastic bags for recycling.
- If you have a large quantity of plastic bags, some recycling companies may be willing to collect them directly from you. Search online for recycling companies in your area that specialize in plastic recycling, as they often have the capacity to handle larger volumes of plastic waste.
- Certain organizations and charities may also accept donations of plastic bags for reuse. For example, some food banks or homeless shelters might be able to use plastic bags for distributing items to those in need. Reach out to organizations in your community to see if they could benefit from your plastic bag collection.
- When preparing plastic bags for recycling, ensure they are clean and dry. Remove any food residue or dirt, as contamination can hinder the recycling process. Also, try to separate the bags by type, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, if possible. This can improve the likelihood of successful recycling.
Remember, recycling guidelines can vary depending on your location, so it's always a good idea to check with your local recycling facilities or government websites for specific instructions related to plastic bag recycling in your area.
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Plastic bottles
Most plastic bottles and jugs are #1 plastic (PET) or #2 plastic (HDPE), which are both accepted by most curbside recycling programs. The type of plastic is identified with a resin ID code on the bottle. Occasionally, you will find bottles made from #3-#7 plastics, and these may not be collected by your local curbside program. Most recycling programs ask that you rinse your bottles and jugs before recycling. This is because the remnants often contain sugar, which will attract insects and generate odors. You should also check with your local program whether to keep the caps on the bottles, or whether caps are accepted at all. Some programs want the cap on to prevent loose caps from falling out during transportation, while others want the cap off to ensure the bottle is empty, and because their machinery may be damaged when trying to crush a capped bottle.
You should be okay to leave the label on the bottle, but it is unlikely to be recycled as it is a low-grade quality of paper or plastic. Recycling centers use optical scanners to identify the type of plastic resin, so #1 and #2 plastics are separated from each other and other materials (such as paper and glass). Bottles are then crushed (if the caps haven't already been removed), and baled to be sent to a plastic recycler.
If your local community does not have a recycling program that accepts plastic bottles, you can contact your local government to find out if there are any drop-off locations. Retail and grocery stores often accept plastic materials for recycling, so you could also try contacting your local stores.
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Plastic wrap
You can also use a recycling locator to find a plastic film recycling location near you. For instance, the Earth911 Recycling Locator allows you to enter your ZIP code to find a plastic film recycling location.
Before dropping off your plastic wrap and film for recycling, ensure that they are clean and dry. Wet or food-soiled plastic wrap and film should not be recycled as they can cause costly contamination during the recycling processing.
One primary use for recycled plastic film packaging is durable plastic or composite lumber for decks, fences, and other outdoor uses. Recycled plastic film can also be used to make synthetic lumber for decking or park benches, or it might be recycled directly into another film, pouch, or bag form.
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Plastic containers
In general, plastic containers that are rigid and round with a wider rim than the base, and a capacity of 6 ounces or more, can be recycled. Examples include containers that previously held products such as salsa, margarine, cottage cheese, and hummus. Plastic containers with threaded necks or necks narrower than the base, such as milk jugs, peanut butter jars, and bottles that held personal care and cleaning products, can also be recycled.
Some plastic storage containers may be recyclable, but many curbside recycling programs do not accept them due to their size and the difficulty in recycling certain types of plastic. Before attempting to recycle plastic storage containers, check with your local waste management agency or recycling coordinator to confirm if they are accepted in your area.
If your plastic containers are not accepted by your local recycling program, there are alternative options for responsible disposal. You can reuse them around your home or donate them to local charities, thrift stores, or schools if they are in good condition. Additionally, some private companies and organizations run recycling programs that accept hard-to-recycle items.
It is important to ensure that all containers are clean and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. Containers contaminated with food or residue cannot be recycled and may contaminate other recyclables.
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Local recycling programs
- Contact your local recycling program: Get in touch with your community's recycling program or department to inquire about their specific guidelines for accepting large pieces of plastic. They can provide you with information on the types of plastic they accept, any size or shape restrictions, and drop-off or pick-up options.
- Check for specific plastic types: Different types of plastic are identified by the resin number or symbol, usually enclosed in a triangle. Your local program will specify which types of plastic they accept. Some common types include high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
- Prepare the plastic for recycling: Ensure that the large plastic pieces are clean and dry before dropping them off. Remove any food residue, labels, or other contaminants. Some programs may have specific preparation instructions, so be sure to follow their guidelines.
- Drop-off locations: If your local program doesn't offer pick-up services for large plastics, inquire about designated drop-off locations. These may include recycling centers, retail stores, or specific drop-off points within your community.
- Compostable and biobased plastics: Compostable plastics should not be mixed with regular recycling streams as they can cause contamination. Check with your local program or waste disposal company to find out if they accept compostable plastics and biobased plastics, and whether there are specific drop-off locations for these materials.
- Plastic bags and wrap: Plastic bags and wraps, such as stretch wrap, bubble wrap, and plastic films, are often accepted at retail stores or recycling centers for separate collection. However, they are not typically recycled through curbside pick-up due to the risk of machinery disruption.
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Frequently asked questions
Big pieces of plastic can be recycled at your local recycling centre. Some retailers and grocers also accept plastic for recycling.
Plastic bottles, jugs, and jars 6 ounces or larger, any container with a threaded neck (for a screw-on lid) or neck narrower than the base can be recycled. This includes milk jugs, peanut butter jars, and bottles that held personal care and cleaning products.
Plastic bags, styrofoam, plastic utensils, and containers smaller than 6 ounces cannot be recycled at your local centre.
If your community does not have a composting recycling pick-up program that accepts compostable plastic, contact your garbage/recycling company or local government to find out if there are any drop-off locations.
