Sofia Martinez
Plastic clamshell containers are notoriously difficult to recycle. While the material is technically recyclable, the process is challenging due to the unique properties of clamshells. They are often hard to differentiate from other plastics, and their lower density compared to PET bottles means they can contaminate bales of PET bottles, reducing the quality of the final product. Many recycling programs and facilities do not accept them, and even those that do often prefer to handle PET bottles, only tolerating a small number of clamshells. Consumers play a crucial role in ensuring proper disposal and recycling of clamshells, including cleaning and removing any labels or adhesive residue. With growing interest in biodegradable alternatives, consumer awareness and advocacy for better recycling options can drive significant changes in packaging practices and encourage the development of advanced recycling technologies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why are plastic clamshells hard to recycle? | Plastic clamshells are made of a material that's easy to recycle in theory but remarkably hard to recycle in practice. |
| Why is it hard to recycle in practice? | Plastic clamshells are hard to differentiate from other similarly shaped containers made of different plastics. |
| What else makes it hard to recycle? | They produce more fine particles when processed, have strong adhesives that are difficult to remove, break into different-sized chips than plastic bottles, melt at a different temperature, and have different bulk density than PET bottles. |
| What can be done to recycle them? | Check with your local recycling program to see if clamshell packaging is accepted. Clean the clamshell packaging thoroughly to remove any food residue or other contaminants. Remove any labels or adhesive stickers, as these can interfere with the recycling process. |
| Where can I recycle them? | The Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub accepts all rigid #1-#7 and “no-number” plastics (including clamshell containers), sorted by number. Address: 911 Evans Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45204. Open Thursday 12–6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. |
| Any other place? | Symmes Safety Center on the first Saturday of the month 10 a.m.–noon at 8871 Weekly Lane, 45249. They accept all items the “Hub” collects for free. |
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What You'll Learn
Why plastic clamshells are hard to recycle
Plastic clamshells are a popular packaging choice for retailers and the food industry. They are lightweight, durable, and strong enough to protect fragile items like berries, eggs, and other food products. However, despite being made of PET plastic, which is highly recyclable, there are several reasons why plastic clamshells are difficult to recycle.
Firstly, plastic clamshells are often made using a process called thermoforming, which results in a different grade of PET plastic compared to PET bottles, which are typically created through blow molding. This difference in manufacturing processes leads to distinct densities and melting points, making it challenging to process clamshells and bottles together. The varying densities can contaminate the final PET bales, reducing their market value.
Secondly, plastic clamshells often have strong adhesives, labels, or cardboard backing that are difficult to remove. These contaminants can interfere with the recycling process, requiring additional steps for proper removal.
Additionally, the shape of plastic clamshells can pose challenges during the sorting process at material recovery facilities (MRFs). Sorting equipment and operators may struggle to differentiate clamshells from other similarly shaped containers made of different plastics. This difficulty in sorting can result in contamination and impact the purity of the recycled material.
Furthermore, plastic clamshells break into different-sized chips compared to plastic bottles, which can also affect the quality of the recycled product. As a result, recycling facilities prefer handling uniform types of plastic, such as #1 PET bottles, to ensure a relatively pure end product.
While plastic clamshells can be recycled, the challenges outlined above highlight why they are often not accepted by curbside recycling services or local recycling programs. To address this issue, consumers can advocate for better packaging options, contact manufacturers to express their concerns, and support businesses that use recyclable or compostable alternatives.
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How to prepare plastic clamshells for recycling
Plastic clamshells are difficult to recycle, but it is possible. They are made of a material that is, in theory, easy to recycle, but there are several challenges in practice. Most recycling facilities are set up to recycle bottles, not clamshells, and the two have different bulk densities, so they cannot be processed together. Clamshells also often have strong adhesives on them, which are hard to remove, and they break into different-sized chips when recycled.
Step 1: Check with your local recycling program to see if they accept clamshells. Look for recycling symbols, such as #1 for Polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) or #3 for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Some facilities only recycle PET bottles, not clamshells, even though they are made from the same type of plastic.
Step 2: If your local program does not accept clamshells, find a local recycling solution by searching online or contacting the manufacturer. You can also try delivering them to a recycling hub that accepts clamshells.
Step 3: Clean the clamshells thoroughly to remove any food residue or other contaminants. Rinse out the containers and make sure they are free of any dirt or debris.
Step 4: Remove any labels or adhesive stickers from the clamshells, as these can interfere with the recycling process. Soak the clamshells in warm water to help loosen the adhesives, and use a tool such as a scraper to remove any stubborn residue.
Step 5: Separate clamshells from other types of plastic, such as bottles. Keep them in a separate bag or container to avoid contaminating the recycling stream.
Step 6: Stack the clamshells to maximize space and deliver them to the recycling facility or hub, or place them in your recycling bin if your local program accepts them.
Remember that proper disposal and recycling habits can greatly increase the chances of clamshell packaging being recycled. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your plastic clamshells are properly prepared for recycling and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Online tools to find local recycling solutions
Plastic clamshell containers are often used for fresh produce, baked goods, and retail products. While they are 100% recyclable, not all recycling programs accept them. This is due to the different processes used to produce clamshells compared to other plastic containers, as well as the difficulty of differentiating clamshells from other plastics during the recycling process.
If your local recycling program does not accept plastic clamshells, there are online tools available to help you find alternative recycling solutions. Earth911 offers a Recycling Search tool where you can enter your ZIP code to find local recycling options for plastic clamshells. Additionally, you can check with your city or local government, as some cities provide information on their websites about recycling specific types of materials, such as clamshell containers in Calgary or drop-off locations in Montgomery, Ohio.
In some cases, local haulers or recycling companies may collect clamshell containers for recycling, but you may need to drop them off at a location outside of your city. For example, Michael Brothers Hauling in Pittsburgh collects all #1 and #2 plastics, including clamshells, at their location on Horning Rd. It is important to check with your local recycler or refer to their website to understand their capabilities and any specific requirements they may have for recycling clamshell containers.
To further promote recycling and reduce waste, it is recommended to look for products with clear recycling instructions and to provide feedback to manufacturers and retailers. Increasing consumer awareness and demand for better recycling options can influence businesses to adopt more sustainable packaging practices.
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Biodegradable and compostable alternatives
Plastic clamshell containers can be recycled, but it's important to check with your local recycling program to see if they accept this type of packaging. If your local program does not accept clamshells, keep them out of your recycling bin and look for alternative ways to recycle them.
- Sugarcane bagasse (a residue left behind when juice is extracted from sugarcane pulp)
- Wheat straw fiber
- Corn-based PLA
These compostable clamshells are certified to meet the requirements of organisations such as the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and ASTM. They are also toxin- and chemical-free, making them safe for both meals and the planet.
However, it's important to note that these alternatives may not always be recycled and can sometimes end up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Proper disposal and recycling habits are crucial to ensuring that these alternatives are correctly recycled.
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How to influence businesses to change packaging
Consumers can play a crucial role in influencing businesses to change their packaging to more sustainable options. With the growing awareness of environmental issues, consumers are increasingly conscious of their impact on the planet and seek out products and services that align with their values. This shift in consumer behaviour has led to a preference for recyclable packaging materials, with a notable 86% of consumers aged 45 and under expressing their willingness to pay more for products with sustainable packaging.
Businesses that adopt eco-friendly packaging position themselves for long-term success and attract a growing segment of eco-conscious customers. Sustainable packaging can enhance brand credibility and create a positive impression, attracting more consumers. It also demonstrates a commitment to minimizing environmental impact, which is essential for building brand loyalty among environmentally conscious individuals.
To influence businesses to change their packaging, consumers can take several actions:
- Contact the manufacturer or producer: Reach out to the company and express your concerns about their packaging. Let them know that you will purchase their product again if they switch to more sustainable packaging.
- Increase consumer awareness: Spread the word about the importance of recycling and sustainable packaging. This can be done through social media, blogs, or even in-person conversations. Increasing consumer awareness can lead to more pressure on manufacturers to make changes.
- Support businesses with sustainable practices: Vote with your wallet by choosing to support businesses that already use recyclable or compostable packaging. This sends a clear message to other companies that may not have made the switch yet.
- Educate yourself and others: Learn about the different types of packaging materials and their environmental impact. Share this knowledge with others to help them make informed choices.
- Advocate for policy changes: Support and promote policies that encourage extended producer responsibility or deposit-return schemes, similar to those in the Nordic countries. These policies have a measurable influence on increasing the supply of recycled materials.
Businesses can also take initiative by adopting sustainable practices and educating their buyers on eco-friendly packaging options. They can experiment with packaging redesigns, such as using metal and glass in returnable systems, or opting for biodegradable and compostable alternatives. By selecting sustainable raw materials, such as cardboard, paper from sustainable forests, or organic fabrics, businesses can minimize their environmental footprint. Additionally, selling products in bulk and reducing packaging collateral can help minimize waste and conserve resources.
In summary, by taking action and advocating for change, consumers can play a pivotal role in influencing businesses to adopt more sustainable packaging practices, contributing to a greener future.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic clamshells are made of a material that is easy to recycle theoretically but remarkably challenging in practice. They are produced using different manufacturing processes, which results in different grades of PET products, potentially making them incompatible. They also break into different-sized chips than plastic bottles, melt at different temperatures, and often have strong adhesives that are challenging to remove.
If your local recycling program does not accept plastic clamshells, you can try to find a local recycling solution by entering your ZIP code in the Earth911 Recycling Search. You can also check if there is a recycling hub near you that accepts clamshells, such as the Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub. Additionally, some services offer to recycle clamshells for a fee.
You can clean the clamshell packaging thoroughly to remove any food residue or other contaminants. Remove any labels or adhesive stickers, as these can interfere with the recycling process. Also, look for products with packaging that has clear recycling instructions.
There is a growing interest in biodegradable and compostable alternatives to traditional clamshell packaging. These materials are designed to break down more easily and have a lesser impact on the environment. However, ensure that there is an industrial composting facility near you that can effectively compost these materials, as they will otherwise likely end up in a landfill.
