Ethan Clarke
Plastic yogurt containers are often made from a polymer plastic called polypropylene, which is labelled with the number 5. This type of plastic is not always accepted by recycling programs, and the rules vary from one recycling centre to another. However, there are still ways to recycle your yogurt containers. You can check with your local recycling centre to see if they accept polypropylene, or look for recycling initiatives such as Gimme 5, which collects this type of plastic to make consumer products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Polypropylene (PP), also known as #5 plastic |
| Recyclability | Considered "widely recyclable" by How2Recycle, but environmental advocates disagree |
| Accepted by | Some curbside recycling programs, Whole Foods' Gimme 5 program, and some local recycling centers |
| Not accepted by | Most curbside recycling programs, especially those that don't accept #5 plastic |
| Lids | May not be accepted by recycling programs due to being made of a different type of plastic |
| Foil lids | May be recyclable in some communities, such as Portland, OR, that accept clean aluminum foil |
| Contamination risk | Including yogurt containers with other recyclables may cause the entire batch to be rejected and landfilled |
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What You'll Learn
Curbside recycling programs
The first step is to identify the type of plastic your yogurt container is made of. This can be done by looking at the bottom of the container, which usually has a number or symbol indicating the type of plastic. For example, Chobani, Fage, and Yoplait containers are typically made of #5 plastic (polypropylene), while Chobani "Flip" yogurts use #6 plastic.
Once you know the type of plastic, you can check the rules of your local curbside recycling program. Most programs will specify which types of plastic they accept. For instance, the cities of Rockville (MD), Raleigh (NC), and Ann Arbor (MI) accept a wider variety of plastics, including #5. However, it is more common for programs to refuse #5 plastic, so you may need to explore alternative options.
If your local program doesn't accept #5 plastic, you can use resources like the Recycle More Plastic map to find a nearby collection program specifically for polypropylene plastic. Additionally, some Whole Foods stores participate in the Gimme 5 program and have collection bins for #5 plastic items, including yogurt containers.
It's worth noting that even if your community accepts plastic yogurt containers, they may not accept the lids. Lids are often made with a different type of plastic than the tub, and they can easily get mixed in with paper, contaminating the recycling process.
Lastly, it's important to stay informed about any changes or updates to your local recycling programs. For example, China's recent ban on importing certain recyclables has led to changes in some local and state-wide recycling programs. By staying informed and properly identifying the types of plastics, you can effectively contribute to recycling efforts and reduce your ecological footprint.
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Local recycling programs
- Curbside recycling programs: Some communities offer curbside pickup for recycling, but it's important to check if they accept #5 plastic. Communities like Rockville (MD), Raleigh (NC), and Ann Arbor (MI) accept a wider variety of plastics, including #5. However, this is not common, and many programs only accept #1 and #2 plastics. Contact your local recycling center to confirm the types of plastic they collect.
- Drop-off locations: If your local curbside program doesn't accept #5 plastic, look for drop-off locations that do. You can use resources like the Recycle More Plastic map to find nearby collection programs specifically for polypropylene plastic.
- Gimme 5 program: This program, run by a company called Preserve, collects #5 plastic to create new consumer products. They often partner with Whole Foods, which provides collection bins at their stores. However, it's a good idea to call ahead to confirm participation.
- Local initiatives: Keep an eye out for local initiatives that may accept plastic yogurt containers. For example, Greensboro's local curbside program in North Carolina accepts yogurt containers, but they advise caution when recycling items smaller than a yogurt cup.
- Sorting and separating: When using local recycling programs, remember to separate the container and the lid, as they are made of different materials and need to be recycled separately.
- Alternative uses: If you're unable to find a local recycling program that accepts plastic yogurt containers, consider reusing them around your home. Yogurt containers can be washed and reused for storage or other purposes.
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Recycling plastic lids
Plastic lids can be a little tricky to recycle. Lids are often made from a different type of plastic than the tub or container they accompany, and it is easy for them to get mixed in with paper, which contaminates the product when recyclers go to process it.
Before attempting to recycle plastic lids, it is important to check with your local recycling program to see if they accept caps or lids. Some will ask you to leave them on, some will accept caps but want them separated, and some will ask you to throw them away. If your local program does not accept plastic lids for recycling, you should try to contain them in a plastic bag before putting them in your garbage bin to prevent them from becoming marine debris.
If your local program does accept plastic lids for recycling, it is important to ensure that they are clean and empty before placing them in the recycling bin. Rinse the lids and containers, and screw the lid back on before placing it in the recycling cart or drop-off site container.
It is worth noting that some plastic yogurt containers now have foil lids, which may be recycled in the same manner as aluminum foil in some communities. Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept foil lids.
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Recycling foil lids
Plastic yoghurt containers can be recycled, but it is important to check with your local recycling centre about the types of plastic they accept. Some communities will take a wider variety of plastics, but this is rare. For example, some Whole Foods stores collect yoghurt containers as part of the Gimme 5 programme.
When it comes to recycling foil lids, there is little information available. However, some communities, such as Portland, Oregon, share that foil lids can be recycled in the same manner as aluminium foil. If your community accepts clean aluminium foil for recycling, it is worth enquiring about whether they will take aluminium yoghurt container lids as well.
To determine whether your foil lid can be recycled, you can do the scrunch test to check if it is aluminium foil or plastic film: scrunch the wrapper in your hand, and if it remains scrunched in a ball, it is recyclable foil. If the foil lid is coated with plastic (has colour, design, or labelling), it should be placed in the garbage. Uncoated aluminium foil lids are recyclable if they are free of food residue. Foil soiled with food, grease, or liquid cannot be recycled as it contaminates the recycling stream.
It is important to note that a single foil lid is too small to be recycled in facilities and may get caught in the machinery or be blown away during transportation. It is recommended to save your foil lids and roll them together into a ball with a diameter of at least 2 inches before recycling.
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Reusing containers
Plastic yoghurt containers can be reused in a variety of ways. If you have the lids for your yoghurt containers, you can use them to store leftovers or other food products. You can repurpose them into resealable containers for buttons and other craft materials, hair ties, nails and screws, or other small items.
Yoghurt containers can also be used for gardening. They can be used to propagate seeds, as small plant pots, or to store gardening tools. You can also use them to store other liquids, such as paint or glue. If you have children, yoghurt containers can be used for arts and crafts projects or as sand or water toys.
It's important to note that not all yoghurt containers are created equal when it comes to recycling. Many yoghurt containers are made of a polymer plastic called polypropylene (PP), which is labelled with the number 5 and is not always accepted by recycling programs. Some communities accept a wider variety of plastics, including number 5, but this is rare. You can check with your local recycling centre to see if they accept this type of plastic.
If your community doesn't accept number 5 plastics, there are still options for recycling your yoghurt containers. You can drop them off at your local Whole Foods store, which often participates in a recycling take-back program called Gimme 5, or mail them to the Gimme 5 centre. Alternatively, you can use the Recycle More Plastic map to find the closest collection program that accepts yoghurt containers.
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Frequently asked questions
Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept plastic yogurt containers. If they don't, you can drop them off at your local Whole Foods, which often participates in a recycling take-back program called Gimme 5. You can also mail them to the Gimme 5 center in Cortland, New York.
You can find out what type of plastic your yogurt container is made of by looking at the symbol on the bottom, which contains a number inside a triangle. For example, Chobani and Yoplait containers are usually made of #5 plastic, which means polypropylene.
You can repurpose your yogurt containers into resealable containers for buttons, hair ties, nails, screws, or other small household items.
