Sofia Martinez
Gwinnett County, Georgia, is committed to reducing waste and protecting the environment through recycling. The county offers a range of recycling services, including curbside collection of plastic bottles and jugs. However, not all plastics are recyclable. In this article, we will explore which plastic numbers are recyclable in Gwinnett County and provide tips on how to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic waste. We will also discuss the impact of plastic on the environment and offer suggestions for more sustainable alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Numbers Recyclable in Gwinnett County, GA | #1, #2 |
| Plastic Numbers Not Recyclable in Gwinnett County, GA | #3, #7 |
| Plastic Numbers Recyclable at the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) in Atlanta | #1 |
| Plastic Numbers Sent to Nexus Circular by CHaRM | #2, #4, #5, #6 |
| Plastic Numbers Not Accepted by CHaRM | #3, #7 |
| Plastic Numbers Recyclable in Plastic Bag Drop-Off Bins | #2, #4 |
| Plastic Characteristics Not Recyclable | Plastic that tears like paper or crinkles loudly when crushed by hand, thicker plastic with zippers, cling wrap |
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What You'll Learn
- Only plastic bottles and jugs with a #1 or #2 RIC are recyclable curbside
- Plastics #3 and #7 are too toxic or complex for Gwinnett County's recycling partners to process
- Plastic bags cannot be recycled at the curb
- Yard trimmings must be in biodegradable paper bags, not plastic
- Plastic bags can be recycled in store drop-off bins at Publix, Kroger, Target, and Wal-Mart
Only plastic bottles and jugs with a #1 or #2 RIC are recyclable curbside
Gwinnett County is committed to recycling and reducing the volume of waste going into landfills. The county offers a variety of ways to recycle, including residential garbage and recycling pickup, as well as specialized services for certain materials.
When it comes to plastic, the county's recycling program accepts plastic bottles and jugs with a #1 or #2 Resin Identification Code (RIC) for curbside recycling. These RICs indicate the specific type of plastic the item is made from, with #1 and #2 being the most commonly accepted for recycling.
It is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable, and some may even contain toxic chemicals. For example, plastics with a #3 RIC, such as rubber duckies, pet toys, and garden hoses, have been found to include phthalates, which can be harmful. Similarly, plastics with a #6 RIC, like red plastic Solo cups, can also contain toxic chemicals.
To properly recycle plastics in Gwinnett County, residents should follow the guidelines provided by the county's recycling program. In addition to curbside recycling, there are other options for recycling plastic bags and films. These include drop-off bins located outside of stores such as Publix, Kroger, Target, and Wal-Mart, where plastic bags and certain plastic wraps can be recycled separately from other recyclables.
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Plastics #3 and #7 are too toxic or complex for Gwinnett County's recycling partners to process
Gwinnett County, Georgia, is committed to recycling and reducing the volume of waste going into landfills. The county offers a variety of ways to recycle, and residents are encouraged to join this initiative to protect the environment.
While the county accepts many types of plastic for recycling, there are some exceptions. Notably, plastics #3 and #7 are not accepted by the county's recycling partners due to their toxic or complex nature. These plastics are challenging to process, even for waste-to-energy partners.
Plastics #3 and #7 are considered too toxic or complex for recycling for several reasons. Firstly, products made from these types of plastic have been found to contain trace toxic chemicals. These chemicals can be harmful to human health, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has specifically reported on the presence of phthalates in #3 plastics. Reducing exposure to these chemicals is essential for protecting public health.
Additionally, the recycling process for plastics #3 and #7 can be complex and challenging. The Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) in Atlanta, which specializes in recycling, does not accept these types of plastics. CHaRM's waste-to-energy partners also do not process them, indicating the difficulties in handling these materials.
It is important to note that the numbers on plastics are Resin Identification Codes (RICs). These codes indicate the type of plastic and help determine whether an item can be recycled. In Gwinnett County, only plastic bottles and jugs marked with a #1 or #2 RIC are accepted for curbside recycling. For other types of plastics, residents should refer to the county's comprehensive recycling directory to find alternative recycling options.
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Plastic bags cannot be recycled at the curb
Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management encourages residents to recycle and protect the environment. While the county offers recycling services, there are certain items that cannot be recycled at the curb, including plastic bags.
Haulers or collectors are instructed to assume that recyclables placed in plastic bags are trash. This is because it is difficult to determine whether there are non-recyclable materials mixed in with the recyclables inside the bag. To ensure your recyclables are properly sorted and collected, it is best to place them loosely in your curbside bin.
If you have plastic bags that you wish to recycle, you can take them to a participating retail store. Many large retailers provide recycling bins specifically for plastic bags and plastic film packaging. It is recommended that you check with your local recycling entity or use a recycling locator to find the nearest drop-off location.
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Yard trimmings must be in biodegradable paper bags, not plastic
Gwinnett County, Georgia, is committed to recycling and reducing waste going into landfills. The county offers a variety of ways to recycle, including recycling bins, carts, and drop-off sites. Yard trimmings, specifically, must be placed in biodegradable paper bags, not plastic. This is because plastic bags cannot be recycled at the curb, and if recyclables are placed in a plastic bag, the entire bag must be assumed to be trash.
The county's waste management guidelines specify that yard trimmings should be placed in biodegradable paper bags, with tree branches tied and bundled separately. Each bundle should not exceed 50 lbs, 4 inches in diameter, and 3 feet in length. Yard waste pickup is an elective service that residents must contract and pay for separately with their hauler.
In addition to yard waste, Gwinnett County also provides guidelines for recycling plastic bags and other plastic items. Plastic bags should be recycled through the "Plastic Bag Recycling" drop-off bins located outside stores such as Publix, Kroger, Target, and Walmart. These store drop-off sites are the only way to recycle plastic bags in the county, as they get too dirty and wet when placed in curbside bins and can even jam sorting machinery.
When it comes to recycling other plastic items, Gwinnett County follows the Resin Identification Codes (RIC), which categorise six specific types of plastic, with the seventh number representing a miscellaneous category. In the county, only plastic bottles and jugs marked with a #1 or #2 RIC are recyclable curbside. Plastics marked with a #3 or #7 are considered too toxic or complex to be processed by recycling or waste-to-energy partners.
To make recycling smarter and protect family health, it is recommended to reduce overall plastic use, avoid storing food in plastic, and never heat up plastic. Additionally, certain types of plastic, such as #3 plastics (rubber duckies, pet toys, garden hoses), have been found to contain trace toxic chemicals. Therefore, referring to the RIC and guidelines provided by Gwinnett County is essential for proper recycling and waste management.
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Plastic bags can be recycled in store drop-off bins at Publix, Kroger, Target, and Wal-Mart
Gwinnett County is committed to reducing waste and encouraging recycling to protect the environment. The county's Solid Waste Management service helps residents recycle and reduce the volume of waste going into landfills.
Gwinnett Recycles, a grassroots community organization, provides information on how to recycle plastic bags in the county. They advise that plastic bags should not be placed in curbside recycling bins. Instead, they should be recycled in store drop-off bins at Publix, Kroger, Target, and Wal-Mart. These retailers have "Plastic Bag Recycling" bins located outside of their stores, by the checkout lines, or in the customer service lobby.
Plastic bags can be recycled if they stretch when pulled, rather than rip. If the plastic is wet, it should be dried before recycling, and any labels, tape, or adhesive strips should be removed. However, plastic bags that are dirty or have torn like paper cannot be recycled.
In addition to plastic bags, Gwinnett County accepts plastic bottles and jugs marked with a #1 or #2 Resin Identification Code (RIC) for curbside recycling. Plastics with a #3 or #7 RIC are considered too toxic or complex for recycling by the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) in Atlanta.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic bags cannot be recycled at the curb. Plastic bags can be recycled in store "Plastic Bag drop-off bins" located outside of Publix and Kroger, by the checkout lines at Target, in Wal-Mart’s customer service lobby, and at many other local stores.
In Gwinnett County, only plastic bottles and jugs marked with a #1 or #2 Resin Identification Code (RIC) are recyclable curbside. Plastic marked with a #3 and #7 is too toxic or complex to be recycled.
The numbers on plastics are Resin Identification Codes (RIC) and stand for six specific types of plastic. The seventh number is a miscellaneous category that stands for all other types of plastic or combinations of plastics #1-6.
Recyclable items not placed in recycling bins or carts can be placed in another container as long as the container is clearly marked “Recyclable Items”. Rinse out all containers before placing them in the recycling bin. Yard trimmings must be in biodegradable paper bags, not plastic.
