Maya Ellison
In the state of New Jersey, there are varying types of plastics that are accepted for recycling. In Camden County, NJ, plastics #1 and #2 are accepted for recycling, while plastics #4, #5, and #7 are no longer accepted. Plastic bottles and jars with #1 or #2 on the bottom, milk and juice cartons, and other plastic containers make up most plastic containers in the waste stream. In addition, New Jersey has implemented a ban on plastic bags in grocery and retail stores to reduce litter, encouraging shoppers to bring their own reusable bags.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Containers Accepted for Recycling | #1, #2 |
| Examples of Accepted Containers | Soda bottles, water bottles, milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles |
| Plastic Containers Not Accepted for Recycling | #4, #5, #7 |
| Reason for Not Accepting Certain Plastics | Markets for these plastics are almost non-existent, resulting in recyclables being landfilled |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bottles and jars with #1 or #2 on the bottom can be recycled
In Camden County, NJ, plastic bottles and jars with #1 or #2 on the bottom can be recycled. These numbers are typically found on soda bottles, water bottles, milk jugs, and laundry detergent bottles, which make up most plastic containers in the waste stream.
It is important to note that there have been changes to the recyclability of certain plastic containers, specifically those marked with #4, #5, and #7. The recyclability of these containers was largely dependent on markets outside the USA, particularly China, which implemented the National Sword policy in 2018, restricting the importation of recyclables. As a result, markets for these plastics are now almost non-existent, and they often end up in landfills.
To properly recycle plastic bottles and jars with #1 or #2 on the bottom, it is recommended to rinse them out before placing them in your recycling container. This helps ensure that the recycled materials are of higher quality and can be properly processed.
By following the guidelines provided by local authorities and properly sorting and preparing your recyclables, you can play a crucial role in reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable environment in your community.
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Plastic containers with #4, #5, and #7 are no longer recyclable
Although recycling plastic containers is a great way to lower your ecological footprint and protect the environment, it can be challenging due to the many different types of plastics. In the Borough of Penns Grove, New Jersey, there is no information on which plastics are recyclable. However, it is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable, and some types of plastic containers, such as #4, #5, and #7, may not be accepted by your local recycling program.
Plastics are classified into seven categories according to Resin Identification Codes (RIC). These categories are based on the temperature at which the plastic has been heated, and the numerical classification (#1-#7) indicates the type of plastic. For example, #1 (PET) is often used for water bottles and has the highest recycling value, while #7 (OTHER) is a catch-all category that includes non-recyclables and corn-based plastics (PLA).
Some plastics, like #4, #5, and #7, may be non-recyclable due to several factors. One reason could be the lack of market demand for these specific types of plastics. Without a market for recycled materials, they become almost useless, and placing them in the recycling bin may not make a difference. Additionally, the recycling process can be energy-intensive and costly, especially when additional steps such as washing and sorting are required.
Another challenge is the fragmented nature of the recycling market, which makes it difficult for sellers of recycled plastic to find buyers. The ban on low-quality recyclables imports by China, which used to import cheap recyclables from America and Europe, has also impacted global economic policymaking in this area. As a result, consumers' recyclables may end up in landfills or incinerators instead of being recycled.
To improve the recyclability of plastic containers, some researchers are developing chemicals called compatibilizers, which help different types of plastics mix together more evenly when melted down. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve sorting techniques to ensure a purer, more uniform stream of plastic entering the recycling process. However, it is important to remember that recycling is just one part of the solution to the global plastic pollution crisis, and other immediate solutions are also needed.
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Plastic bags and paper bags are banned in New Jersey
In 2020, New Jersey passed a law banning single-use plastic and paper bags in all stores and food service businesses. The law came into effect on 4 May 2022. The ban was intended to cut back on plastic bags piling up in landfills and was cheered by environmental groups.
While the total number of plastic bags did decrease by more than 60% to 894 million bags, the alternative bags ended up having a much larger carbon footprint. The state's consumption of plastic for bags spiked by a factor of nearly three, with plastic consumption rising from 53 million pounds before the ban to 151 million pounds after. Most stores switched to heavier, reusable shopping bags made with non-woven polypropylene, which uses over 15 times more plastic and generates more than five times the amount of greenhouse gas emissions during production per bag than polyethylene plastic bags.
New Jersey is not the only state that has implemented plastic bag bans to stymie plastic consumption and benefit the environment. At least 11 other states have bans on plastic grocery bags, including California, Colorado, and New York. Over 200 counties and municipalities have also enacted ordinances either imposing a fee on plastic bags or banning them outright, including all counties in Hawaii.
In Penns Grove, New Jersey, grass clippings should be placed in trash cans or plastic bags and placed at the curb for pickup with regular trash. Bulk items such as mattresses (wrapped in plastic), wood bed frames, furniture, rugs, appliances, and similar items should be placed at the curb for collection on your regular trash day. You must first purchase a Bulk Sticker at the Borough Hall for each bulk item and place that sticker on the item. Recyclables are picked up every other Friday.
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Plastic bottles and jars with #1 include soda bottles
In Camden County, New Jersey, plastic bottles and jars with the #1 symbol are accepted for recycling. This includes soda bottles, water bottles, and other similar containers. These plastics have a strong domestic market, which is why they are commonly accepted for recycling.
It is important to properly prepare and sort your recyclables before placing them in your curbside recycling container. Rinsing out containers before recycling them is essential to prevent food waste contamination. This is a common issue that can result in a lower quality of cardboard and paper being marketed for recycling.
In addition to plastic bottles and jars with the #1 symbol, Camden County also accepts other plastics with the #2 symbol for recycling. These include milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, and other similar containers. However, it is important to note that plastics with the #4, #5, and #7 symbols are no longer accepted for recycling in Camden County, as of 2018.
To reduce litter and promote environmental sustainability, New Jersey has implemented a ban on plastic and paper bags in grocery and retail stores. This ban went into effect on May 4, 2022, encouraging residents to bring their reusable bags when shopping.
By properly recycling plastic bottles and jars with the #1 symbol, including soda bottles, and following local guidelines, residents of Penns Grove, New Jersey, can play a crucial role in reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable future.
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Plastic containers with #2 include milk jugs
Milk jugs labelled with #2 (HDPE) are generally accepted in curbside recycling programmes. To prepare milk jugs for recycling, it is important to ensure that they are empty, clean, and dry. Any residue should be rinsed out, and the jug should be allowed to dry before placing it in the recycling bin. Additionally, plastic caps should be screwed back on tightly, as loose caps may be too small to make it through the recycling sorting process and may be treated as trash.
It is worth noting that other types of plastic jugs, such as those used for vinegar and laundry detergent, may also be labelled with #2 and are typically accepted for recycling. However, it is always important to check with your local recycling guidelines, as the accepted materials may vary depending on the region.
The recycling of HDPE milk jugs contributes to sustainability and environmental conservation. By recycling these plastic containers, we can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and give new life to the material. HDPE can be recycled into various new products, promoting a circular economy and reducing the need for virgin plastic production.
Overall, understanding the recycling guidelines for plastic containers with #2, including milk jugs, is essential for proper waste management and contributing to a greener planet. Remember to follow the specific instructions provided by your local recycling services to ensure that your plastic waste is recycled effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastics #1 and #2 are recycled in Penn's Grove, NJ. Examples of #1 plastics include soda bottles and water bottles, while #2 plastics include milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles.
The market for #4, #5, and #7 plastics has decreased significantly since 2018 when China implemented the National Sword policy, restricting the importation of recyclables. These plastics often end up in landfills and contribute to food waste contamination in the "Single Stream" mix.
Other recyclable materials include newspaper, mixed paper (including junk mail), magazines, catalogs, school papers, office papers, paper packaging, paperboard cartons for food, softcover books, phone books, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, aluminum and steel lids, milk and juice cartons, and paper towel and toilet paper inserts.
The recycling pick-up schedule varies, but it typically occurs every other Friday.
