Chloe Zhang
Plastic tubs are not always recyclable through your local curbside recycling program. This is because they are often made from multiple types of plastic, which is a material that is difficult for recyclers to sell to manufacturing companies. Additionally, some tubs are too large to fit in recycling bins. However, there are still ways to recycle plastic tubs, such as locating specialized recycling programs near you or reusing them around the house.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic tubs are made from | recyclable materials like polypropylene (PP) #5 or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) #2 |
| Plastic tubs are usually | black-coloured, made of PP #5 plastic, and oversized |
| Plastic tubs are not recycled because | they are too big to fit in recycling bins |
| kerbside recycling services are not set up to take these boxes | |
| they are made of different polymers | |
| they are made of a mix of plastic types | |
| they are small plastics that can cause problems for recycling equipment | |
| they are thin films that can get wrapped around the equipment | |
| there are limited markets available for these plastic types | |
| Ways to recycle plastic tubs | recycle through Walmart community recycling hubs |
| donate to thrift shops | |
| give them away on FreeCycle | |
| buy recycled plastic containers | |
| take them to local charity shops | |
| use alternative recycling skips | |
| use recycling locators |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic tubs are hard to recycle because they are large and won't fit in recycling bins
- Curbside recycling programs are not set up to take plastic tubs
- Plastic lids and straws are small and can get stuck in recycling equipment
- Plastic tubs are often contaminated with food residue, which can contaminate other recyclables
- Plastic tubs are made from various categories of plastics with different chemical properties, which complicates the recycling process
Plastic tubs are hard to recycle because they are large and won't fit in recycling bins
The challenge of recycling plastic tubs is not just limited to their size. Plastic tubs, especially those used for food items, often have lids and labels that need to be removed before recycling. This is because plastic lids are typically made of a different type of plastic than the tub itself. Mixing different types of plastics can contaminate the recycling process. Additionally, labels and adhesive residues can also interfere with the recycling of plastic tubs.
To address the issue of size, some local governments and private companies offer alternative recycling options for larger items. Certain counties and cities have designated drop-off locations or programs that accept plastic storage containers and other bulky items. It's important to check with your local waste management agency or recycling coordinator to find out the specific guidelines and locations for recycling larger plastic items.
Another way to handle plastic tubs that won't fit in recycling bins is to find ways to reuse them. Before discarding them, consider whether they can be repurposed around the house, in the garage, or even in your car for storage. If they are still in good condition, you can donate them to thrift stores, charities, or local organizations that may find them useful. Websites like Freecycle or online material exchange platforms can help connect you with people who might want your unwanted plastic tubs.
While recycling plastic tubs can be challenging due to their size, it's important to remember that proper disposal and reuse are crucial for the environment. By finding alternative recycling options or repurposing these tubs, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Curbside recycling programs are not set up to take plastic tubs
The variety of plastic resins and packaging types with different physical and chemical properties makes plastics one of the most complicated materials to recycle. Plastic tubs, in particular, may be made of low-melt plastics, which can contaminate other plastics during the recycling process. Plastic lids, straws, and other small plastic items can also get stuck in the recycling equipment, requiring manual cleaning or disposal as contaminants.
Additionally, plastic tubs often have food residue, adhesive stickers, or labels that can lead to contamination issues during recycling. They may also melt at different temperatures than other plastics, creating ash that can ruin an entire batch of good plastic. Furthermore, there may not be a market or reliable, eco-friendly way to process and recycle certain plastic items in specific regions.
It is important to note that some brands do make their plastic tubs from recyclable materials, and this information is usually available on their websites. Alternative recycling options are also available beyond government organizations, such as private companies with specialized recycling programs. Checking with local recycling coordinators or waste management agencies can provide specific information on how and where to recycle plastic tubs.
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Plastic lids and straws are small and can get stuck in recycling equipment
Plastic tubs, pots, and trays can be recycled at some out-of-home recycling points. However, plastic lids and straws are small and can easily get stuck in recycling equipment. They can fall through the machinery and end up contaminating glass bottles and jars, or they can cause the equipment to jam. This means that they need to be cleaned out and thrown in the trash, which is time-consuming and costly.
Plastic lids and straws are often made of "'low-melt' plastic", which can contaminate other recyclables such as bottles, tubs, and jugs. They can also be difficult to separate from other materials, such as paper. These plastics are also commonly used for food items, which means they are often coated with food residue or adhesive stickers, leading to further contamination issues.
The small size of plastic lids and straws means that they can fall through the recycling process, ending up in landfills or waterways. This is also an issue with paper straws, which are too small to be captured in the recycling process but will decompose in landfills.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to avoid plastic straws and lids altogether, opting for paper straws or other alternatives instead. It is also important to check with local recycling programs to confirm what specific types of plastic can be recycled in your area.
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Plastic tubs are often contaminated with food residue, which can contaminate other recyclables
Plastic tubs, such as those used for butter, ice cream, and cottage cheese, can often be recycled. However, they are not always accepted by curbside recycling programs due to their size and the challenges of processing certain types of plastics. As a result, some communities may require plastic tubs to be taken to specific recycling locations or centres.
One of the primary issues with recycling plastic tubs is contamination with food residue. Leftover food in plastic tubs can contaminate other recyclables during the recycling process. To prevent this, it is essential to thoroughly rinse plastic tubs with water before placing them in the recycling bin. Labels and lids can usually be recycled along with the tubs, but plastic film and absorbent pads must be removed and disposed of separately.
The type of plastic used in the tubs can also pose challenges for recycling. Different categories of plastics have distinct chemical and physical properties, which means they do not all recycle equally. Some plastics, such as polystyrene, have a low melting point, which can create ash that contaminates other plastics during processing. This is a common issue with plastic cups and clamshell containers, which are often used for food items and can become coated with adhesive stickers or food residue, leading to contamination issues.
To ensure that your plastic tubs can be effectively recycled, it is important to check with your local recycling program to understand what specific types of plastics they accept and any preparation requirements. Some communities may have online resources or recycling locators to help residents identify the appropriate methods and locations for recycling various materials, including plastic tubs. Additionally, some brands use recyclable plastic and provide information on their websites regarding the recyclability of their products.
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Plastic tubs are made from various categories of plastics with different chemical properties, which complicates the recycling process
Plastic tubs are not always easy to recycle and it depends on the type of plastic they are made of. Plastic is the most complicated material to recycle, with many categories of plastics and different packaging types that have varying physical and chemical properties, which means they do not recycle equally.
For example, some plastics are "low-melt", which means they contaminate bottles, tubs, and jugs. These low-melt plastics include plastic lids and straws, which are small enough to fall through recycling equipment or get stuck and jam the machinery. They can also end up as contaminants with glass items. Plastic cups and containers are also problematic as they are often flattened with paper, which cannot be correctly sorted by machines. Different plastics also have different melting points, which can ruin an entire batch of good plastic if they are recycled together.
It is important to check with local programs to confirm what is recyclable in your area. Some plastic tubs can be recycled at out-of-home recycling points, but it is best to check with your local recycling coordinator or waste management agency for specific advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic tubs are typically made from recyclable materials like polypropylene (PP) #5 or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) #2, which can be recycled through your curbside recycling bin. However, black-colored tubs, tubs made of PP #5 plastic, and oversized tubs may require specialized recycling. Check with your local recycling center for specific guidelines.
If your local curbside recycling program doesn't accept plastic tubs, you can explore alternative recycling options. Many private companies and local charities run recycling programs that accept plastic tubs. You can also donate them to thrift shops or give them away on websites like Freecycle.
If you cannot recycle plastic tubs, consider reusing them around your house. They can be useful for storage in your garage, shed, or car. You can also use them to store pet supplies, shoes, or other household items. If you cannot reuse them, dispose of them properly by checking with your local waste management agency for specific disposal guidelines.
