Your Green Review

Before chucking those plastics into the recycling bin, make sure you’ve first taken these steps.

Before The Bin:

1.) Check with your local recycling authority to find out which plastics are accepted (recycling codes/resin identification numbers 1-7). You can find this information online or by calling 1-800-Cleanup for state recycling information. What is or is not accepted depends on demand for that specific resin type in the area.

2.) Sort your plastics. Resin indentification numbers can usually be found printed on the bottom of plastic containers. If your area only accepts #1 and #2 plastics, #3’s that accidentally make it through the screening process could potentially ruin a melt and cause an entire batch to be landfilled.

3.) Rinse and flatten before recycling. Rinsing helps to remove contaminants which could ruin a melt. Some recyclers won’t accept oily or contaminated containers.

4.) Remove caps and pumps. Bottle caps and pumps are usually made of a different kind of plastic and, again, contamination can ruin a melt.

Quick Guide to Resin Identification Codes:

#1-Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

• Found in: water and soft drink bottles, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter jars, cooking oil bottles
• Post consumer uses: polyester fibers, carpet, paneling, strapping, single use bottles
• Accepted by most curbside recycling programs

#2-High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

• Found in: detergent bottles, household cleaning bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, motor oil bottles, butter/yogurt containers
• Post consumer uses: bottles, piping, grocery bags, recycling bins, playground equiptment, plastic lumber
• Accepted by most curbside recycling programs

#3-Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

• Found in: toys (think Barbie), piping, shrink wrap, water bottles, salad dressing bottles, detergent bottles
• Post consumer uses: piping, fencing, flooring, non food containers
• Not commonly accepted in curbside programs

#4-Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

• Found in: Dry cleaning bags, produce bags, trash can liners, food storage containers, carpet, furniture.
• Post consumer uses: plastic bags, paneling, plastic lumber, floor tile, containers, tubing, molded laboratory equipment
• Not widely accepted

#5- Polypropylene (PP)

• Found in: bottle caps, straws, yogurt containers, ketchup containers, syrup containers, medicine bottles
• Post consumer uses: auto parts, traffic lights, industrial fibers, food containers
• Not widely accepted

#6- Polystyrene (PS)

• Found in: packaging peanuts, disposable cups, plastic tableware, takeout containers, cd cases
• Post consumer uses: toys, insulation board, Styrofoam, cafeteria trays, egg cartons
• Accepted in some curbside programs; Call the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers, (410) 451-8340 to find out about PS recycling in your area.

#7-Other

• Found in: DVDs, nylon, tupperware, nalgene bottles, baby bottles, food containers
• Post consumer uses: plastic lumber, other
• Usually not accepted

Recycling Plastic Bags:

*Most large chain grocery stores have plastic bag recycling programs. Typically, curb side recycling will reject plastic bags.

Do Recycle:

• Grocery bags (remove receipts before recycling)
• Retail bags
• Dry cleaning bags (plastic)
• Plastic wrap from paper towels or toilet paper
• All clear #2 or #4 bags

Do Not Recycle:

• NO prepackaged food bags
• NO food or cling wrap
• NO painted film or any that has large amounts of glue
• NO other bags or films

* ‘Recycling Bags’ From plasticbagrecycling.org

Read More:

Ecology Center. Common Misconceptions about Plastics Recycling (Article).

http://www.ecologycenter.org/ptf/misconceptions.html

Energy Information Administration. Easy to understand recycling information/guide (Website)

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/saving/recycling/solidwaste/plastics.html

American Chemistry Council Plastics Division. Guide to everything plastic (Website).

http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/sec_learning.asp?CID=1102&DID=4256

Recycling Center. Find closest recycling center (Search)

http://www.recyclingcenters.org/

Plasticbagrecycling.org. Everything Plastic Bags (Website)

http://www.plasticbagrecycling.org/00.0/