Tips on Recycling Plastic Containers

Tips on Recycling Plastic Containers

There are several things to keep in mind before recycling your plastic containers.

First, check with your local recycling program to know which types of plastics you can recycle in your bin or at a drop-off location.

Dump any remaining liquid or food, scrunch container and put lid back on. Be sure to rinse out your recyclables to ensure less contamination in the stream.

If your community doesn’t accept a certain type of plastic container, there are mail-in and drop-off programs available nationwide. Learn more about plastic mail-in programs.

Although many communities are moving away from resin identification codes (RIC) when talking to consumers, it’s still important to understand them in case your recycling program uses RIC.

The resins that make common container plastics include:

  • #1 (PET Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Plastic bottles for soft drinks, water, etc. Food jars for peanut butter, jelly, jam and pickles. Microwavable food trays.
  • #2 (HDPE High Density Polyethylene) – Bottles for milk, water, juice, cosmetics, shampoo, laundry detergents, etc.. Bags for groceries and retail purchases.
  • #3 (PVC Polyvinyl Chloride) – Container applications include blister packs and clamshells. Flexible bags for bedding and medical, deli and meat wrap and tamper resistance
  • #4 LLPE (Low Linear Density Polyethylene) – Bags for dry cleaning, bread, frozen foods, fresh produce, and household garbage. Shrink wrap and stretch film. Coatings for paper milk cartons and hot and cold beverage cups. Lids.
  • #5 (PP Polypropylene) – Containers for yogurt, margarine, takeout meals, and deli foods. Medicine bottles. Bottle caps and closures. Bottles for catsup and syrup.
  • #6 (PS Polystyrene) – Food service items-cups, plates, bowls, cutlery, hinged takeout containers (clamshells), meat and poultry trays. Protective foam packaging for furniture, electronics and other delicate items. Packing peanuts, known as “loose fill.” Compact disc cases and aspirin bottles.
  • #7 ( Other) – Dependent on resin or combination of resins.