We all know the importance of recycling and the positive impact it can have on our environment. Whether you’re clearing out garage sale leftovers or just recycling everyday food containers, chances are they can be recycled. It’s important to understand what the recycling codes stand for so these items can be properly sorted and recycled. Depending on your municipality, some curbside recycling pickup programs may not accept certain items. It’s best to contact your city to see which items can be placed in the recycle bins for weekly pickup and which items need to be brought to a recycling drop off center. Some municipalities have annual recycle weekends where people can drop off things like old paint cans and batteries.
Here’s an informational chart that simplifies and sums up common plastic recycling:
1. When you see a number 1 inside the recycling symbol, you are holding Polyethylene Terephthalate, likely a soft drink or water bottle or some sort of salad dressing or peanut butter container. #1 is recycled by curbside programs.
2. Number 2 is High Density Polyethylene, your milk jugs, juice bottles, and shampoo bottles, for example. #2 is recycled by curbside programs.
3. Number 3 is Vinyl or PVC. This is in window cleaners, detergent containers, and clear food packaging. #3 is rarely recycled by curbside programs.
4. Number 4 is Low Density Polythylene, found in squeezable bottles, bread and frozen food packaging, carpet, and dry-cleaning bags. #4 is sometimes recycled.
5. Number 5 is Polypropylene. Items include yogurt and syrup containers, straws and medicine containers. #5 is sometimes recycled.
6. Number 6 is Polystyrene. This would be your disposable plates, cups, egg cartons, and cd cases.#6 is recycled by curbside programs.
7. Number 7 is Miscellaneous. Included in this category are large, 3-5 gallon bottles used for water or gas, ipod and computer cases, DVD’s and sunglasses. #7 is not usually recycled.
It’s important to note that all plastic material that can be recycled can be properly disposed of by a junk removal company, such as 1-800-GOT-JUNK? particularly if you ask the truck team crew when they arrive at your house.