Why can’t I recycle certain plastics?

I’ve been wondering why I can’t find anyone to take my plastics coded #6 (ex. some berry containers, “to go” boxes) and #7 (ex. yogurt and applesauce cups).  What’s the deal? 

Well, the answer turns out to be simpler than I thought.  The little “cryptic markers” on the bottom of plastic containers, usually denoted with a triangle made up of 3 arrows and a number in the center, describe what type of plastic makes up a particular item.  These markers only tell the type of plastic.  They DO NOT MEAN THAT THE PLASTIC ITEM CAN BE RECYCLED.  However, it is important to pay attention to these silly little codes on the bottom of your plastics because plastic types cannot be mixed during the recycling process.  If even a small amount of the wrong type of plastic ends up in the melting process at a recycling plant, the whole “batch” can be ruined and will have to be discarded.

**Here is an interesting quote from Charlotte Pitt, recycling-program manager for Denver’s Department of Public Works: 

“A plastic bottle and a plastic tub, while each may be labeled number one, are made with different processes.  One is blow-molded, the other is injection-molded.  What you see are different melt temperatures and different chemicals.  Bottles recycle easily and there’s a high market for them.” (taken from the April 26 – May 2, 2007 Denver Westword — www.westword.com )

The bottom line on plastic recycling:  Make sure you know what type of plastics your recycling company will accept.

What plastic CAN be recycled?   #1 and #2 plastics are widely accepted for recycling.  However, I’ve yet to find a curbside recycling company here in Colorado that will take any non-bottle #1s and #2s (meaning anything that doesn’t have a NARROW NECK).  Whole Foods will take ALL #1 and #2 plastic (click here for my 4.2.07 post on this).  #4 plastics can be recycled some places in BAG FORMAT (Albertson’s, Walmart).  #5 plastics can be recycled up at Ecocycle in Boulder, Longmont, and some other obscure Colorado locations. 

One other thing to note about recycling your plastic:  Plastic caps on water bottles or any other plastic bottle ARE NOT RECYCLABLE.  Unless otherwise noted by your recycling company, you should remove the plastic lid from the bottle before you place the bottle in a recycle bin.  Click here for a way to use those plastic caps in a crafty little project.

For a comprehensive look at Commonly Recycled Materials including plastic, click here.