Recycling Misconceptions

Isn’t all plastic recyclable??

In honor of #plasticfreeJuly, we wanted to explain common misconceptions about plastic recycling!

Did you know? 🤔

• The number inside the chasing arrows on the bottom of plastic containers is just an identification code for what type of plastic it is, but just because it has the arrows and a number DOES NOT mean its recyclable! For example a #1 water bottle would be recyclable, whereas a #1 container for beauty products or salad dressing may not be.

• Only SOME plastics #1#2 and select #5’s are recyclable, but most other numbers are not.

• Plastic bags (#4), chip bags & bar wrappers, salad mix bags, and ziplocks are not recyclable. 🍬 Hint: if it crinkles, it is not recyclable.

• Only clean items are recyclable (Ex: greasy pizza box = not recyclable, yogurt soiled plastic tub = not recyclable)

• Always check your local program to find out what is recyclable in your area! It often depends on the recycling facility, their equipment, and what materials are selling on the recycling market.

At the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) everything that was placed in a recycling bin goes onto a conveyor belt and is separated both by hand and by machines, to be organized and baled by material. This means #1 plastics, #2 plastics, aluminum cans, (clean) cardboard, and paper are all separated. During this process any items that are not recyclable are removed by hand and are sent to landfill.

Recycling creates a more circular economy by providing materials to make new products. That’s why it’s important to choose products with post-consumer recycled content. But even though this helps, refusing plastic and trying to minimize the amount of plastic you buy will make the biggest impact. This is why we promote REFUSE as the first R of zero waste ✨🌍