Are Plastic Storage Containers Recyclable and If Yes How To Do It
We all use plastic storage containers around the house. Whether it’s for garbage collection or organizing your clothes and accessories, the fact of the matter is these containers, like anything else, have a life expectancy. So what do you do when it’s time to change them – can they be recycled?
Yes, you can recycle your plastic storage containers as long as they are made up of plastic that can be recycled such as low and high-density polyethylene (LDPE / HDPE) alongside polyethylene (PET) and polypropylene (PP). To do so, you will have to comply with local regulations for recycling plastic and storage materials, and you may need to remove lids and stickers.
Are you interested in learning more about plastic storage containers and how to recycle them? Keep reading this article! We will explore how to recycle these containers, and, if necessary, how to dispose of them responsibly as well.
The Complete Guide to Plastic Storage Containers and Their Recycling Processes
Plastic storage containers are everywhere. They’re used to store food, drinks, and a variety of other household items. And while they’re incredibly convenient, they can also be quite problematic from a recycling standpoint. The good news is that plastic storage containers are recyclable.
However, the recycling process can be somewhat complicated and it often depends on the type of container you have.
In this guide, we’re going to take a closer look at plastic storage containers and how they can be recycled. We’ll also provide some tips on how to properly recycle your containers so that they don’t end up in the landfill.
What Are Plastic Storage Containers Made of?
Plastic storage containers are typically made from a type of plastic known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
PET is a strong and durable material that’s resistant to both heat and chemicals. It’s also clear, so it’s often used in food and beverage packaging.
In addition to PET, some plastic storage containers are also made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is a type of plastic that’s less rigid than PET but is still quite strong. It’s often used in milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, and other types of containers.
Are Plastic Storage Containers Recyclable?
Yes, PET, LDPE, HDPE and PP plastic storage containers can be recycled. However, the recycling process is not always simple. For example, many municipalities only accept PET containers for recycling. This means that if you have an HDPE container, you may need to take it to a special recycling facility.
Finally, it’s important to note that not all recycling facilities accept all types of plastic storage containers. Before you recycle your containers, be sure to check with your local facility to see what they accept.
To learn more check https://recyclenation.com or https://recyclesearch.com.
Here is a table with commonly accepted, and less accepted types of plastics. You can also examine the box to see if it has the recyclable sign at the bottom.
| Recyclable Plastics | Less Commonly Recycled Plastics |
|---|---|
| Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Polystyrene (PS) |
It is important to note that most plastics are capable of being recycled. However, some may not be an environmental benefit, and may require specialty machinery or expertise not every facility will have.
However, with a little bit of research you may be able to find a recycling program or facility that can recycle that particular plastic item.
How to Recycle Plastic Storage Containers
The first step in recycling your plastic storage containers is to check with your local recycling facility to see what types of containers they accept. Once you know which types of containers your facility accepts, you can begin the recycling process.
Here are a few tips to help you recycle your plastic storage containers properly:
- Rinse out your containers: Be sure to rinse out your containers before recycling them. This will help to remove any food or other contaminants that could contaminate the recyclable material.
- Remove any lids or caps: Most facilities require that you remove any lids or caps from your containers before recycling them. These items can often be recycled separately from the actual container.
- Flatten your containers: If possible, flatten your containers before recycling them. This will help to save space in the recycling facility and make the recycling process more efficient.
- Check for special requirements: Some facilities have special requirements for recycling certain types of plastic storage containers. Be sure to check with your facility before recycling any unusual items.
Following these tips will help to ensure that your plastic storage containers are recycled properly. And by recycling your containers, you’ll be doing your part to help reduce the amount of waste in landfills.
Always remember to check the local recycling regulations in your state or area to make sure you are recycling plastic storage containers safely.
How To Dispose Of Plastic Storage Containers?
If you have plastic storage containers that can’t be recycled, you may be wondering how to dispose of them. The best way to dispose of these types of containers is to take them to a hazardous waste facility. These facilities are specifically designed to safely dispose of materials that can’t be recycled.
To find a hazardous waste facility near you, check with your local government or search online for “hazardous waste disposal” followed by your city or state.
The Benefits of Recycling Plastic Containers
In addition to helping to reduce the amount of waste in landfills, recycling plastic containers also has a number of other benefits.
For example, recycling plastic helps to conserve energy and natural resources. This is because recycling always takes up less energy compared to creating a new piece of plastic from the beginning.
In addition, recycling plastic can also help to create new jobs. The recycling industry employs thousands of people across the United States. So, not only is recycling good for the environment, but it’s also good for the economy.
What Can Plastic Containers Be Recycled Into?
One of the most common questions people have about recycling is what happens to the materials after they’re recycled. In the case of plastic containers, they can be recycled into a number of different products. For example, recycled plastic can be used to create new packaging, lawn furniture, buckets, and more.
So, the next time you’re finished with a plastic storage container, be sure to recycle it instead of throwing it away.
Conclusion
Recycling plastic storage containers is a great way to help reduce waste in landfills. And, by recycling your containers, you’ll also be helping to conserve energy and natural resources.
So next time you’re finished with a plastic container, be sure to recycle it instead of throwing it away!
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Plastic Containers and Packaging
- Medium: Top 10 Benefits of Recycling Plastic
