Tips for proper recycling
Make sure plastic containers are clean, empty and dry:
This will help to prevent contamination of the recycling steam and ensure that the plastic can be properly recycled.
Keep plastic bags and wraps separate from other recyclables:
Plastic bags and wraps can get tangled in recycling machinery and contaminate other materials. Instead, collect clean and dry bags/wraps and bring them to a store that accepts plastic bag recycling.
Don't recycle anything smaller than a credit card:
That includes straws, bottle caps, coffee pods, plastic cutlery, paperclips, and a million other tiny things that creep into our daily lives. These objects are too small to be sorted and can jam the recycling equipment.
Plastics #1 and #2 are the most easily recyclable:
These are the most common types of plastic containers. Most recycling centers will accept plastics 1 and 2 without a problem.
Check with your local recycling center's rules:
There are many rules for what goes in the recycling bin depending on where you live. For instance, some centers require plastic caps to be removed before recycling the bottles and some do not.
Reduce and reuse:
Before recycling, consider reducing the amount of plastic you use. Bring your own reusable bags, water bottles, and containers to avoid single-use plastic. Reusing plastic items instead of throwing them away is also a great way to reduce waste.