America Recycles Day is November 15, a great time to brush up on our knowledge of recycling plastics. Since plastics recycling seems to trip people up the most, let’s take a closer look at plastics recycling myths and facts.
The top 5 plastics recycling myths:
- Myth: Plastic doesn’t really get recycled.
Fact: Plastic bottles, jugs and tubs are widely accepted for recycling and there is strong demand for these materials. - Myth: Plastic grocery bags can be recycled curbside.
Fact: Plastic bags require special handling to be recycled and should not go in your curbside container. Return them to the grocery store for proper recycling. - Myth: Anything plastic can go in your recycling bin.
Fact: Only rigid plastics like bottles, jugs and tubs are recyclable curbside. - Myth: You should bag your recyclables.
Fact: Recyclables should never be bagged. Place them loose in your recycling bin. Plastic bags can wrap around and jam equipment at recycling facilities, causing delays or damage. - Myth: Anything with a recycling symbol should go in your recycling bin.
Fact: The “chasing arrows” symbol generally identifies the type of plastic used in a container or indicates that an item contains recycled content, but it does not mean that an item is recyclable.
