Check If Your Recycling Program Takes a Plastic Item

This guide helps you find out whether a specific plastic item is accepted by your local recycling program, so you can avoid wish-cycling and reduce contamination in the recycling stream. You’ll learn how to identify the plastic type, locate your program’s rules, and interpret the symbols on the item. With a few minutes of checking, you’ll know whether to place it in the bin, drop it off, or throw it away.

What You’ll Need

• The plastic item itself (or a clear photo of it)
• Access to the internet (phone or computer)
• Your local recycling program’s website or phone number
• A magnifying glass (optional, for reading small numbers)

Step-by-Step

1. Find the resin identification code. Turn the item over and look for a small triangle of arrows with a number inside, usually 1 through 7. This number tells you the type of plastic. If you can’t find a triangle, look for a printed label or an embossed mark on the bottom or side.
2. Note the item’s shape and function. Even if the resin code is the same, your program may accept bottles but not clamshells or tubs. Write down what the item is (e.g., a water bottle, a yogurt cup, a takeout container, a plastic bag).
3. Identify the plastic type from the code. Use this quick reference:
   • 1 – PET (polyethylene terephthalate): soda bottles, water bottles, peanut butter jars.
   • 2 – HDPE (high-density polyethylene): milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles.
   • 3 – PVC (polyvinyl chloride): pipe, clear food wrap, some squeeze bottles.
   • 4 – LDPE (low-density polyethylene): plastic bags, shrink wrap, some squeeze bottles.
   • 5 – PP (polypropylene): yogurt tubs, straws, bottle caps, some takeout containers.
   • 6 – PS (polystyrene): foam cups, egg cartons, disposable cutlery, some clear takeout containers.
   • 7 – Other: mixed or multi-layer plastics, e.g., chip bags, squeezable ketchup bottles, and bioplastics.
4. Go to your local recycling program’s website. Search for your city or county name plus “recycling guidelines” or “what to recycle.” If you don’t know your program’s name, check your utility bill or the container itself – many bins have the program’s name and website printed on them.
5. Find the list of accepted plastics. Look for a section like “What Goes in the Bin” or “Accepted Items.” Many programs have a searchable database where you can type the item name (e.g., “yogurt cup”) and see if it’s accepted. If you can’t find a search, look for a PDF or chart that lists accepted plastic types and shapes.
6. Compare the item’s resin code and shape to the list. For example, if the list says “Plastic bottles and jugs with necks (codes 1 and 2),” then a code 5 yogurt cup is not accepted, even though it’s a plastic container. If the list says “Plastic tubs and lids (code 5),” then the yogurt cup is fine, but a code 5 bottle cap might not be.
7. Check for special instructions. Some programs require you to rinse containers, remove caps, or flatten bottles. Others have specific rules for lids (often they must be reattached to the bottle). Note any preparation steps.
8. If the website is unclear, call or email your program. Look for a phone number or contact form. Ask specifically: “Do you accept a [plastic type] [item]? For example, a code 5 yogurt cup?” They can give you a definitive answer.
9. When in doubt, throw it out. If you can’t confirm the item is accepted, place it in the trash. Contaminating the recycling bin with non-accepted items can cause entire loads to be rejected and sent to landfill.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming the chasing arrows mean recyclable. The triangle symbol is just a resin code, not a guarantee of recyclability. Many programs only accept a few types.
• Trusting the item’s label. Some products say “recyclable” but your local program may not take them. Always check your program’s rules.
• Ignoring shape restrictions. A program may accept code 1 bottles but not code 1 clamshells (like berry containers) because they have a different melting point and can contaminate the batch.
• Putting plastic bags in the curbside bin. Most curbside programs do not accept plastic bags because they tangle in sorting machinery. Many grocery stores have separate drop-off bins for them.
• Not rinsing containers. Food residue can contaminate other recyclables and attract pests. Most programs require at least a quick rinse.
• Forgetting to check caps. Some programs want caps left on, others want them off. Check your program’s specific rule.

Tips

• Take a photo of your program’s accepted list and keep it on your phone for quick reference while sorting.
• Use the search function on your program’s website – it’s often faster than scrolling through a PDF.
• If you live in an apartment, check with your building manager – the hauler may have different rules than the city’s residential program.
• When in doubt, use the “when in doubt, throw it out” rule. It’s better to send one item to landfill than to ruin a whole batch of recyclables.
• Look for a dedicated drop-off location for items your curbside program doesn’t take, such as plastic bags, foam, or film packaging. Many communities have recycling centers for these.
• Check if your program updates its list seasonally. Some programs change what they accept based on market demand, so recheck every few months.

Troubleshooting

• The item has no resin code. If you can’t find a number, look for the item on your program’s website by name. If it’s not listed, assume it’s not recyclable.
• Your program’s website is down or unhelpful. Try searching for your state or county’s recycling authority. They often have a statewide database. You can also try Earth911’s national recycling database (search by item and ZIP code).
• You get conflicting information. For example, the website says one thing but the bin label says another. Trust the official website or call the program directly – the bin label may be outdated.
• The item is a plastic bag with a resin code. Most curbside programs don’t take bags. Look for a store drop-off (many large grocery chains have bins for clean plastic bags and film).
• You live in a rural area with no curbside program. Check if there is a local transfer station or recycling drop-off. Some counties have regional centers that accept a wider range of materials.
• Your item is made of multiple plastics (e.g., a squeezable ketchup bottle). These are often code 7 and are rarely recyclable. Check the label – if it says “not recyclable” or “check locally,” treat it as trash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the number inside the recycling triangle mean the item is recyclable?
A: No. The number is a resin identification code that tells you the plastic type, but whether it’s recyclable depends on your local program’s capabilities and markets.

Q: Can I recycle plastic bags in my curbside bin?
A: Most curbside programs do not accept plastic bags because they jam sorting equipment. Check for a store drop-off – many grocery stores have bins for clean plastic bags and film.

Q: Do I need to remove the cap from a plastic bottle before recycling?
A: It depends on your program. Some want caps on (to prevent small items from falling through sorting screens), others want them off. Check your program’s guidelines – many now say to leave the cap on.

Q: What does ‘wish-cycling’ mean?
A: Wish-cycling is putting an item in the recycling bin hoping it’s recyclable, even if you’re not sure. This can contaminate the recycling stream and cause the entire load to be sent to landfill.

Q: Are plastic clamshells (like berry containers) recyclable?
A: Often not, even if they have a code 1. Many programs only accept bottles and jugs with necks, not clamshells, because they have a different melting point. Check your program’s list.

Q: What if my item is made of multiple types of plastic?
A: Multi-layer plastics (like chip bags or squeezable pouches) are usually not recyclable because they can’t be separated easily. If it’s not clearly a single type, treat it as trash.

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