Monday, January 16, 2012

Not All Plastic is Recyclable

I have a problem - this bag of #6 plastic containers and lids. Rumpke does not take #6 plastic containers. Whole Foods does not take #6 plastic containers. Only the trash man takes #6 plastic containers, but the trash man does not recycle them. Hence, a problem!



I researched online. I have no other options for recycling these. I am going to take one for the team and hand these over to the trash man. Some of the containers I am keeping to reuse for starting seeds, but they will eventually be thrown in the trash also.

Lesson Learned: When grocery shopping, check what type of plastic container I am purchasing to make sure I can recycle it with Rumpke or at Whole Foods. If I cannot, then I will either find alternative packaging or not purchase the product. This is the next step for recycling - being aware of what I am buying and if I can recycle the packaging.


13 comments:

Lisa B. said...

Our recycling only accepts #1 &#2... we end up trashing quite a few... but good idea for using some for seeds :) I'm looking for an organic seed company... where do you buy yours from?

Unknown said...

Lisa - if your recycling accepts any plastics labeled as #1 and #2, that's pretty good. Rumpke only takes plastic bottles #1-7 (the opening/top has to be smaller than the base). Either way, at least they take something to recycle.

McKinney Mommas said...

I don't understand, our recycling doesn't take them either. So frustrating. WHY does it have a recyclable sign when no one will take them! :-(

Unknown said...

McKinney Mommas - I completely agree! I feel like it misrepresents, making you think you can do something good with it. Like "recyclable" styrofoam containers...seriously!

Katherines Corner said...

I know it is a bummer. I reuse for crafting, great for paint, glue etc. At least I can reuse once or twice. Thank you for linking to the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop Linky Party at Katherines Corner. Hugs and smooches and wishes for a wonderful weekend!

Unknown said...

Katherine - great ideas! I am going to try to find some to start seeds in.

Good Girl Gone Green said...

These two companies take plastic caps to either recycle or make into doormats! The only thing is you have to mail them. I am collecting all my plastic caps and when I have enough I am going to mail them all. I avoid plastic like the plague, so i dont have many caps, but some! Good luck, Katie!

http://www.recapcompany.com/index.html

http://www.capsncups.com/

Unknown said...

Good Girl Gone Green - Thank you so much for the resources! I am willing to mail them somewhere just to avoid putting them in the landfill. My goal for this year is to bring home less plastic from the stores.

EcoGrrl said...

Hi guys - the symbol doesn't mean its curbside recyclable, it indicates type of plastic. Also, curbside recycling is based on shape- not #- due to types of machines the recyclers have. Lids and clamshells are often accepted by higher end grocers (whole foods in Portland takes many ) otherwise you have to go to bigger recycling stations (far west fibers in pdx). Bigger thing to remember? Plastic is *not* recycled - it's downcycled intobring composite decking (highly toxic btw) and other low quality items that in turn can only be discarded. Lessening and eliminating purchases of plastic packaging has to happen. (Remember, plastic is made from oil)...

EcoGrrl said...

Earth911.com for non curbside recycling ...

Unknown said...

EcoGrrl - thank you information about what the recycling symbol actually means and the reminder that just because it is recyclable does not mean that plastic is eco-friendly!

Good Girl Gone Green said...

Katie, you should take "my plastic-free life challenge" over at Beth's blog! It's a weekly challenge to reduce your plastic consumption. It's a great resource! :) :)

http://myplasticfreelife.com/

Unknown said...

Good Girl - thank you for the recommendation! I just decided to do "plastic fasting," and the challenge sounds like a great motivator!

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