How to recycle

Rinse and sort your plastic containers by number. Recyclable plastic often must be separated by number in order to avoid contamination as it begins the recycling process.

PET (Type 1) and HDPE (Type 2):

Recycle PET and HDPE plastic containers at your curb, according to local instructions. Type 1 and 2 containers include some plastic bags, detergent containers, and milk, soft drink, juice, cooking oil and water bottles.

PVC (Type 3):

This type of recyclable plastic, marked by a "3," is less commonly accepted at local recycling centers. It includes some clear food packages, liquid detergent containers, and many construction applications including some traffic cones. Because the plastics industry is still in the early stages of recycling and does not recycle these in most cities unless it is through a test program, you will likely need to throw it out.

LDPE (Type 4):

Drop off plastic grocery bags - usually type 4 (LDPE), sometimes type 2, though not always marked - at your grocery store to be recycled. Most large chain grocery stores will have bins located in the store. Types 2 and 4 can be mixed most of the time, but read the signs first to be sure. Clean out bags before recycling.

PP (Type 5) and Other (Type 7):

Throw out type 5 (yogurt containers, syrup bottles, diapers, some bags, most bottle tops and some food wrap) and 7 (layered or mixed plastic). While some of these are recyclable, the plastics industry is still in the early stages of recycling and does not recycle these in most cities unless it is through a test program.

PS (Type 6):

Call the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers, (410) 451-8340, or visit their Web site to find a local recycling center in your area that will take foam packaging (type 6, Expanded Polystyrene or EPS). Other type 6 items such as plastic utensils will most likely need to be thrown out.

Other Tips:

Take caps and pump spray tops off of plastic containers unless they are marked with a number. They are often made from a type of plastic that is different from the main part of the container and generally are not recyclable. Find out if your community requires you to remove labels from plastic containers before you recycle them. Crush plastic containers to save space in your recycling bin.