Recycling Plastic Bottles
& Other Containers
The questions that come with recycling plastic bottles and other plastics can be confusing.
Which types of plastic can be recycled? Can you mix them together? This section will take you through the recycle numbers and give them meaning.
If you are like me, you probably thought #1 means the most commonly recycled and #7 means the least recycled. Think again.
Recycle numbers actually represent the type of plastic being used.
Before you toss a bottle in the bin, consider reusing it. Although it's not recommended to refill plastic drinking bottles, spray bottles can often be used again. Just be sure to rinse and label them properly. If you have children, consider a fun recycling project with soda bottles.
Check your county's recycling center or Earth 911 for rules in your area. Many programs provide curbside pickup and free recycling bins. Some programs require separation of plastic containers and others don't.
- If you haven't received them from your local recycling program, find a few bins that can be used to separate plastics. Milk crates or storage tubs work well. You can also invest in some stackable bins. These are convenient and great space savers.
- Start recycling plastic bottles by removing the lids. Caps are made of a different type of plastic and aren't recycled by most programs.
- Rinse & place bottles in a bin according to the numbers below for curbside pick-up.
Commonly Accepted: Types 1,2,4,5
Type 1 (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Water bottles
Soda bottles
Beer bottles
Peanut butter containers
Salad dressing containers
Recycling plastic bottles is easy if you start with PETE.
Once recycled, type 1 is used to make fleece, fiber, reusable tote bags, furniture, carpet, and new containers.
Type 2 (High Density Polyethylene)
Juice bottles
Milk jugs
Some household cleaner bottles
Laundry & bleach bottles
Butter, cottage cheese containers
Some yogurt tubs
Motor oil containers
Some shampoo bottles
Cereal box liners and some shopping bags are also Type 2. Some recycling programs will accept these mixed in with bottles. Our program doesn't, so we drop them off at our grocery store. See the section on recycling plastic bags for more information.
Type 2 is recycled into many things including: lumber, fencing, picnic tables, benches, and tile flooring.
Type 4 (Low Density Polyethylene)
Food bags
Bread bags
Dry cleaning bags
Some retail bags
Squeeze bottles
Tote Bags
Carpet
Most curbside programs do not accept LDPE plastics. Type 4 shopping bags can be dropped of at many grocery stores. See the section on recycling plastic bags for more information.
LDPE can be recycled into floor tile, paneling, lumber, trash cans and trash bag liners.
Type 5 (Polypropylene)
Catsup bottles
Syrup bottles
Some yogurt containers
Some prescription bottles
Some plastic ware
Caps
Straws
Some curbside programs will accept Type 5. Check your local government for information in your area.
Polypropylene is recycled into many things including ice scrapers, brushes, rakes, bicycle racks and battery cables.
Less Accepted: Types 3,6,7
Type 3 (Vinyl or PVC)
Siding
Windows
Window cleaner bottles
Some detergent bottles
Some shampoo bottles
Type 3 isn't usually recycled, although some plastic lumber makers will accept it. Check
Earth 911 for locations in your area.
Type 6 (Polystyrene)
Egg cartons
Take-out containers
Disposable plates and coffee cups
Polystyrene isn't usually accepted in curbside programs.
Type 6 can be recycled into foam packing, insulation, light-switch plates, rulers and carry-out containers.
Type 7 (Miscellaneous)
Food and storage containers
Sunglasses
Computer cases
Large gallon containers
Type 7 includes several types of plastics that don't fall in any other category. They usually aren't accepted in curbside programs.
Certain types of plastic that fall in this category can be recycled into plastic lumber.
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