#1 PET Thermoform Containers: 

#1 PET Thermoform Containers include clamshells, cups, trays, fast food containers, tubs, & lids.

*** VERIFY *** That the container is a #1 PET ***PLEASE RINSE CONTAINER ***

#1 and #2 Plastic Bottles:

#1 and #2 BOTTLES can be recycled. Always check bottles for the recycling symbol. If there is any other number on the bottle it can NOT be recycled. If in doubt-throw it out.

Please rinse out bottles before recycling. Caps and labels can remain on the bottle.

Common #1 Plastic Bottle Examples:

• Soda Bottles
• Water Bottles
• Peanut Butter Jars
• Salad Dressing Bottles
• Vitamin Bottles (SOME, NOT ALL)
• Juice Bottles
• Coffee Creamer Bottles

Common #2 Plastic Bottle Examples:

• Milk Jugs
• Laundry Soap Bottles
• Shampoo and Conditioner Bottles
• Cleaning Supply Bottles 

Items that are NOT accepted:

Ice Cream Tubs, Six-Pack Holders, Plastic Buckets, Gas Cans, Plastic Toys, Etc.

No Motor Oil Bottles: Motor Oil creates a residue which contaminates the bottle.

Why CAN’T I recycle any plastic container with a #1 or #2 on it?

You go to the grocery store. You buy a tub of ice cream and look at the bottom of the package. It has a #2 HDPE stamped on it. Great! So, you bring it to the recycling center and we tell you that we can’t recycle it. You are surprised, you point out the #2 on the bottom….so, what gives?

The vast majority of the plastics recycling market in the U.S. – over 90 percent - is #1 and #2 plastic bottles. Unfortunately, with virtually every plastic marked with the type of resin it is made from, the lines are definitely blurred for the general public.

Rigid plastics (what the industry calls these types of containers) are increasingly becoming a significant enough waste stream. Big enough, in fact, that manufacturers and recyclers are considering its potential as a large-scale recycling commodity. But that hasn’t happened yet. And until it does, and we have access to that market, we can’t accept any #1 or #2 container that isn’t a bottle.

And what about the rest of the numbers…….?

As time goes on we are seeing more and more bottles that are made of resins other than #1 and #2. And this means the potential for contamination. One of the biggest culprits are clear orange juice containers with a molded handle. They look like #1 but are a #7.

Always check the container for any item you’re not quite sure about. And if you have a question about anything, don’t hesitate to ask. We are all learning and will continue to do so!

# 5 Plastic Recycling

All brands of clean #5 stamped plastic containers can be recycled.

Recycling Conditions:

• Verify that the container is a #5 plastic
• Wash all containers before bringing them in for recycling
• Remove any paper labels if possible

So, what kinds of #5 plastic can be recycled? Most yogurt, butter, sour cream, and cottage cheese containers are #5 plastic. In addition, these items may include spice jars, Ensure bottles, pancake syrup bottles, fruit jars, medicine bottles, and Cascade containers.