We are hesitant to widely promote the resin codes (‘recycling’ symbol) on plastics as an indicator of being accepted in curbside recycling or not. Just because it is plastic and has a resin code does not mean that is it recyclable.
To learn if a specific item is accepted for curbside recycling, use our Waste Wizard search tool on our app or website.
In general, we accept plastic containers that have a recycling symbol with number 1-6. This applies to plastic containers only… ‘hard’ plastics that have and retain a shape. The plastics we accept for recycling are containers used for packaging that primarily food, drink and cleaning supplies come in.
THIS DOES NOT APPLY to plastic film – ‘soft’ pliable plastics such as bread/ziplock bags, cheese wrappers, frozen food bags, food/saran wrap, etc. We do not accept plastic film in our recycling program.
THIS DOES NOT APPLY to ‘hard’ plastics that are not packaging from primarily food, drink and cleaning supplies. Just because something is plastic and has a number does not mean that it is accepted in curbside recycling.
Examples of plastics that we commonly see at the curb (or in the recycling facility) that are not accepted in our curbside recycling program yet have a resin code (‘recycling’ symbol) on them:
- Laundry baskets
- Storage totes and organizers
- Flower pots – large or small
- Buckets larger than 5 gallons
As there isn’t a ‘cut & dry’ answer with respect to plastic numbers and recycling, use the Waste Wizard to search for the item you’re wondering how to dispose of and it will let you know if it’s recycling, garbage or if there are other disposal options.
