THIS UPDATE COMES FROM THE COLLEGE'S THIRD PARTY,
RECYCLING PARTNER.
WHICH PLASTICS ARE RECYCLABLE? WHY?
Recycling plastics can be confusing. The chasing arrows (or triangle)
with a number in the center is a code that identifies the plastic resin type.
This code is used by plastics manufacturers but it DOES NOT
necessarily mean the plastic is recyclable.
Recycling companies collect the plastic types that have sufficient market
value to cover the costs of collection, processing, and transportation to
markets. In western Massachusetts, most plastic bottles and containers
meet these criteria. Some plastics that can’t be recycled, such as
polystyrene (Styrofoam) and plastic bags, have limited markets and
present haulers and processors with logistical challenges. Wind easily
blows these lightweight plastics, creating litter problems; they require
large amounts of storage space; and they get tangled up in processing
equipment. On the other hand, plastics larger than two gallons in size
can’t be recycled because they do not fit through the processing
equipment at the recycling facility. Small plastic pill bottles, on the
other hand, are too small to be recycled and fall through the
processing equipment, potentially damaging the equipment
and creating a safety hazard.
SO, WHICH PLASTICS CAN I RECYCLE
Click the link at the top of this page, but do recycle...
- All plastic food and beverage bottles
- Most plastic food containers
- Most other plastic bottles under two gallons in size
Click the link at the top of this page, but don't recycle...
- Styrofoam cups and trays and microwave trays
- Containers contaminated by motor oil, pesticides, paint or other chemicals.
Click here to see ideas on reducing non-recyclable plastics use
