The Plastic Puzzle: A quick guide to plastic recycling

Plastic recycling plays a vital role in sustainability and combating environmental pollution. The amount of plastic waste generated globally is increasing and our recycling plants are working hard to keep up. Understanding the dos and don’ts of recycling is crucial to maximizing its benefits. By following the guidelines and avoiding common mistakes we can work together to reduce greenhouse emissions, conserve natural resources and create a cleaner environment for future generations.  

This guide to plastic recycling is brought to you in partnership with the Stark Tuscarawas Wayne Recycling District.

Previously, the resin codes (#1-7) found on plastic packaging, were our guide to knowing what to recycle and what to toss in the trash. In the past, we all knew that numbers 1 and 2 were good to be recycled.. In today’s market that’s not always the case. Some plastics may be labeled with a 1 or a 2, yet the recycling centers sorting technologies aren’t able to effectively sort them. 

Current recommendations from the recycling district tell us that we should be recycling plastic bottles and jugs that have a “neck and shoulders”.  Here’s a little guide for common household plastic wastes and whether they can be recycled or not..

When our plastic is sent to the recycling plant, it goes through an extensive sorting and cleaning process. This process involves multiple steps including both human hands and machinery. When we do our part to properly prepare our recycling we can contribute significantly to reducing the amount of energy and labor that goes into the recycling process. 

So what’s the best way to prepare plastics for the recycling plant? Here are the current recommendations from our district. 

• Plastic materials should be empty and clean. A quick rinse will do!
• Make sure to remove the lids. 
• Plastic bottles and jugs should be placed loosely in bins. Trash bags are not recyclable so it’s helpful to just keep them out of the mix. 

For more information on the ins and outs of plastic recycling, check out this blog post and others  from the Stark Tuscarawas Wayne Recycling District. 

Resource: Visit PlasticRecycling.org for a deep dive on the sorting process.  

The Recycling District assures safe and sanitary disposal of solid waste for the residents of Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne Counties. Their goal is to reduce reusable or renewable wastes from entering landfills within the district. The Solid Waste District accomplishes this through the development of residential and industrial programs that educate, promote, provide, implement, and improve recycling opportunities that will preserve landfill space now and into the future. Visit www.timetorecycle.org for more information.