Plastic in Dumpster? Recycle, Don’t Dump.

Plastic is virtually everywhere in our lives, from food packaging to furniture. Unfortunately, it does not break down in landfills. When you toss a water bottle or a plastic food container in the trash, it adds to the mass of inorganic matter at dumps and has the potential to harm wildlife. Most plastic is recyclable. Whether you take it to a recycler or up-cycle your plastic, make a point to keep as much as possible out of the dump. Here are some tips for easy plastic recycling:

• Choose reusable where possible. Instead of picking up four to six plastic grocery bags on your weekly trips, invest in a few reusable bags you can take with you to the store. If you have the option, choose food containers that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
• Know which types of plastic are recyclable. Look for the recycling code on the container to see if you can put the product in with other recyclable goods. PETE and HDPE are two common types of recyclable plastics.
• Get creative with plastic bottles. Two-liter bottles, water bottles, and gallon containers are perfect for your next DIY project. Head over to Pinterest or YouTube to find the latest trend in bottle projects. An avid gardener can use cut bottles to grow herbs, or create a small greenhouse for your plants with clear bottles.
• Use plastic bags at least twice. If you do have an excess of plastic bags lying around, use them! Store them in an old Kleenex box for easy retrieval. Grab one as needed to wrap glass items for moving, or use them as on-the-go lunch bags. Many stores feature recycling receptacles if you can’t use the bags you accumulate.
• Rethink packaging. Plastic multipack CD cases are the perfect storage solution for a bagel. Tic-Tac containers work well for bobby pins. Tennis ball containers are the perfect size for storing many items, including camping utensils and baking supplies.
• Use caution when up-cycling plastics. Before you decide to use an old bleach container in your organic garden or reuse a disposable food container to reheat your leftovers, do some research. Some plastic is okay to use, while other forms may need to go straight into the recycling bin.

The next time you grab a bottled soda or buy something encased in plastic, give the container a second look. Can it serve a purpose elsewhere? From organization to arts and crafts, you can make a difference in the fight against plastic pollution. Thank you from Waste Solutions 123!