What Can I Recycle?
Thrift, saving, and re-use are habits earlier generations of Americans knew well. Recycling is simply a modern version of these character traits, helping us make the best use of our planet's limited natural resources. Recycling your daily newspaper, plastic bottles and other items is a great way to help.
See how the actions you take affect the environment.
Experience MoreWhat can I place in my recycling bin?
Plastics
What's Less Commonly Accepted?
Municipalities often differ on whether to accept products labeled with Code 4 and Code 5.
Code 4 (LDPE)
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Examples: Squeezable bottles. Bread wrappers. Frozen food bags. Dry cleaning bags. Tote bags. Clothing. Furniture. Carpeting.
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Recyclability: Not often recycled through curbside programs. Call your local recycler.
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Can be used to make trash-can liners and cans, compost bins, shipping envelopes, paneling, lumber, landscaping ties, floor tile.
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LDPE is a flexible plastic with many applications. Historically it has not been accepted through most American curbside recycling programs, but more and more communities are starting to accept it. Check with your local community recycling program.
Code 5 (PP)
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Examples: Yogurt containers. Syrup bottles. Catsup bottles. Some straws. Some prescription medicine bottles.
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Recyclability: May be accepted by your curbside recycling programs. Call your local recycler.
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Used to make signal lights, battery cables, brooms, brushes, auto battery cases, ice scrapers, landscape borders, bicycle racks, rakes, bins, pallets, trays.
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Polypropylene has a high melting point, so it is often chosen for containers that must accept hot liquid.
To learn more about other plastic codes, mouse over
the symbols below.