 ABCs
of Plastics Recycling
Morris County, NJClick
here for a PDF version of this information on plastic recycling
that can be downloaded, printed and distributed.
Before putting any
plastic item into your recycling bin, ask yourself two questions:
1)
Is it a bottle?
2) Does it have a
 or a
 symbol on
it?
You
must answer YES to BOTH of these questions in order to put the item
into your recycling bin. (Most recycling symbol codes
are located on or near the bottom of plastic containers.)
The only
acceptable plastics in most recycling programs are BOTTLES
coded with #1 PETE or #2 HDPE as shown above and below. A
BOTTLE has a neck or opening which is narrower than its base.
If a plastic item is not a BOTTLE, do not recycle it.
Some examples of acceptable BOTTLES are those used for soda,
water, juice, milk, shampoo and laundry detergent.
| Do Recycle |
|
BOTTLES |
|
BOTTLES |
|
|
|
|
|
Before putting the BOTTLE
into the recycling bin: A) Remove the cap
and put it into the trash; B) Rinse the BOTTLE, and; C) If possible,
flatten it.
DO NOT RECYCLE any plastic items without codes or with the
following codes:
DO NOT
RECYCLE any plastic items coded #1 PETE or #2 HDPE that are
not BOTTLES. Some examples of containers
that are not BOTTLES are margarine and yogurt tubs,
frozen dinner trays, clamshell-style containers used for blueberries
or strawberries or for salads at salad bars. Also, do not
recycle any empty bottles that contained hazardous materials, such as
motor oil, antifreeze, etc.
Of note: Some grocery stores or
town recycling centers collect plastic bags for recycling separately
from other bottles and cans. Plastic bags are acceptable in
these locations as advertised, but they are not acceptable in your
curbside recycling program. In addition, do not put plastic bags
into the bin for bottles and cans at your town recycling center.
For further information on
recycling or other waste disposal questions, visit www.MCMUA.com
or call your town recycling coordinator or the MCMUA at (973)
285-8394.
Revised
October 4, 2007 |
