How to Recycle Plastic
US plastic recycling is 8.7% overall (EPA 2018). PET (#1) bottles reach 30.2% (NAPCOR 2024) and HDPE natural bottles 29.3% (EPA 2018). Empty bottles, leave caps on, and send bags to store drop-off, not curbside.
PET Bottles (#1)
HDPE Containers (#2)
PVC Pipes (#3)
Plastic Bags (#4)
Polypropylene Containers (#5)
Polystyrene Foam (#6)
Mixed Plastics (#7)
Agricultural Film
Six-Pack Rings
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Find plastic recycling centers
Browse recycling listings for plastic, then contact a facility to confirm what it accepts.
Complete Plastic Recycling Guide
Understanding Plastic Recycling Numbers
Only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled. The resin code (#1-#7) tells you which kind you are holding, but it is not a promise that anyone takes it. Check your local facility's list.
- • #1 PET: Water bottles, soda bottles - widely recycled
- • #2 HDPE: Milk jugs, detergent bottles - highly recyclable
- • #5 PP: Yogurt containers, bottle caps - increasingly accepted
- • #3, #4, #6, #7: Limited recycling, check locally
Environmental Impact
8 million tons of plastic enter oceans annually. Recycling one ton of plastic saves 5,774 kWh of energy and prevents 16.3 barrels of oil consumption.
What it avoids:
- • Reduces plastic pollution in oceans and landfills
- • Saves 70% energy vs. producing virgin plastic
- • One recycled plastic bottle saves enough energy to power a lightbulb for 3+ hours
- • Creates new products: fleece clothing, carpet, playground equipment
Plastic Recycling FAQ
Do I need to remove labels from plastic bottles?
No! Modern recycling facilities use water baths and agitation to separate labels automatically. However, DO remove caps (recycle separately if accepted) and rinse out food residue to prevent contamination.
Why aren't plastic bags accepted in curbside recycling?
Plastic bags jam recycling machinery, costing facilities millions in downtime. Instead, return them to grocery store drop-off bins. Many stores collect #2 and #4 plastic films for specialized recycling.
Can I recycle black plastic containers?
Traditionally no - optical sorters couldn't detect black plastic. However, many facilities now accept black #1 and #2 plastics. Check with your local recycler, as capabilities vary significantly by facility.
What plastics should I never put in recycling?
NEVER recycle: plastic bags (grocery stores only), styrofoam (few programs), food-contaminated items, plastic wrap, chip bags, squeezable pouches, or mixed-material packaging. These contaminate entire recycling batches.
How clean do plastics need to be?
"Empty, clean, and dry" is the rule. A quick rinse is sufficient - you don't need to sterilize. Remove food residue that could attract pests or contaminate paper in mixed recycling. Let containers dry before binning.
What happens to recycled plastic?
Plastic bottles become new bottles, fleece jackets, carpet fibers, plastic lumber, and playground equipment. 25 recycled bottles = one fleece jacket. However, plastic can only be recycled 2-3 times before degrading.