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How to Recycle Black Plastic Containers
Check local acceptanceLast reviewed September 27, 2026
Quick answer
Black plastic containers are recyclable only where the local program specifically accepts them. Some sorting facilities cannot reliably identify them, while others do, so check the accepted-item list before putting a clean container in curbside recycling. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
Black food trays, tubs, and takeout containers; acceptance depends on local sorting technology and the container's material, not its color alone.
Where to Recycle
- Curbside container recycling where black rigid plastic is listed
- Municipal drop-off that names black plastic
- Trash where no collection program accepts it
How to Prepare
- 1Empty food and scrape or rinse the container clean
- 2Check your city's list for black plastic trays, tubs, and takeout containers
- 3Separate absorbent pads, film, and non-plastic parts
- 4Use trash if your program excludes black containers even when a resin number is present
Special Instructions
Black plastic is not universally rejected. The correct answer differs by facility, and a resin number does not establish local acceptance. Foam trays and rigid black containers are separate materials.
Environmental Impact
Correct sorting gives accepted containers a route to material recovery and keeps excluded trays out of a load of accepted plastics.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Clean rigid black containers accepted by the local program
Not Accepted
- Food-soiled containers
- Black foam trays mixed with rigid containers
- Black plastics placed in recycling solely because of a resin number
FAQs
Is all black plastic unrecyclable?
No. Some programs accept it and others do not. Check the exact local collection list.
Does the number on the bottom settle it?
No. The resin number identifies the plastic; it does not guarantee that your community collects that item.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle compostable plastics
- How to recycle expanded polystyrene (EPS)
- How to recycle bulky rigid plastic
- How to recycle six-pack rings
- How to recycle PET bottles (#1)
- How to recycle agricultural film
- How to recycle HDPE containers (#2)
- How to recycle mixed plastics (#7)
- How to recycle PVC pipes (#3)
- Polystyrene foam recycling
Recycle black plastic containers
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