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How to Recycle Mixed Plastics (#7)
Resin code #7 OTHER: polycarbonate, multi-layer packaging, some compostable bioplastics, and other plastics that are not #1-#6. Household curbside programs almost never recover #7 as a standard stream.
Special handling#7 OTHERLast reviewed July 31, 2026
Quick answer
Most #7 OTHER plastics belong in the trash. The code covers mixed resins, multi-layer pouches, and some bioplastics that MRFs cannot reprocess with PET or HDPE. Check the label and your local rules; putting #7 in the bin (wishcycling) contaminates otherwise good loads. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Special handling
- Recycling code
- #7 OTHER
How to Prepare
- 1Read the package: if it says #7 or OTHER, assume trash unless a specialty program names that exact item
- 2Do not bag #7 with curbside bottles hoping it will be sorted out
- 3Separate metal or paper components when a take-back program requires it
- 4Look for manufacturer mail-back or store take-back for specific products (e.g. some Brita filters, brand programs)
- 5Keep compostable #7 lookalikes out of plastic recycling; they need industrial compost only when accepted
Where to Recycle
- Trash / landfill
- Manufacturer take-back when offered
- Specialty or research recyclers (rare)
Special Instructions
Wishcycling #7 into bottle bins raises contamination and can cause rejection of whole bales. Multi-layer snack pouches and laminated tubes are classic #7 trash items. Some clear durable goods marked #7 need specialty recyclers, not curbside.
Environmental Impact
Mixed and multi-layer plastics are difficult to separate economically, so most are landfilled or incinerated. Reducing purchases of multi-layer sachets and choosing mono-material packaging (#1 or #2) cuts waste more than hoping for a #7 market.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Choose #1 or #2 packaging when options exist
- Refill and bulk systems
- Brand take-back for specific durable goods
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Only items explicitly listed by a specialty or brand take-back program
Not Accepted
- Multi-layer snack and coffee pouches in curbside bins
- Unmarked mixed-plastic toys in bottle recycling
- Compostable plastics in PE film or bottle streams
- Anything #7 placed with PET/HDPE hoping for the best
FAQs
Does #7 ever mean recyclable?
Only when a specific program says so. The code itself means other/mixed, not a green light for curbside.
What is wishcycling?
Putting non-accepted items in recycling on the hope they will be sorted. For #7, that hope is usually wrong and can spoil clean PET/HDPE.
Are bioplastics under #7 recyclable with plastic bottles?
No. Many bioplastics are labeled #7 and contaminate PET recycling. Follow compost labeling only if your industrial compost facility accepts that product.
How do I dispose of a multi-layer pouch?
Trash it unless a store drop-off or mail-back explicitly lists that pouch type. Stretch-test PE film rules do not apply to foil-lined laminates.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Agricultural Film
- How to recycle Polystyrene Foam (#6)
- How to recycle Six-Pack Rings
- How to recycle Polypropylene Containers (#5)
- How to recycle Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
- How to recycle Plastic Bags (#4)
- How to recycle Black Plastic Containers
- How to recycle PVC Pipes (#3)
- How to recycle Compostable Plastics
- How to recycle HDPE Containers (#2)
Recycle mixed plastics (#7)
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