How to Recycle Polypropylene Containers (#5)
Rigid polypropylene tubs, some bottles, and many plastic bottle caps. PP demand has improved, so more MRFs recover #5 tubs than a decade ago, yet coverage is uneven compared with PET and HDPE bottles.
Quick answer
Polypropylene (#5) yogurt tubs, margarine tubs, and many takeout containers are recyclable in a growing share of US curbside programs, but acceptance still varies. How2Recycle often labels #5 Check Locally. Empty, rinse, and dry; if your hauler excludes #5, use a drop-off that lists polypropylene. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Recycling code
- #5 PP
How to Prepare
- 1Empty food completely and rinse residue
- 2Dry the container before recycling
- 3Leave plastic lids on if they are also #5 and your program accepts lids
- 4Check the resin code; some tubs are #5, others are #1 or #2
- 5Confirm #5 tubs on your local acceptance list or How2Recycle guidance
- 6Remove pump tops and metal parts
Where to Recycle
- Curbside programs that list #5
- Recycling centers
- Some retailer or municipal drop-offs for rigid plastics
Special Instructions
How2Recycle frequently marks polypropylene packaging Check Locally because recovery rates and MRF equipment differ by city. Black PP trays may still fail optical sorting even where colored #5 is accepted.
Environmental Impact
Recycled PP becomes new containers, automotive parts, bins, and fibers when markets exist. Expanding curbside #5 recovery reduces landfilling of yogurt-scale packaging that used to be trash-only in many towns.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Buy in larger tubs you reuse
- Glass storage containers
- Programs that refill bulk foods
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Yogurt and dairy tubs marked #5
- Margarine and butter tubs (#5)
- Some takeout and deli containers (#5)
- PP bottle caps (often recycled when left on PET/HDPE bottles)
Not Accepted
- Dirty containers with food still inside
- Foam (#6) cups mistaken for PP
- Flexible PP film unless a film program lists it
- Black plastic trays if your sorter cannot detect them
FAQs
Are all #5 plastics curbside recyclable now?
No. Acceptance has grown, but many cities still exclude #5 tubs or only take bottles. Check your hauler's list or the How2Recycle label (often Check Locally).
Can bottle caps that are #5 go in recycling?
When left on empty PET or HDPE bottles, yes under APR caps-on guidance. Loose caps smaller than about 3 inches fall through sorting screens.
Do I need to remove the paper label from a yogurt tub?
Not if it is stuck on. Rinse the tub; reclaim wash systems handle most labels. Scrape off thick glue residue only if your program asks.
What about microwave PP trays?
If they are rigid #5 and your program accepts tubs/trays, rinse and recycle. If unmarked or black, verify locally; unmarked or unscannable plastics often get landfilled.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Plastic Clamshell Containers
- How to recycle Polystyrene Foam (#6)
- How to recycle Plastic Bags (#4)
- How to recycle Mixed Plastics (#7)
- How to recycle PVC Pipes (#3)
- How to recycle Agricultural Film
- How to recycle HDPE Containers (#2)
- How to recycle Six-Pack Rings
- How to recycle PET Bottles (#1)
- How to recycle Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Recycle polypropylene containers (#5)
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