Plastic

We know recycling plastic can be confusing; Let’s simplify it.  Only recycle plastics that are larger than a credit card and are either a bottle (water, soda, juice, etc.) or a container (bucket, yogurt tub, clamshell/to-go container). That’s it!  

DO place these in the Recycle Bin:

  • Plastic bottles (empty, with lids)
  • Containers, cups, clamshells
  • Tubs and buckets
  • Large foam blocks 

DO NOT place these in the Recycle Bin:

  • Foam packing peanuts, and foam plates, cups or to-go containers
  • Plastic bags, plastic wrap and film, bubble wrap and bread bags
    • These plastic bags CANNOT be placed in your curbside recycling bin, but CAN be returned to participating retailers for recycling. Visit WasteFreeSD.org or PlasticFilmRecycling.org to find a retailer near you!
    • Plastic bags get tangled in the machinery at the recycling facility when placed in the blue bin and end up in the landfill. 
  • Plastic utensils and all straws (paper or plastic)
  • Hangers
  • Compostable "plastics"

 

Pro-Tips

  • Ever wonder what those numbers inside a recycling triangle mean? They simply identify the type of plastic and do not necessarily mean that the plastic is recyclable.

 

Resources

Recycle Right! Newsletter
Recycle Right! Home Page
Recycling Home Page
Recycling Guides
Composting

 

Have a recycling question? Email Recycle@sdcounty.ca.gov or Call the Recycling Hotline: