Kitchen Plastics
What can be recycled?
Tubs and lids (like for cottage cheese), cups (like for single-serving yogurt), and iced tea or big syrup bottles
Why it wants to be recycled
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) measured the nation’s overall plastics recycling rate for 2014 at just 9.5 percent, and kitchen plastics are an area where that number can improve significantly to preserve resources and keep re-usable waste out of our landfills.
How to recycle it
Look for curbside, school, work, or public space recycling bins, or find local recycling drop-off centers. While not all kitchen plastics are recyclable, community websites and local recycling agencies often have posters with visuals to help identify the items that are accepted.
What do recycled kitchen plastics become?
Kitchen plastics can be used to make many products, including buckets, crates, razor and toothbrush handles, toys, and even brand new kitchenware like cutting boards, measuring cups and colanders.
Did you know?
Plastic lids from yogurt cups may contain mixed material lids, so those aren’t always recyclable. Check your favorite brand — if the lid is plastic, it can be recycled too!
Mythbuster
MYTH: Plastic lids from cups and tubs aren’t recyclable.
FACT: They usually are (double-check yogurt lids though!). Keep plastic lids and tops with their bottoms and recycle away!
Super Sorter
Recycle different kinds of materials. Sort fast and give trash a new life!
Recycling Journey
See how recycled materials can be transformed into new, exciting and useful things.