How to read recycling labels
Whether you sort your recyclables to take them to the convenience centers or put them all in one bin for curbside pickup, it is good to periodically check which materials are recyclable in those systems. Rules on accepted materials change from time to time and sometimes we try to recycle too much, thinking items “should” be accepted.
We include items that fit into a recyclable group but may not be recyclable in the local system – like plastic grocery bags, which sometimes have #2 plastic marking, but are not accepted in the single-stream curbside pickup or at the convenience centers.
Keep Carroll Beautiful partnered with Carroll County to bring you the latest info on recycling in our community:
- Check what is accepted at Carroll County Convenience Center near you.
- Check what can be included in the City of Carrollton Curbside Recycling.
- Check where to recycle other household items.
When in doubt… leave it out!
There is a phenomenon known as “wishful recycling” – we try to put as many items as we can into the recycling bins, hoping they will be processed, and in the worse case – they will be sorted out at the recycling facility. However, including items that are not recyclable (like spray handle from a window cleaner) makes the sorting process more expensive and lowers the quality of the end product. Some items, like glass, pose danger to workers who sort recyclables.
Cover photo credit: KAB
So how do you know what to recycle?
Read the labels!
♻️ The three little arrows sign is generally recognized as the recycling symbol. It marks packaging that can be recycled in most communities (paper, tin, aluminum, plastics, and glass). When the recycling symbol includes a number – it identifies a plastic resin the product is made of.
Be sure only to recycle the type of plastic accepted by our municipality. Just because a yogurt cup has the ♻️ recycling symbol, it does not mean your convenience center or curbside will accept it. Plastic bags and wraps, while marked ♻️#2, are not accepted with plastic containers.
The presence of the recycling symbol does not translate into being accepted in the local recycling process:
- GLASS, for example, should never be put into the curbside single-stream recycling bins.
- PAPER cannot be recycled after it gets wet in the rain.
- A CARDBOARD box filled with plastic bubble wrap will contaminate an entire load of recyclables.
- TIN aerosol that is still under pressure could damage the recycling truck.
- PLASTIC BAGS are not recyclable with pet bottles or milk jugs, even if they carry the #1 or #2 symbol!
How2Recycle Labels
” How2Recycle is a standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. It involves a coalition of forward-thinking brands who want their packaging to be recycled and are empowering consumers through smart packaging labels.” How2Recycle.info
How do the How2Recycle labels help?
1. They explain how to prepare material for recycling
Information is provided to ensure the proper steps are taken to recycle materials effectively. Some yogurt cups can only be recycled when the plastic wrap label is removed. That has to be done at home before the cup reaches the sorting facility. Most recycling programs also require that recyclables are clean, which can be done by rinsing food containers.
2. They let you know if the item is easily recycled
The second icon tells you if the item is Widely Recycled, if you need to Check Locally, if the material is Not Yet Recycled, or if you need to find a Store Drop-Off location to properly recycle the material.
- Paper, cardboard, tin/metal, and aluminum are accepted in most communities. At least 60% of Americans can recycle items with this mark at curbside recycling or drop-off recycling.
- Plastics are something that you may want to check on – the City of Carrollton accepts plastics #1 through #7 in the curbside recycling, but Carroll County only accepts bottles made of plastics #1 & #2. Between 60% and 20% of Americans can recycle this package at curbside recycling or drop-off recycling. Check your local program.
- Some materials are not yet recyclable in municipal systems. Either less than 20% of Americans can recycle this package, or, it could cause a problem in a recycling facility. Example: porcelain mug or juice box cartons.
- Some items can be recycled through special programs. Between 60% and 20% of Americans can recycle specific items at store drop-off locations. Plastic bags, styrofoam egg cartons, and packing peanuts are just a few examples.
3. They let you know what type of material the packaging is made of
The main materials include plastic, paper, metal, coated paper, glass, and multi-layer.
4. They identify all parts of the packaging
While it is fairly easy to guess the waffle box is made of paper and the bag of plastic, some packaging includes two or more types of plastic. Identifying the label, cup, and wrap helps sort the items into recycling, trash, or store drop off groups.
For more info and a list of all the labels currently in use, visit How2Recycle.info!