Recycling Plastic in Washtenaw County

Welcome to www.RecycleMyPlastic.com!

Washtenaw County residents are becoming increasingly aware that recycling their plastic waste is the environmentally preferred method of disposal over trashing it. However, the process of identifying the various types of plastic and whether or not they are recyclable in your community continues to confuse and intimidate. There are 8 common types of plastic, labeled #1 - #7 & PLA, and while many have recycling opportunities available, some still are non-recyclable in the community. This website is intended to help you with plastic recycling questions so that you may become knowledgeable and confident about recycling your plastic in Washtenaw County!

3 Steps to Determine if your Plastic is Recyclable
Guide to Plastics #1 - #7 & PLA
Washtenaw County Shrink Wrap & Greenhouse Film Recycling Program
(includes all HDPE #2 and LDPE #4 plastics)
Where to Recycle Bottle Caps
"The Story of Stuff: Bottled Water" - Interesting and informative video on bottled water!

Some plastics are safe to reuse, and others are best left to recycle or dispose of immediately after first use. See the plastics by number guide for help in deciding what's best!

3 Steps to Determine if your Plastic is Recyclable

Identify plastic type. To do this, locate the plastic identity code (recycling symbol with number inside), present on the bottom or side.
For those plastics that do not feature an identity code, please view "Commonly Unmarked Plastics." (in the last column below)
Once you've identified the plastic type, please view the "Recyclability" column to learn about recycling options.

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Guide to Plastics #1 - #7 & PLA

Please click on any link featured in the table to learn about recycling opportunities for the corresponding plastic type. NOTE: All plastic bottles must have their CAPS REMOVED. Since they are made from a different plastic than the bottle itself, the caps can be a contaminant in the recycling pocess. Washtenaw County residents have access to a unique bottle cap recycling program. The Douglas J Institute and Salon in Ann Arbor participates in Aveda's Bottle Cap Recycling Program.

Identity Code	Abbreviation & Name	Recyclability	Common Products(Marked/ Labeled)	Common PRODUCTS (Unmarked/ Unlabeled)	Reused in these Recycled Content Products
	PET or PETE Polyethylene terephthalate	#1 bottle shapes* are accepted in recycling programs throughout Washtenaw County. Non-bottle shapes of #1 PET are less commonly recycled, so check with hauler before recycling. The *City of Saline* now accepts ALL #1 containers in their curbside recycling program.	Plastic beverage containers (soft drink, water & juice bottles, etc.) Plastic food containers (peanut butter, salad dressing, etc.)	Fleece products (blankets, outerwear, etc.) Comforter fill	Food & beverage bottles and containers Fleecewear Polyester Carpet Luggage
	HDPE High-density polyethylene	All #2 plastics of any size, shape or color are accepted at these public drop-off locations throughout Washtenaw County. #2 bottle shapes* are accepted in most curbside recycling programs throughout Washtenaw County. Non-bottle shapes of #2 HDPE are less commonly recycled, so check with hauler before recycling. Empty, clean & dry #2 & #4 shopping bags can be dropped off at several grocery stores throughout the County, including Kroger and Meijer. The City of Saline now accepts all #2 containers and bags in their curbside recycling program.	Consumer product bottles (shampoo/ conditioner, liquid laundry detergent, vitamin, motor oil & similar bottles) Grocery/ retail bags	Trash can liners Plant pots Milk crates Cereal box liners Plastic lumber for outdoor decking, fencing & picnic tables Pipe Floor tiles Buckets Garden edging	Bottles Pipes, buckets, crates, flower pots, floor tiles, etc.
	V or PVC Polyvinyl chloride	NOT easily recyclable in traditional recycling systems. Just one #3 PVC bottle can contaminate an entire half-ton of water bottles for recycling. Always double-check your recycler's requirements before adding any #3 items! The *City of Saline* accepts #3 containers in their curbside recycling program.	Plastic containers, jars & bottles	Cling wrap (Saran wrap) Cables Traffic cones Garden hoses	Mud flaps Cassette trays Garden hoses Electrical cords Cables
	Low-density polyethylene	All #4 plastics of any shape, size or color are accepted at these public drop-off locations throughout Washtenaw County. Empty, clean & dry #2 & #4 shopping bags can be dropped off at several grocery stores throughout the County, including Kroger and Meijer. DO NOT place any plastic grocery bags in curbside recyling bins, as they can clog the gears in mixed recycling plants.	Squeezable bottles (honey, mustard, etc.)	Shrink wrap Greenhouse film Stretch wrap Bubble wrap Consumer paper packaging (toilet paper, paper towel) Other bags (grocery bags, thicker newspaper bags, bread bags) Clear plastic dry-cleaning garment bags	Shipping envelopes
	PP Polypropylene	Not generally collected with most recycling programs in Washtenaw County. Clean and dry #5 PP may be recycled at special collection programs in Washtenaw County.	Yogurt and margarine tubs Prescription medicine bottles Some food bottles (ketchup, etc.)	Potato chip (or similar) bags Most woven bags or tarps Oil funnels Cigarrette overwrap Auto battery cases Textile packaging Most plastic bottle caps	Landscape borders Auto battery cases Oil funnels
	PS Polystyrene	Not generally collected with most recycling programs within Washtenaw County. #6 PS may be recycled at special collection programs in Washtenaw County.	Styrofoam (egg cartons, carry-out food containers, packing peanuts, etc.)	Disposable silverware Packing peanuts CD jewel cases Thermal insulation Light switch plates	Styrofoam (or similar) products
	OTHER Any other plastic	Not generally accepted with most recycling programs in Washtenaw County. Can contain PVC, PLA, BPA or just layers of #5 PP and nylon or rayon. The unknown mixture of #7 plastic resins makes it difficult to recycle. The *City of Saline* currently accepts #7 containers in their curbside recycling program.	Nalgene (or similar) bottles CDs Some food and non-food product containers	Plastic lumber applications Some bottles	Reusable plastic beverage bottles
PLA	PLA Polylactic Acid Resins made from corn	PLA will contaminate plastics collected for traditional recycling into new items, because the material will break down under heat. Biodegrades under commercially-run high composting temperatures. Do NOT place into recycling bins at this time!	PLA disposable cups, bowls, plates, and harder plastic items, such as pens, rulers, etc.