How to Cut Plastic Rings

The plastic rings from cans is dangerous to wildlife if not properly handled.

When you throw away the clear plastic rings attached to your six-pack, you may not consider where they go after trash pickup day. Unfortunately, garbage like plastic rings doesn't go to a high-security landfill where it will never return. Sometimes those plastic rings end up killing a wild animal. Ducks, birds and fish are only a few of the animals that can end up tangled in plastic rings. Eventually, the plastic rings may kill them. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent a tragedy like this from occurring in the animal world.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors

Instructions

1. Snip the outer six rings of plastic with a pair of regular scissors. Cut out an inch-long section in each circle just to be thorough.

2. Cut the smaller circles on the inside of the plastic. Some six-pack plastic holders have a few small rings aside from the large six that you can stick your fingers into when you carry the six-pack. These are little traps for smaller fish and birds.

3. Fold the remaining plastic in half and cut it right down the center. Even though you cut open the rings, the long piece of plastic can still pose a threat for some determined and unintelligent sea birds (seagulls, mostly).

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase packs of cans stored in boxes instead of held together by plastic rings.