How to Recycle PP Plastic

Most caps are made from PP plastic

PP plastic, or polypropylene (the #5 plastic, as designated by the number inside the chasing arrow recycling symbol), is usually not accepted by curbside recycling programs. This polymer is typically used to make caps on bottles, yogurt containers, and drinking straws. Polypropylene has a higher melting point than #1 and #2 plastics and needs to be handled separately from other curbside recycling materials. Several companies now collect #5 plastic to be recycled.

Things You'll Need

• PP plastics
• Storage bin

Instructions

Separate and save PP plastics

1. 

   PP plastic is used to manufacture drinking straws

   Look for the number 5 inside the chasing arrow recycling symbol to confirm the plastic is PP. Examples include shampoo caps, dental floss containers, water bottle caps, squirt bottle lids, milk gallon lids, yogurt containers, and medicine bottles. Polypropelyne is a more rigid plastic than #1 and #2 plastics.

2. 

   Look for the #5 inside this recycling logo

   Remove any foam or paper lining from the inside of lids. Rinse the containers so they don't begin to smell while filling the collection bin. Encourage co-workers and neighbors to save #5 plastics, and organize a collection drive at work, school, or church.

3. 

   Place a separate bin for #5 plastic next to regular recycling bins

   Designate a special container for the PP plastic and educate everyone to remove any lids before disposing of bottles. Caps that are inadvertently thrown out with #1 and #2 plastic bottles will not be recycled and could possibly jam the machines used to break down the softer plastics. A small bucket next to regular recycling bins works well.

4. 

   Search the internet for local places to recycle

   Find a collection drop-off or mail-in area.

   Aveda salons accept most #5 lids. Call 1-877-Aveda09 for details (Reference 1). Also, many Whole Foods stores have collection bins for #5 plastics as part of a partnership with the Preserve Products organization, which turns polypropylene plastic into tableware, toothbrushes and razor handles (Reference 2).

   Weisenback Recycled Products has organized the Caps Can Do! program and places collection bins at zoos and aquariums around the United States, in addition to accepting mailed in products (References 3).

   Both the Preserve Products and Weisenback company websites have information about where to send the PP plastic for recycling.

   Also, Earth911 has a zip code search feature for where to recycle in local municipalities as well.

Tips & Warnings

• With more than 136 million pounds of polypropelene plastic thrown away in the United States annually (Reference 3), it's a way to make a difference. Nearly every piece of plastic ever made is still in existence. Ocean and marine life is endangered by floating masses of plastic garbage in the water.

• Plastic is a petroleum product. Using less plastic, reusing that which is already in existence, and finding new uses for it reduces the overall consumption of petroleum.

References

• Aveda Salons
• Gimme 5 program
• Caps Can Do!

Resources

• Drop off sites by zipcode
• Plastic pollution facts