How to Recycle Plastic Pencils

First off, find out what type of plastic your pencils are made of.

With 80 percent of the United States having access to a plastics recycling program, chances are you'll find at least one way to recycle most of your plastic close to home. While many types of plastics can be recycled at the curb with your local garbage hauler, some types require transport to a special facility. With the help of recycling collection centers, you can recycle wide mouth containers, lids and even plastic pencils, so long as the center accepts that type of plastic.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Telephone

Instructions

1. Determine which type of plastic your pencils are made from Since 1988, plastics manufacturers have been using the voluntary resin identification coding system of The Society of the Plastics Industries, which consists of a series of numbers that indicate the type of plastic. Locate the numbers on the bottom of larger containers such as bottles and food containers. Check your plastic pencils to see if you see a number surrounded by the three-arrow recycling symbol. If you don't see a number, check the packaging the pencils came in, if available, or contact the company that made the pencils. The company name will sometimes be imprinted somewhere on the pencil.

2. Contact your local garbage hauler to find out whether the type of plastic your pencils are made from can be recycled curbside. Typically, types 1 and 2, also called PET and HDPE plastics, can be recycled in your curbside recycling container. If your hauler recycles that type of plastic, simply place the plastic pencils in your recycling bin and place it on the curb on trash day.

3. Find a recycling center that accepts other types of plastics in your area, if your trash hauler does not accept your type of plastic at the curb. Use a site like Earth911 to search for recycling collection centers in the area by typing in your zip code. The site allows you to narrow your search for centers that accept your type of plastic. When you've found one that accepts your goods, collect them in a bag or box and drop them off at the collection site. You may need to show valid identification to drop off materials at a collection center.

Tips & Warnings

• City and county collection centers typically only accept household recycling. If you are a business with a need to recycle large amounts on a regular basis, contact your local garbage hauler to set up a special service.

References

• Earth911: Plastic Recycling Facts
• Environmental Protection Agency: Plastics

Resources

• Earth 911