How to Recycle Brown Plastic

Recycle brown plastic to reduce waste.

Recycling plastics helps reduce waste, and in many places, it's easy to do. Just separate the plastics by type and put them on the curb or take them to the recycling center. Unfortunately, recycling isn't suitable for all types of plastic. If you are unsure whether your brown plastic is recyclable, it's best to identify what type of plastic it is before taking it to any recycling center. The plastic's code indicates if you can recycle it.

Things You'll Need

• Curbside recycling container

Instructions

1. Look over the plastic to find a recycling symbol. Inside the symbol, find the number. The number identifies the type of plastic. Type 1 and 2 are usually accepted in curbside recycling programs. The program might accept type 4 in bag form. Typically, type 7 is not recyclable. If you can't find a symbol, throw it away, because even small amounts of the wrong plastic can ruin an entire plastic recycling mix.

2. Check with your local recycling authority to verify that you can recycle the type of plastic. If not, throw it out. The market dictates recycling needs; sometimes it doesn't need certain types or colors.

3. Place the brown plastic in your curbside container or take it to the recycling center.

Tips & Warnings

• Some recycling programs only accept clear plastic. Check with your local recycling authority to verify that you can recycle plastics of all colors.

References

• Obviously: Commonly Recycled Materials
• Obviously: The World's Shortest Comprehensive Recycling Guide
• The Daily Green: What Do Recycling Symbols on Plastics Mean?

Resources

• Ecology Center: Seven Misconceptions about Plastic and Plastic Recycling