Reusable containers are a great way to cut down on unnecessary waste from common household items like bottled water and Styrofoam dishes and cups, but even out reusable containers sometimes wear out. Then comes the question; how do you recycle your worn-out reusable containers?
- Ziploc: Because Ziploc bags are in fact plastic bags, many recycling operations will not accept them at the curb, even if it is marked with a recycle code. The best way to get the most out of your Ziploc is to rinse and re-use it.
There’s a movement in America for re-using items that were once disposable, paper towels included, and Ziploc and other plastic bags make this easy. Just rinse and hang to dry, you can use Ziploc over 10 times for anything from food storage to pastry bags (just snip off a corner.) When they do get a little too worn down they can be recycled be being taken to a local recycling center. Usually they are made of polyethylene plastic, a code “4” resin, a fact not usually marked on the bag or box.
- Nalgene: Nalgene bottles receive a number “7” on the recycling code scale, a miscellaneous marking due to their composite nature and unusual resins. But they are still recyclable, if not at the curb, then at a recycling center. Due to chemical warnings and BPA, as well as plain water-bottle sense, it is recommended that your Nalgene be replaced once every 18 months. Still, these bottles have proven to be a fighting force in the reduction of “disposable” water bottle waste, and luckily can be recycled just the same way.
You can also repurpose your Nalgene as anything from a toy container to a plant pot. The options are endless, especially with such a durable product.
- Tupperware: Tupperware containers can be some of the hardest to properly dispose of. Because the original intention of Tupperware included a lifetime guarantee, they do not contain the helpful recycle codes of most plastic items. But sometimes our Tupperware does crack, or worse. Severely scratched Tupperware can develop tiny pockets where food deposits get caught, creating a breeding ground for molds and bacteria. Luckily Tupperware is rising to the challenge by beginning a new campaign to include recycle codes on all their products, as well as providing an easy-read table for you to identify what code goes with what product. You may also need to check with your local recycling program to see if certain plastics are accepted. If not, there are various recycling centers, especially in urban area, that can help you sort it out.
