6 Plastic Items You Should Never Recycle

Find out which things should stay out of the recycling bin by learning how to identify an item’s recyclability based on its identification number.

No matter how hard we try to implement plastic swaps in our home, it’s impossible to eliminate plastic products completely. For the plastic items we can’t avoid completely, we try to recycle as many as possible. A common misconception is that all plastic items can be recycled—but that’s actually not the case.

Below are everyday household items that cannot be recycled and why. Learn how to identify an item’s recyclability based on their identification numbers, and get our best suggestions for sustainable alternatives.

Related: 18 Recycling Storage Ideas That Make Going Green Easier Than Ever

What Kinds of Plastic Can You Recycle?

The recyclability of plastic is determined by its composition; there are seven different types of plastic that are identified using a resin identification code (RIC). Only two kinds of plastic (#1 PET, or Polyethylene Terephthalate, and #2 HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene) are widely accepted by most curbside recycling programs. Some examples of things you most likely have at home that fall into these categories are shampoo and soda bottles, peanut butter jars, milk jugs, and laundry detergent containers.

The other five types of plastic include #3 PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, #4 LDPE, or Low-Density Polyethylene, #5 PP, or Polypropylene, #6 PS, or Polystyrene, and the final one is #7, a blend of plastics referred to as ‘other.’ Most of these plastics cannot be mixed in with your regular recycling, but special programs exist that can accept most of them. (But whether or not you live near one of those program drop-offs is another story.)

Related: 6 Eco-Friendly Organization Tips to Reduce Waste and Clutter

Household Plastic Items That Can’t Be Recycled

1. Plastic Shower Curtains

RIC: #3

Many shower liners are advertised as made with PVC, but note that many shower curtains contain it as well—meaning they cannot be broken down. Reduce your footprint by using cotton shower curtains, repurposing old liners as drop cloths, or considering a switch to a curtain-less shower design.

Related: The 8 Best Shower Curtain Liners for Your Home

2. Plastic Grocery Bags

RIC: #4

Most plastic shopping and produce bags are too thin to be recycled, because they get tangled in the machines. If you haven’t already, we suggest making the switch to reusable bags. Additionally, confirm your go-to grocery store has a plastic bag collection bin so that recycling is a no-brainer if you need to use one in a pinch.

Related: 7 Simple Ways to Go Green with Your Cleaning Routine

3. Plastic Takeout Containers

RIC: #5 and #6

Many municipalities will accept clear or white takeout containers (especially if they happen to sport a #1 or #2 symbol) so long as you rinse off lingering residue before recycling. However, due to the dye used, black plastic food containers are typically considered non-recyclable, along with all takeout containers labeled #5 or #6.

4. Plastic Wrap and Storage Bags

RIC: #4

Plastic wrap and zip-top storage bags can’t be recycled for the same reason as shopping bags. You can make packing leftovers and lunches more eco-friendly if you stick to reusable products like beeswax food wrap and silicone storage bags. Or, if you’re crafty, try a DIY sandwich bag project.

5. Plastic Utensils and Straws

RIC: #5 and #6

The push to ban plastic straws has been a hot topic for years, and for good reason. They, along with plastic utensils, generally consist of both #5 PP and #6 PS plastic, the latter of which is nearly impossible to recycle. Composition aside, their small size means most don’t make it through the sorting machine—not to mention they’re often contaminated with food or drink. The bottom line: Replace plastic with a portable set of bamboo or stainless steel utensils and straws.

6. Plastic Bottle Caps

RIC: #5

Until recently, you couldn’t recycle the lids that screwed off plastic bottles. Thanks to some recent technological changes, however, more recycling centers can now accept them. Most require homeowners to screw the cap back onto the bottle before putting it in the bin, so inquire with your specific recycling center about their current process. 

Related: 7 Simple Ways to Go Green with Your Cleaning Routine

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