Recycle question : Paper + Plastics + Alum?
The TV dinner trays say "1" surrounded by the recycle sign, meaning a type 1 plastic. Most bottles are also type 1 plastic. My local recycling center only takes types 1+2. I wish it took more. However, it says "plastic and glass bottles only", in addition to the sign "only plastic types 1+2". I am confused as to the plastic trays of type 1, I have.
Can I put them in there, without a problem, if they are the same kind of plastic, or is the shape important for the recycle process too?
In addition, can I put paper bags in the newspaper recycle area. Lastly, can I put aluminum foil in the aluminum can recycle? Thanks for your feedback!
Answer:
I do not have an answer but wish to comment that East Northants household recycle scheme also stipulates plastic bottles only. This immediately excludes about 70% of my plastic yet they whinge that we do not recycle enough.
I'm not an expert so this might not be 100% accurate. Yes you can recycle your TV dinner trays (washed first of course) if they say 1 or 2. There are 6 or 7 grades of plastic
1. PET (or PETE)
2. HDPE
3. PVC
4. LDPE
5. PP
6. PS
7. Indeterminate - eg Tetrapak
Most councils are now recycling grades 1 and 2. Some do other grades, but there are fewer recycling centres and so transport costs and environmental concerns make it less viable at the moment. As long as the plastic says 1 or 2 (or the codes) it doesn't matter what shape it is you can put it in for recycling.
With regard to aluminium foil, I'm not sure, but I put my milk bottle tops and used (but washed out) cooking containers in a separate bag and put them in my green bin which is collected fortnightly with my steel and aluminium cans (and glass) by our local refuse collectors. I guess they can be recycled as the bin men would otherwise leave it in the container.
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