What To Do With Return to A-Z Guide

Plastic Jar

Plastic jars are containers that often have screw on caps. Plastic jars labeled #1 (PET) or #2 (HDPE) are accepted in curbside recycling carts and at the Drop-Off Station and Recovery Yard. Caps must be tightly screwed back on the jar to be recycled. Do not put loose caps in curbside carts. Commonly accepted jars include peanut butter and mayonnaise jars.

Accepted Plastic Jar Types

Recycle Right!

Plastic jars must be empty, clean, and dry. Secure plastic caps tightly back onto jars. Do not put loose plastic caps in curbside recycling carts. Loose caps are too small to make it through the recycling sorting process and will drop through the cracks of the machines, resulting in them being treated as trash and not recycled. Screwing caps back on the jar ensures they get recycled! 

Plastic Caps accepted vs not accepted image

Plastic containers labeled #3, #4, or #6 are not accepted because they are not recyclable. They contaminate and increase the cost of good recyclables.

Recycling plastic is confusing. Learn more about the plastic numbering system and its shortcomings on our Plastics Explained page and watch Chasing Arrows: The Truth About Recycling. This short film is a must-see for anyone trying to understand their role in plastics recycling.

 

Choose Zero Waste!

Reuse and repurpose unavoidable plastic jars for non-food storage. Find ways to reduce plastic usage, switch to a reusable water bottle, opt for bar soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergent sheets, buy in larger quantities, and choose brands that use paper or cardboard packaging.

Accepted at:

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