By JOHN ROGERS
Sustainability Committee Chair
NORTH READING — Can I recycle all plastic items with a recycling symbol?
Nope. According to RecycleSmartMA.org, the most common question they get is “Can I recycle plastic items that have a number inside the recycling symbol?”
Here’s how they answer that: “Our advice: Don’t worry about the numbers, focus on the shape. If it is a clean and empty plastic bottle, jar, jug or tub, it can be recycled in Massachusetts. There are a few exceptions, for example clear plastic cups, egg cartons, and deli and fruit containers, but on the whole, this rule of thumb works!”
They also explain that “The numbers are an industry coding system that indicate the type of plastic used to make the item. Many non-recyclable items display the code, so it’s not a good indication of whether something is recyclable. Recycling facilities are designed to sort hard plastic containers. They cannot handle odd-shaped plastics (like toys or plastic furniture), very small items (smaller than a credit card), or plastics that are flexible – like bags, wrap, and pouches.”
If you have questions about specific types of items, check out the Recyclopedia at RecycleSmartMA.org.
Content for the Sustainability Corner is provided periodically to the Transcript by members of the town’s Sustainability Committee.
