Are you wish-cycling?
The recycling symbol on the bottom of the plastic doesn’t necessarily mean that it can automatically be thrown into your recycling bin. The number five grade of plastic indicates polypropylene (PP).
It is found in a wide number of containers including yogurts, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, margarine (although you should not eat this), as well as some ice cream containers. It also includes toothbrushes, plastic plates, medicine bottles, ketchup bottles, and more. They are even in your Brita water filter.
Wish-cycling is the practice of throwing everything, even these #5 plastics, into your recycling bin in the hopes that it will all be recycled. Unfortunately, because they can’t be recycled it can either slow down the line or contaminate it to the point that all the other products cannot be recycled either.
Recycling PP
There are a few options to recycle number five plastics. One of which is Preserve, a company based in Cortland, NY.
Preserve sells products made from recycled #5's such as toothbrushes, razors, tableware and kitchenware. And when you are done using those products they can be recycled even further into plastic lumber. All of their products are designed to stay out of the landfill and reduce environmental impact.
They also have a recycling program and they want your #5 plastic products. According to Preserve their recycled products use 54% less water and 75% less oil than creating virgin plastic; they also release 64% less greenhouse gasses. After using the product you clean it and then deliver it to your nearest Whole Foods.
If you don't have a Whole Foods near you, Preserve will accept mailed packages of #5 plastics. This is a great way to help save the planet and to help support recycling efforts. Although Preserve does not reimburse for mailing costs you could consider banding together with a group of friends and mailing a large amount together. Shipments must be by ground and should be sent to:
Preserve Gimme 5
823 NYS Rte 13
Cortland, NY 13045
The sad truth is that you can't avoid exposure to plastics and BPA. It's too pervasive in our environment. You can, however, be aware of where it can be found and make positive changes. Learn more in my e-book!
