Changes in local recycling give us hope to recycle every plastic item we use, from yogurt containers to butter tubs and plastic bags to deli boxes. Recycling is improving, but many items remain non-recyclable, and it’s simply best to avoid them. Not sure? Leave it out. Don’t “wishcycle,” for this interrupts and contaminates the stream.
For consideration at home or when shopping for the office or church, let’s look at deli plastics. Sanipac and Apex do NOT recycle deli plastics, for good reason. Deli plastics, from Costco cookie trays and Chinese take-out black boxes, to soda cups and clamshells with a sandwich or raspberries, are made with a mix of plastics, contain BPA and other plasticizers, and come in the wrong shape. The rigid pie plates and trays and the flexible boxes and shells cannot be recycled. Ask your friendly baker at Market of Choice or Costco to put the key lime pie or cookie medley in a cardboard box!
Apex guide: https://www.apexdisposalservices.com/resources/recycling-guide.
NO: OTHER PLASTICS-If it’s not a #1, #2 or #5 plastic bottle, jug, jar or round tub, it doesn’t belong in your cart. Skip the clamshells, trays, utensils and anything else that doesn’t match those categories.
NO: MOST FROZEN FOOD BOXES-Paper with a waxy coating, used in most frozen food boxes to protect against moisture, and wax-lined deli cardboard boxes, can’t be recycled.
NO: PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE BOTTLES-Empty pill bottles must go in the regular trash, not your recycling cart.
Fred Meyer and many Safeway and Albertson’s stores recycle “clear film” plastic bags (e.g., produce. bags), but NOT thicker Duck Store type bags.
St. Vincent de Paul recycles rigid Styrofoam that comes with electronics.
Pak Mail on High Street in Eugene re-uses Styrofoam, bubble wrap, and lined mailers.
By Brenda Kame’enui
