When thinking of plastic, grocery bags, water bottles and toys probably come to mind. Today, plastic products can be found in almost every part of our life. Understanding which types of plastics are recyclable and which are not is important to the success of the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority’s regional recycling program, RecycleOne.
The Authority would like to remind residents that only certain plastics are acceptable in the curbside recycling bin. When plastics are improperly recycled, it causes contamination and operational problems at the Oneida-Herkimer Recycling Center.
In Oneida and Herkimer Counties, determining whether a plastic product is recyclable or not is easier than ever. You can determine whether your plastic is recyclable or not by using the following rule: All plastic bottles, cups and containers are accepted for recycling (regardless of the number code or recycling triangle). The only exceptions to this rule are Styrofoam items, prescription medicine bottles and motor oil bottles. If your plastic item is not a bottle, cup or container, it should not be placed in your recycling container.
The Authority asks that residents no longer give regard to the “recycling triangles” or “number codes” that are placed on many plastic items. Plastic items with and without recycling number codes can be placed in the recycling bin as long as they are bottles, cups or containers. Additionally, there are some items that contain a recycling number code that are not accepted for recycling. Lids and labels should be left on your recyclables and containers should be emptied and rinsed before recycling.
Examples of acceptable plastic bottles, cups and containers:
- Soda/Water/Juice Bottles
- Milk & Water Jugs
- Cottage Cheese, Yogurt & Pudding Cups
- Disposable Drink Cups
- Baked Goods Containers
- Mustard & Ketchup Bottles (rinsed out)
- Soap, Detergent & Mouthwash Bottles
- Salad Dressing Bottles
Examples of plastic items NOT ACCEPTED for curbside recycling:
- Plastic Grocery Bags (Take back to local grocery stores for proper recycling.)
- Styrofoam
- Plates & Tableware
- Clothing Hangers
- Snack Bags
- Toys
- Plastic Wrappers/Packaging
The Authority does offer a special drop-off program for BULKY, RIGID PLASTICS that allows residents to deliver items such as plastic toys, lawn furniture, garbage cans, coolers and more to its EcoDrop Utica and Rome for proper recycling. These items cannot be placed in curbside recycling bins. For more information on the Authority’s drop-off program for bulky, rigid plastics, please Contact Us.
If you are not sure how to properly recycle or dispose of an item, the Authority encourages residents to visit its easy-to-use tool at www.AmIRecyclable.com to search hundreds of different items and learn the answers.