Staring at a plastic container wondering if it belongs in your recycling bin? You're not alone. New Jersey residents often find themselves puzzled by the numbers, symbols, and varying rules that govern plastic recycling across different municipalities.
Understanding which plastics can be recycled in the Garden State isn't just about being environmentally conscious—it's about maximizing the efficiency of our recycling systems and reducing contamination that can derail entire batches of recyclable materials. With New Jersey's ambitious recycling goals and evolving waste management policies, knowing the ins and outs of plastic recycling has never been more important.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about plastic recycling in New Jersey, from decoding those mysterious numbers on containers to understanding what happens to your recyclables after they leave your curb.
Every plastic container features a number inside the recycling symbol, ranging from 1 to 7. These resin identification codes tell you exactly what type of plastic you're dealing with and whether your local New Jersey recycling program accepts it.
Polyethylene terephthalate is widely accepted throughout New Jersey. You'll find this plastic in water bottles, soda bottles, and food containers. Most municipalities readily accept #1 plastics because they can be efficiently processed into new bottles, clothing fibers, and carpeting.
High-density polyethylene appears in milk jugs, detergent bottles, and yogurt containers. New Jersey recycling programs universally accept #2 plastics due to their durability and market demand. These containers often get transformed into new bottles, plastic lumber, and playground equipment.
Polyvinyl chloride presents challenges for recyclers. Found in pipes, medical equipment, and some packaging, #3 plastics are generally not accepted in curbside programs across New Jersey due to processing difficulties and limited market demand.
Low-density polyethylene includes plastic bags, squeezable bottles, and flexible container lids. While some New Jersey facilities accept #4 plastics, many don't due to processing complications. Check with your local recycling coordinator before including these items.
Polypropylene covers yogurt containers, bottle caps, and straws. Acceptance varies significantly across New Jersey municipalities. Some counties have expanded their programs to include #5 plastics, while others still exclude them.
Polystyrene encompasses foam containers, disposable cups, and packaging materials. Most New Jersey recycling programs reject #6 plastics because they break into small pieces that contaminate other recyclables and are difficult to process economically.
This catch-all category includes various plastics and multi-layer materials. New Jersey recycling programs typically don't accept #7 plastics because they're too diverse to process efficiently.
New Jersey's 21 counties manage recycling programs differently, creating a patchwork of accepted materials across the state. However, some general patterns emerge.
Universally Accepted Plastics
Nearly every New Jersey municipality accepts #1 and #2 plastics. These materials have strong markets and established processing infrastructure, making them economically viable for recyclers.
Commonly Accepted with Variations
Plastic #5 acceptance has expanded significantly in recent years. Counties like Morris, Somerset, and Hunterdon have upgraded their facilities to handle polypropylene, while others still exclude it from curbside collection.
Generally Rejected Materials
Plastic bags, regardless of their recycling number, should not go in curbside bins. These items jam sorting machinery and require special collection programs available at many grocery stores and retail locations.
Regional Differences
Northern New Jersey counties often have more comprehensive programs due to higher population density and processing capacity. Southern counties may have more restrictive policies but are gradually expanding accepted materials.
Proper preparation significantly impacts whether your plastic recyclables actually get processed or end up contaminating other materials.
Cleaning Requirements
Rinse containers to remove food residue, but don't obsess over perfect cleanliness. A quick rinse suffices for most items. Heavily soiled containers may need more thorough cleaning or should be disposed of as regular trash.
Remove Labels and Caps
Bottle caps often use different plastic types than their containers. Remove caps unless your municipality specifically states otherwise. Labels don't need removal—processing facilities have equipment to handle them.
Check Size Requirements
Some facilities only accept containers larger than a certain size. Items smaller than a peanut butter jar may fall through sorting screens and contaminate other materials.
Avoid Crushing
While crushing containers saves space, it can interfere with optical sorting systems that identify plastics by shape. Keep containers in their original form when possible.
Even well-intentioned recyclers can inadvertently contaminate entire batches of materials with simple mistakes.
Wishful Recycling
Placing non-recyclable items in bins hoping they'll get processed actually creates more problems. When in doubt, throw it out rather than contaminate good recyclables.
Mixing Materials
Keep different materials separated as required by your municipality. Mixing glass, metal, and plastic in single-stream programs is fine, but some areas still require separation.
Including Electronics
Electronic devices, even those with plastic components, don't belong in regular recycling bins. New Jersey has specific e-waste collection programs for these items.
Understanding what happens to your recyclables can help you make better decisions about preparation and disposal.
Collection and Transport
Materials collected from your curb travel to Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) where they undergo sorting, cleaning, and processing.
Sorting Technology
Modern facilities use optical sorters, air classifiers, and magnetic separators to automatically sort mixed materials. This technology works best when recyclables are clean and properly prepared.
Processing and Sale
Sorted plastics get compressed into bales and sold to manufacturers who transform them into new products. Market demand significantly influences which materials recycling facilities accept.
End Products
Recycled New Jersey plastics become everything from new bottles and containers to park benches, carpeting, and fleece jackets. The circular economy keeps these materials in productive use rather than sending them to landfills.
New Jersey's recycling landscape changes frequently as facilities upgrade equipment and markets evolve.
Municipal Websites
Most towns and counties maintain updated recycling guides on their websites. These resources provide the most current information about accepted materials and collection schedules.
County Recycling Coordinators
Each New Jersey county employs recycling coordinators who can answer specific questions about local programs and accepted materials.
Mobile Apps
Several apps help New Jersey residents identify recyclable materials and find collection locations for special items like electronics and hazardous waste.
Effective plastic recycling goes beyond simply putting containers in the right bin.
Reduce First
The most effective strategy involves reducing plastic consumption. Choose reusable containers, buy in bulk, and select products with minimal packaging when possible.
Reuse When Practical
Many plastic containers serve multiple purposes before recycling. Food containers become storage solutions, and large bottles can function as planters or organizers.
Recycle Right
Following your municipality's specific guidelines ensures your efforts contribute to successful recycling rather than creating contamination problems.
New Jersey's plastic recycling programs continue evolving as technology advances and markets develop. Staying informed about your local guidelines and preparing materials properly ensures your recycling efforts make a meaningful environmental impact.
Remember that recycling programs vary significantly across the state's 21 counties. What works in one municipality may not apply to your area, making local verification essential for successful recycling.
If you're looking for plastic recycling in New Jersey, contact All County Recycling today to schedule a free consultation.
