DNRP > SWD > Garbage & Recycling Services > What's in our Garbage? > Plastics

Plastics are a Resource

107,744 tons were disposed of at the landfill in 2006

KC Waste Stream What's in your garbage? Seventy-five percent of materials thrown away are resources – not waste.

What are plastics?

Plastics are typically derived from natural gas or petroleum. A variety of plastic resins, which are numbered 1 through 7, differ widely in chemical composition and are used to make a vast array of products such as sandwich bags, soda bottles, football helmets and park benches.

Why recycle plastic?

Most plastics can and should be recycled because in the landfill they are a wasted resource. However, because plastic resins vary so much, not all plastics are recyclable. Some plastics are recyclable in all King County curbside programs, while others are only accepted in some areas of the county, or must be taken to a collection area or drop box for recycling.

How do I know which plastics to recycle in the curbside program?

An easy way to remember is that narrow-necked bottles and jugs of colored and clear plastic are recyclable. Also, yogurt and other dairy tubs are recyclable. Lids, however are not recyclable.

For an up to date list, check with your collection service provider by selecting your city or town from the drop-down menu on the Garbage & Recycling Services Web site.

Other recycling opportunities

• Recycling containers at most King County transfer stations accept plastic bottles and all rigid plastic containers except polystyrene.
• Recycling collection events sponsored by cities or King County sometimes accept several types of plastic.
• Businesses that generate large quantities of plastic film or other plastics can get materials picked up by private recyclers. Businesses are encouraged to visit the What do I do with…? Web site to locate private recyclers.

Which plastics usually can't be recycled?

Hard plastic and “clam-shell” type take out containers, microwave food trays, plastic wrap, caps and lids from containers, prescription vials and products combining plastic and other materials usually cannot be recycled. There are very few options for recycling expanded polystyrene blocks (such as those used for packing electronics).

What happens to the plastic that gets recycled?

Plastics are sorted by resin type, usually ground into flakes or pellets, and sold to product manufacturers. Some plastics are made into fleece clothing, carpets, plastic lumber for decking and outdoor furniture, and recycling bins. Others are used to make new containers, such as detergent and shampoo bottles. More and more, plastic can be recycled into new products, a better solution than lying in a landfill for hundreds of years!

Recycling is good, but reuse is even better

• Plastic shopping bags or produce bags can be reused several times.
• Durable containers are often a better choice. Consider reusing cloth shopping bags instead of plastic bags and using durable kitchenware instead of plastic utensils.
• Polystyrene packing peanuts can be reused or delivered to companies that use them for shipping.
• Visit King County's What can you do with? Web site to learn more.

Biodegradable alternatives to plastic are increasing

Products made of biodegradable materials such as corn starch are now available. They can be substituted for plastic products and can be composted at the end of their useful lives. Available products include:

• Packing peanuts
• Biodegradable bags
• Kitchenware (forks, knives, spoons, plates, etc.)

Look for these products online or at your supermarket. If you don´t see them , tell the market management you would like them to stock biodegradable products.

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