Common Packaging Questions

January 7, 2005

Dear Marti,

We're having a disagreement at work over whether those black #1 containers you get in microwavable meals are recyclable or not.

Please advise,
Rick C.

Dear Rick,

Let’s settle this so your workplace can move on to more productive disagreements like who drank the last of the coffee and who jammed the copier. Those containers are not recyclable. The only #1 (PETE) containers we’ll accept are bottles—we cannot recycle #1 trays, tubs, “clamshell” containers (including berry containers), box containers sometimes used for salad mixes, or #1 clear tubs used in some delis. Bottom line: it’s bottles only when it comes to #1 plastics. The reason for that (just to provide some interesting trivia talk ‘round the water cooler), is that bottles and tubs undergo a different manufacturing process, so they are not compatible and cannot be recycled together. While the market for #1 PETE bottles is strong, there are very few #1 tub markets around the country. I hope that clears things up. Now let’s figure out who’s stealing all the paper clips.

Dear Marti,

I was wondering if you can tell me if "Tetra Brik" boxes can be recycled. They are foil-lined paperboard boxes used for soups, chili, etc.

Thank you,
Jenny F.

Dear Jenny,

“Tetra Brik” – very nice use of the technical term there. Around here we call them “those paper box thingies everyone’s calling about.” According to the packaging industry, you’ll be seeing more and more liquid-based products packaged in those boxes. You’ll notice they’re similar to drink boxes and soy milk boxes, and like these containers, they are recyclable and can be tossed in with your commingled containers. You don’t need to worry about the plastic tabs that are on some of them, but please remove any straws or plastic spoons attached to the side of the box.

Dear Marti,

Often we get take-out food. Is there any way to recycle #6 Styrofoam? Do you only collect it on your Stryrofoam collection days?

Thanks,
Rena

Dear Rena,

We never accept this material, not even for a special collection. We are holding a week-long collection of #6 block Styrofoam (the kind typically used to package electronics) starting January 17th at the Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials, but it won’t include food-grade Styrofoam. Our market specifically states it does not want anything that comes in contact with food, so Styrofoam coffee cups, frozen food cups, egg cartons, clamshells, etc. will not be collected.

Because there are no local options for recycling this material and because its production is fairly polluting, we urge you to avoid it all together whenever possible. Take a reusable container with you when you go out to eat (your friends may look at you funny, but deep down they’ll be impressed). When a restaurant serves you food in a non-recyclable container, let the manager know you’d like to see them use something more eco-friendly. Examples of recyclable to-go packaging include corrugated cardboard boxes (often with a piece of paper inside to protect the box from grease), aluminum pans with a paper lid (the paper isn’t recyclable, but the pan is), or #2 and #5 plastic tubs (great for reuse, too). You’ll find you can get a positive response when you voice your opinion to the restaurants. Two of my favorite places changed their “to go” packaging when I expressed my disappointment about Styrofoam—and I didn’t even have to pull the recycling columnist card.

Posted January 2005