RecycleRightNY - What's up with Single-Use Plastics?

It's hard to go anywhere today without encountering single-use plastics (SUPs). Single-use plastics have grown in popularity for their ability to provide convenience, protect food, and provide lightweight packaging options. However, plenty of confusion surrounds how to properly dispose of many single-use plastic items. Are they recyclable? If so, how? If not, why? What are the alternatives?

Help us Recycle Right NY! Just because an item is plastic or has the chasing arrows symbol, it does not always mean it can go into your household recycling bin. It is important to follow rules for your specific program to keep our recycling stream clean and of high quality.

Common SUP Items you should not put in your household recycling bin:

• Plastic Utensils
• Straws/Coffee Stirrers
• Coffee Pods
• Chip bags, candy bar wrappers and other snack packaging and wrappers
• Cling wrap
• Plastic bags
• Styrofoam
• Single-use/disposable plastic plates and cups
• Some types of takeout containers
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