Recyclability Reference

This reference chart is a general summary of our Recyclability Reference Chart, which shows the recyclability of different packaging types in the United States. For more information, please contact us.

Recyclability Reference Summary

Material Widely Recycled

At least 60 percent of the U.S. population has access to recycling this package type at either curbside or at drop-off locations.

 Limited Recycling

Between 20-60 percent of the U.S. population has access to recycling this package type.

 Not Yet Recycled

Less than 20 percent of the U.S. population currently has access to recycling this package type, or this material is a contaminant to common recycling systems.

 Store Drop Off

At least 60 percent of the U.S. population has access to Store Drop-off locations (primarily grocery retailers) for this package type.
Glass
  • Bottles & Jars
Metal
  • Cans
  • Lids & Trays
  • Aerosols
  • Peel-off Foil Seals
Paper & Corrugated
  • All Paper and Corrugated Packaging
  • Laminated or Waxed
Plastics
  • Bottles & Jars
  • Cups, Tubs, Trays, Lids, Clamshells
  • Films, Wrap, Pouches, Tubes
  • Biodegradable Plastics
  • Certain Bags, Films and Wraps*
Composite Materials
  • Liquid food & beverage cartons
  • Multi-layer packaging, Chip bags

 

*Plastic Bags, films & wraps

Opportunities for recycling plastic bags and film are available at most grocery and many other retail stores. This “Store Drop-off” label may be used instead of the Not Yet Recycled designation for these packages if the following criteria are met:

  • HDPE (#2) or LDPE (#4) only (no hard plastic or string handles)
  • Non-metalized
  • No degradable additives
  • No bio-based or compostable bags
  • No paper labels
  • No food or cling wrap, pre-packaged food bags (e.g., frozen food bags, prewashed salad bags), or heavily printed film (more than 5% by weight)
  • Must include “Recycle if Clean & Dry” message

Please reference www.plasticbagrecycling.org for additional information.