How Do I Sort and Recycle Plastic Bottles in Massachusetts?
- 1). Collect any plastics that you think might be recyclable and place them in a large tub.
- 2). Set out two empty containers, one for recyclables and one for trash. Begin pulling out your plastic items one at a time.
- 3). Place all Styrofoam, plastic bags and microwaveable trays into the trash bin. Remove the caps from all bottles and throw them into the trash as well. Also throw away anything that is larger than two gallons and anything as small, or smaller, than a prescription bottle. Throw away anything that held toxic materials like motor oil, poison, paint or other chemicals. The recycling plants in Massachusetts cannot process these materials.
- 4). Sort all water and soft drink bottles into the bin for recyclables. Include any bottles that were used for food or drink, as well as bottles from cleaning products and household items. Your toiletry containers, like hairspray and shampoo bottles, are recyclable as well. See the link in the resources section of this article for a complete list of the items you can recycle in the state of Massachusetts.
- 5). Rinse out all of these recyclable containers with clean water. It is not necessary to get the bottles completely clean. Dump out old liquid or food and rinse quickly in the sink.
- 6). Place your cleaned and sorted materials in your recycling container and place it on the curb on the designated day. Contact your city's waste management company to determine your scheduled day for recycling. You can also let them know if you do not already have a recycling can. If your home is not eligible for recycling pick-up, find a registered recycling center through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. A link to their site is provided in the resources section of this article.
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