Plastic #5 (Polypropylene)

Put in Container Recycling

Rigid #5 plastic containers such as tubs, trays and cups belong under the blue lid of a split recycling cart or in a larger cart or bin labeled “Containers Only.” They must be empty and should be scraped/rinsed if possible. Lids can be left on if they are also plastic. Removed lids belong in the garbage.

#5 plastic items that are not rigid containers belong in the garbage. 

Clean Out Containers

If a container once held food, clean and dry the container as well as you can before recycling it. Containers with food, liquids and other residues can contaminate whole batches of recycling and are often sent to a landfill.

plastic bottle caps

Keep Caps On

When recycling plastic containers with caps, leave the caps on. While caps used to be difficult to separate from containers, recycling equipment and processes have advanced, and it is much easier now to recycle the whole bottle at once. Find out more from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (PDF).

NO-microwave

Avoid Heating Plastic

Keep plastics containing food or drink out of the microwave, dishwasher and other hot places, like your car. The warmer plastic gets, the more it tends to break down, melt and release chemicals.

Did You Know?

What Items Are Made From Plastic #5?

Plastic #5 is used to make items including yogurt cups and tubs, margarine tubs, syrup bottles, plastic bottle caps, straws, food storage containers, sunglasses, plastic furniture, and car parts such as bumpers and trim.

What Plastic #5 Can Become

Plastic #5 can be recycled into battery cables and cases, brooms, brushes, bicycle racks and ice scrapers.