Plastics recycling guidelines
Plastics numbered 1–7 can now be recycled in most curbside programs and at drop-off recycling centers throughout the Kansas City metro area. These numbers are the resin codes that appear in the “chasing arrow” symbol usually on the bottom of the container. These plastics include most food and beverage containers and exclude most other types of plastics.
Always call your hauler or recycling center first to confirm the types of plastics they accept.
Please empty and rinse all containers, flatten large plastic bottles, and remove (but recycle) plastic caps, lids and lid rings.
Now accepted
Number |
Types |
|---|---|
1 |
Bottles (soft drink, water, etc.) Jars (peanut butter, mayonnaise, etc.) Food cartons (fruit, vegetables, etc.) Takeout containers & microwave food trays |
2 |
Bottles (milk, detergent, etc.) Tubs (yogurt, margarine, etc.) |
3 |
Blister packs and clamshell packaging (clear plastic used to protect toys, electronics, personal care products and household goods, etc.) |
4 |
Bottles (honey, mustard, etc.) Lids & caps |
5 |
Bottles (catsup, syrup, etc.) Tubs (yogurt, margarine, deli containers, food storage, etc.) Lids & caps Takeout containers & microwave food trays |
6 |
Rigid polystyrene food & takeout containers (non-foamed) |
7 |
Bottles (citrus juice, catsup, etc.) Snack canisters |
Not accepted:
- Any plastic item that does not have numbers 1 - 7 printed on it
- Styrofoam™, white or colored (takeout cartons, packing peanuts, egg cartons, plates, cups, bowls, blocks, sheets, etc.)
- Plastic bags (grocery, dry cleaning, potato chip, food storage bags, etc.)
- Disposable plates, cups and utensils
- Medical & personal hygiene items (prescription bottles, syringes, diapers, and other sanitary products)
- Hazardous substance containers (automotive fluids, lawn and garden products, paint containers, etc.)
- Building materials (PVC pipe, light fixtures, vinyl siding, etc.)
- Sheet material (stretch wrap, cellophane, six pack rings, bubble wrap, shower curtains, drop cloths, etc.)
- Electronic media (VHS tapes, audio tapes, CDs, DVDs, floppy disks, etc.)
- Toys and outdoor play sets (swing sets, jungle gyms, riding toys, sandboxes, etc.)
- Plastic planting pots
Exceptions:
- Some plastic building materials are accepted for reuse at Habitat for Humanity ReStores: Missouri: www.restorekc.org; Kansas: www.heartlandhabitat.org/restore.
- Plastic shopping bags are accepted at a number of grocery and retails stores.
- White Styrofoam™ blocks & peanuts are accepted at ACH Foam Technologies in Kansas City, Kans. (913) 321-4114. All items must be clean and placed in bags.
- Electronic media are accepted at several local electronics recycling organizations.
- Toys & outdoor play sets in good condition are accepted at thrift stores.
- Plastic planting pots are accepted at select area nurseries.
