A lot of cities will only accept plastic recycling numbers 1 and 2, with some starting to throw in 4, 5 and others.
Luckily for us, San Jose is on the progressive side of environmental health and collects almost all of the plastics curbside – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. That means a lot less work for us!
In regards to plastics the city asks us to do the following three things,
1) Empty and scrape all containers before recycling
2) Return clean plastic grocery bags to the grocery store, or put soiled plastic grocery bags into the garbage
3) Put Plastic number 6, scientifically known as polystyrene, but more commonly known as styrofoam, into the garbage
In summary, Place all plastic 6 and soiled plastic bags into the garbage,
- Bubble wrap
- Compact discs
- Credit cards
- Disposable diapers
- Hangers
- Hoses
- Polystyrene foam
- Pools
- Shoes
- Tarps
- Toys
- Utensils
- Soiled plastic grocery bags
Bring the following back to the grocery store,
- Clean plastic grocery bags
Finally clean and recycle all other plastics curbside,
- All other plastics marked 1,2,3,4,5 or 7
Visit San Jose City Website for full information on plastics pickup and the most up to date information.