How to recycle #5 plastic containers

If you are at all like me, part of your recycling routine involves tipping over plastic containers, holding them up to the light, squinting and looking for the number symbol to determine if you can recycle it.

For us here, our recycling takes "1" and "2" containers.  But none of the others. 

And as soon as you start looking, you realize there are a lot of "5" containers out there.  These include takeout containers, yogurts, hummus, sour cream, and even medicine bottles.

That was just the question Anne asked on Twitter awhile ago.  She wondered why you couldn't recycle #5 containers.  

Well the answer is, you can!

I am pleased to share with you details on a program created by Preserve called "Gimme 5."  This recycling program is hosted at several Whole Foods locations across the country.

And even if your recycling accepts #5 items, I encourage you to call them and find out what they do with those items.  According to the Preserve web site, while some communities "accept" number 5 containers in their collections, those are often actually just bundled with other low value plastics and sold to be burned for energy.  Not cool.

So how do you do it?  It's easy.

1. Collect any and all plastics that are stamped with the #5 symbol.
2. Rinse them out.
3. Remove any labels as paper can be a contaminant in the recycling process.
4. Head to your local Whole Foods store and look for the "Preserve Gimme 5" bin.
5. Drop them off.

Best part?  Preserve products are then recycled here in the United States and turned into new products including toothbrushes and razors

heavyweight reusable plates and bowls

and kitchen accessories like nesting bowls, colanders, containers and measuring cups.

These products can be purchased (and are really quite reasonably priced) online or in several stores including Whole Foods, Target and Trader Joe's.
And...oh yeah, it gets better.  When you are done with those toothbrushes and razors?  You print off a pre-paid mailing label, package them up and mail them back!

What else do you wish you could recycle?  Or have always wondered about?


*This is an uncompensated post.  Just writing it cause I think it's cool.  The post does contain affiliate links.