Let’s talk plastics. I get a lot of questions about Ridwell and “clamshell” containers (the ones that hold berries, salad mix, and tomatoes). Recycling guidelines can seem confusing and arbitrary, so here’s some information to help clarify and explain.
Not all plastics are created equal. The number you often see is a “resin code” so recyclers can tell what type of plastic the item is made of. Only plastic bottles, tubs, buckets, or jugs—empty, clean, dry, and larger than a fist—are accepted in the blue recycle cart for curbside collection. These materials have two important qualities that make them acceptable: 1) the recycling market for these plastic products is consistent and reliable, and 2) they can make it through the collection and sorting system. In contrast, clamshell containers do not have stable buyers, primarily due to the fact that when these plastics go through the sorting system, they often flatten and get sorted with the paper—what a mess!
Ridwell, a Seattle-based company, is now offering its doorstep concierge service to Portland residents starting at $12 per month. The four basic items they collect for recycling (which are not accepted in the blue recycling cart) are batteries, lightbulbs, textiles, and plastic bags and film. Ridwell collects and sorts differently and on a much smaller scale than traditional hauling companies and has found an emerging market for clamshell containers (which Ridwell accepts).
That said, many of the items Ridwell picks up for a fee can be recycled for free by simply dropping them off at stores around town, but you need to call to confirm. For example:
- Batteries and lightbulbs: Ikea, Target, Batteries+Bulbs (note that incandescent and LED can go in the garbage)
- Textiles: H&M accepts textiles in any condition for reuse or recycling, but that’s currently on hold due to COVID-19.
- Plastic bags and films: grocery stores like New Seasons, Fred Meyer, and Safeway.
A parting caveat: While recycling is always preferable to not recycling, it takes over 70 times more energy and resources to make an item in the first place than it does to recycle it. Thus reducing purchases of single-use items (or not making them at all) will have the greatest positive environmental impact in the long run.
Comments or questions? Send them to Liz (elizabeth.ann.erickson@gmail.com).