Please check every item for the symbol, color, and flex:

• • Symbol: Has a recycling symbol #5. Sometimes, it may also have the abbreviation “PP” underneath or beside the symbol. Check both the container and the lid for this symbol. If only one part has the symbol, only include that part.
  • Color: #5 plastics are rigid and lightweight. They can be translucent (not clear) and are usually colored.
  • Flex: #5 tends to be more rigid than some other plastics but will have some give under pressure, more so than polystyrene (symbol #6) but less than polyethylene (symbols #1 and #2).

Preparation: 

• • Remove any food debris
  • Materials should be clean and dry, but not necessarily spotless
  • Stickers and labels are OK to keep on! These are washed off in the recycling process
  • Place #5 in the provided Green bag

To prevent contamination, avoid these common material mistakes:

• • #3 PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is used for clear bottles but is less rigid and not commonly recycled.
    #2 HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is used for milk jugs and detergent bottles, which are opaque rather than clear.
    #6 PS (polystyrene) is often used in takeout containers.

How does ReCo recycle #5 plastic? 

The ReCollective partners with Orange Recycling Services to responsibly recycle #5 plastic. ORS is a commercial recycling company, locally owned and operated for over 34 years in Durham, and serves the entire Triangle.