Why Plastic Clamshells Are Hard to Recycle
Plastic clamshells can look nearly identical while being made from different resins. Their thin, lightweight shape can also be difficult for curbside sorting equipment to identify and separate. As a result, most Triangle municipalities do not accept plastic clamshells in curbside recycling.
Only rigid plastic clearly marked #1 PET or PETE
Check the recycling symbol on every item. Appearance alone is not enough to identify the plastic.
Accepted
- Berry, produce, salad, herb, bakery and deli clamshells marked #1
- Egg cartons made from rigid #1 PET or PETE plastic
- Clear plastic cups and rigid lids marked #1
- Other rigid plastic packaging clearly marked #1 PET or PETE
- Stickers and product labels may stay attached
Not Accepted
- Items with no visible recycling number
- Rigid plastics marked #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 or #7
- Plastic film, stretchy bags and bubble mailers
- Chip bags, pouches and other crinkly packaging
- Foam or styrofoam takeout containers
Prepare and set out the blue bag in four steps
Check the symbol
Confirm that each rigid item is marked #1 PET or PETE.
Remove food
Empty the container and give it a quick rinse when needed. It does not need to be spotless.
Stack when possible
Nest similar containers to make better use of the 13-gallon bag. Labels may stay on.
Set it out with recycling
Set the blue bag beside your regular recycling bags on any scheduled pickup you choose.
See how to fill and set out the blue bag
Watch the clamshell bag guide
A quick demonstration of what belongs in the bag and how to prepare it for pickup.
Clamshell recycling FAQs
What size is the blue bag?
Can clear plastic cups go in the bag?
Can clamshells go in the Plastic Film bag?
What should I do when I cannot find a number?
Where do the collected #1 plastics go?
Where are plastic clamshells accepted curbside?
Most Triangle curbside recycling programs do not accept plastic clamshells. Raleigh currently accepts them, while the other communities below do not.
| Community | Plastic Clamshells Accepted Curbside? |
|---|---|
| Raleigh | Yes |
| Durham | No |
| Cary | No |
| Chapel Hill | No |
| Carrboro | No |
| Hillsborough | No |
Not sure which bag to use?
Still unsure about an item?
Send us a photo of the item and its recycling symbol. We would rather help you confirm it than have the wrong plastic enter the bag.
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