Clear Clamshells

ReCo recycles clear clamshells made of polyethylene terephthalate, abbreviated as PET or PETE. These include containers for berries, other vegetables, salads, herbs, some deli items, and some egg cartons. Some municipalities in our service area offer curbside recycling for clamshells. Please review your local recycling guidelines before deciding if you need ReCo’s clamshell service.

Since not all members require clamshell service, it is offered as an add-on. To request a clamshell bag ($5 to $7), please visit the Member Dashboard Shop.

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

• • Symbol: has a recycle symbol #1
  • Color/Flex: clear and smooth with a very slight flex
  • Sound: distinct crinkly sound when squeezed

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 the clamshells in the provided blue 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 clamshell design takeout containers.

Where does the material go? Clamshells will primarily be recycled. We occasionally have opportunities to distribute clamshells to produce growers at local markets, but given the volume of clamshells, most will be recycled.

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

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