Flip over a plastic container, and you're likely to see a familiar symbol. Triangular in shape, the symbol looks like three arrows "chasing" one another around a number. The symbol, and the number contained within, helps identify the type of plastic that the container is made from. It does not indicate that the container can or cannot be recycled.

The number on the bottom of a container indicates the general category of plastic it's made from, but doesn't contain any information on the details of the plastic composition. For example, although a yogurt cup may be made from #2 plastic, (the same type of material as a recyclable milk jug or bleach bottle), it contains different dyes, plasticizers, UV inhibitors, softeners, and other chemicals required to shape it into a cup. That mix of additives changes the properties of the plastic and makes it incompatible with the plastic used to make bottles.  

In the Twin Cities metro area, plastic bottles labeled with a #1 or #2 are collected curbside for recycling. As local recycling markets develop, more types of plastics, such as yogurt, margarine, cottage cheese containers and some take-out containers are being collected for recycling.

The Twin Cities recycled plastic market changes frequently, so the materials collected through residential curbside recycling programs are subject to change.

For detailed information on materials currently accepted in your area, how the materials should be sorted, and when they will be picked up, call your city recycling coordinator or your recycling service provider.

Reduction Tips

• Purchase products with the least amount of packaging.
• When shopping, look for opportunities to buy in bulk.