Recycling Update! You can Recycle ALL Plastics in Philadelphia!

Good news for Philadelphia!

You no longer have to worry about asking me what you can & can’t recycle checking those pesky numbers on your plastics containers – they’re ALL recyclable (which just started August 1st).

Here’s what you can recycle:

Recycle All Plastic Containers! (Courtesy from the Philly Streets Dept website)

You’ve been recycling plastic containers marked:
#1: Soda, water bottles
#2: Milk jugs, detergents, shampoo bottles

Now you can add:
#3: Rigid plastic containers and juice bottles
#4: Plastic tubs and lids from butter, margarine or similar products
#5: Yogurt containers and deli trays
#6: Plastic cups, plates and to-go containers
#7: Many mixed plastic containers and plastic products

What plastics you still can’t recycle:

• Styrofoam, plastic bags, PVC pipe, packing inserts or “peanuts.”

Remember to rinse your containers out & take off the caps!

Confused about what, when or how to recycle?  Read more on the Streets Recycling Section.

I think this news makes me the happiest girl in Philadelphia.

Posted by Julie

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher