The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Bureau of Recycling and Planning would like to remind citizens to check the numbers on their plastic products before disposing of them. Plastics marked with the numbers #1, #2And #5 can only be recycled at the curbside. Plastics marked with #5 are only accepted for curbside recycling in Berkeley Heights, Clark, Fanwood, Garwood, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield and Summit. Plastics with numbers #3, #4, #6And #7 should not be disposed of in the recycling bins at the curb.
“Our county has made significant progress in improving its recycling efforts over the years. However, we understand there may still be confusion about which plastics can be recycled curbside. By implementing clearer and easily accessible guidelines, we hope to effectively communicate and facilitate plastic recycling for all residents in the future,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chair Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “If you have any questions or are unsure if your item can be recycled, please contact our Recycling and Planning Office for assistance.”
The following plastics can be recycled in your garbage bin:
# 1 – PET or PETE (Polyethylene terephthalate) – clear, rigid plastic such as:
- Soda bottles, water bottles, salad dressing, mouthwash, etc.
#2 – HDPE (High density polyethylene) – ordinary white or colored plastic such as:
- Milk containers, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, juice bottles,
# 5 – PP (Polypropylene) – hard but flexible plastic such as:
- Yoghurt containers, sour cream containers, margarine/butter containers, medicine bottles,
There are currently seven common types of plastic in circulation, numbered 1 through 7, and not all of them can be recycled curbside or at all. Always check the product or product packaging before disposing of your plastics. It also helps if containers are rinsed, dried, and as free of any food particles or residue as possible.
For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all recycling programs and locations in Union County, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
