Guides & How-To
Guides & How-To · by EarthCleanse Team · 5 min read
If you're using recyclable plastic, recycle it right — here's the 2-minute method.
First, reduce and reuse
Before recycling, remember the higher R's: buy only what you need, and reuse durable containers as many times as you can. A PP container reused fifty times beats fifty disposables. Recycling is the last step, not the first.
Know your codes
PP containers are resin #5; PET cups are #1. Both are widely accepted, but acceptance varies by area — check your local program for which numbers they take.
Recycle it right
Empty and rinse — food residue can spoil a whole batch.
Keep lids per your local rules (some want them on, some off).
Don't bag recyclables unless your program asks.
Check that #5 and #1 are accepted where you live.
What about PS and films?
PS cutlery (#6) and thin films are accepted in far fewer places — which is exactly why we're phasing PS toward birch and CPLA, and moving packaging film to compostable. When in doubt, check locally rather than 'wish-cycling'.
Key takeaways
Reduce and reuse before you recycle.
PP = #5, PET = #1 — rinse clean and check local rules.
PS and films are rarely recyclable — we're phasing them out.
Shop the post: Recyclable PP containers · PET cups · Reusable options.
Learn more: See the FAQ (Plastics & Transition) and our Reduce·Reuse·Recycle guide.
