Pound Cake Plastic Clam Shell
Question:
When you emailed me about my Nutter Butter cookies plastic tray, you said #1 PET plastic (water, pop bottles) are recyclable. This grocery store plastic clam shell does have a #1 in the recycling triangle, but it says PETE not PET. Is there a difference? Also, your earlier response said “water, pop bottles” after #1 PET. Was that just an example or are those the only #1 items that are recyclable in Elgin? Finally, the stickers placed on the plastic clam shell are impossible to remove. Does that mean I cannot recycle it?
City of Elgin’s Answer:
1.Is there a difference in #1 PET and #1 PETE?
There is no difference from a commodity or recovery standpoint. PETE is just a different grade of PET that is more dense. If the plastic item is made of type #1, it can be recycled.
2. Are plastic clam shell cases recyclable (such as those used to package bakery items at a grocery store)?
Yes, as long as they are not made of #6 (it should be clearly marked as plastic type #1, #2, 4 or 5).
3. What are examples of #1 PET, in addition to water, pop bottles?
#1 PET is not limited to just water and pop bottles. Other examples of items commonly made with type #1 plastic includes cooking oil containers, some aspirin bottles, most clamshells, mouthwash bottles, and condiment bottles.
4. The stickers on this clam shell grocery store container are impossible to remove. Does that mean I cannot recycle it?
The clam shell grocery container can be recycled as long as it is clearly marked as plastic type #1, #2, 4 or 5, and it is free of food residue.
Kane County recently released its Green Guide 2024, that maybe worth reviewing if you haven’t already. Link can be found in the first paragraph on the City’s garbage and recycling page: https://cityofelgin.org/111/Garbage-Recycling
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You are invited to participate in The Elgin Watchman’s “To Recycle Or Not To Recycle?” community project for 2024 Elgin Earth Month. It is easy to do, and only takes you a few minutes. Everything is explained in our inaugural blog post. CLICK HERE to learn how.
