Recycle When Attached to Plastic Bottles
It’s OK to recycle caps as long as they are still attached to their original plastic containers. If the cap is from a glass container, throw it in the garbage.
Throw Away Loose Caps
Loose plastic caps cannot be recycled. They are too small for recycling equipment to separate out and recycle with other hard plastics.
Not Infinitely Recyclable
Plastic isn’t infinitely recyclable in the same way that glass and metal are. Its quality declines each time it’s recycled, so new plastic needs to be added in order to keep recycling it.
Ways to Reduce
Opt for Reusable Containers
Most plastic is made directly from oil and natural gas, not recycled plastic. When plastic does get recycled, it is often into products that are no longer recyclable. Metal and glass, which are durable and can be recycled infinitely, are always a better container choice.
Choose Glass or Aluminum
Glass and aluminum are both more recyclable than plastic. If buying something in a single-use container, opt for glass or aluminum whenever possible.
