Do Not Recycle
Plastic tablecloths are too thin to be processed with other plastics. They can easily tangle sorting machinery, which causes lengthy delays and hazards for the sanitation workers who have to untangle them. Dispose of them as garbage.
Avoid Plastic #3
Some tablecloths are made from PVC, or plastic #3. Plastic #3 contains chemicals such as lead, DEHA and harmful dioxins. These can lead to various health risks, such as birth defects, hormone disorders and cancer. It is best for your health and the environment to avoid plastic #3.
Don’t Let Them Blow Away
Use a heavy centerpiece or a paperweight to prevent plastic tablecloths from blowing away. If they become litter in the environment, they can harm wildlife and leach toxic chemicals.
Ways to Reduce
Use Fabric Tablecloths Instead
Fabric tablecloths last much longer than plastic tablecloths and can be washed like other laundry after each use.
Ways to Reuse
Turn Into Drop Cloths
Old plastic tablecloths can be used as drop cloths for messy projects or slipcovers for items in storage.
