The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Bureau of Recycling and Planning would like to remind residents to check the numbers on their plastic products before disposing of them. Plastics labeled with the numbers #1, #2, and #5 only can be recycled 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 the numbers #3, #4, #6, and #7 should not be placed in curbside recycling bins.
“Our county has made significant progress in improving its recycling efforts over the years. However, we understand that there may still be confusion regarding which plastics can be recycled curbside. By presenting clearer and easily accessible guidelines, we hope to effectively communicate and facilitate plastic recycling for all residents going forward,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “If you have any questions or are unsure if your item can be recycled, please contact our Recycling and Planning Bureau for assistance.”
The following plastics can be recycled in your curbside 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) – common white or colored plastic such as:
- Milk containers, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, juice bottles,
# 5 – PP (Polypropylene) – hard but flexible plastic such as:
- Yogurt containers, sour cream containers, margarine/butter containers, prescription bottles,
There are currently seven common types of plastics in circulation, numbered #1 through #7, and not all of them may be recycled curbside or at all. Always check the product or product packaging before disposing of your plastics. Also, it is helpful if the containers are rinsed, dried, and as free of any food or debris as possible.
For more information, upcoming dates, and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.