Pages in this category help users determine if the many types of plastic trash in their lives are recyclable and what to do with them.

Which plastics can be recycled

When recycling plastics, look for the number in the Recycling Symbol (usually found on the bottom of the item).  This indicates the type of plastic that they are made of.

What does the plastic resin code on plastic  mean?

Household plastics are usually marked with a number that indicates the type of plastic they’re made of. You can then use this information to determine whether or not certain plastic types are collected for recycling in their area.  If you wish to be a better recycler think beyond your standard bottles and jugs when you are deciding which items to place in the recycling bin.  A surprising amount of “nontraditional” items can also be included.  Look at anything plastic and you could be surprised where you find a #1 and a #2 (items accepted in Mercer County).

#1 and #2 plastics can go in your Mercer County curbside recycling container.

#3, 4, 6 and 7 Plastics cannot easily be recycled at the moment. Try to avoid buying these plastics or find a way to re-use them.  Check out our other plastics pages for some tips.

#5 plastics can be recycled through Preserve’s Gimme 5 program preserveproducts.com. You can drop off your #5 plastics at any Whole Foods store, or mail it to: Preserve Gimme 5, 823 NYS Rte. 13, Cortland, NY 13045. Preserve also accepts Brita filters and Burt’s Bees lip balm tubes and plastic caps.