More plastics can now be recycled

Effective immediately, Spokane-area residents who have curbside recycling service available can place colored No. 2 (HDPE) plastic bottles and jars (no tubs or dishes) in their blue recycling bins. Previously, only clear and translucent white No. 2 containers were accepted for curbside pickup. This change is the result of improvements in sorting capacity by area recycling centers.

To determine the type of plastic, turn the container over and look for the triangle with a number from one to seven inside. Called the “resin identification code,” each number stands for a different type of plastic.

Nos. 1 and 2 plastic bottles and jars are acceptable but must have necks that are smaller than their bases. Water and soft drink bottles are examples of No. 1 plastic containers. No. 2 plastic is frequently used for milk, bleach, detergent and shampoo containers. The No. 1 and No. 2 bottles and jars should be rinsed and the lids discarded before being placed in the curbside bin, but labels do not have to be removed.

Nos. 3 through 7 plastics and containers that have been used for automotive products, such as oil, antifreeze or pesticides, are not accepted and should be put in a garbage cart.

For more information call the Recycling Hot Line at (509) 625-6800 or visit www.solidwaste.org.