Date: April 2, 2009
Community and Government Affairs
City of Lake Forest Park
Phone: 206-368-5440
News Release
About Recycling
Recycling survey results
Recently, the City conducted a survey of 170 residents to “test” their recycling knowledge. As a result of the survey, it became apparent that there is still a lot of confusion regarding which types of plastics are recyclable. Here is a plastic recycling guide to help.
Plastic items that ARE recyclable
- plastic bottles (no caps, empty)
- plastic jugs -- such as milk jugs (no caps, empty)
- plastic dairy tubs (no lids)
- plastic bags (bagged in one bag and tied)
Not all plastic items that have a recycle symbol on the bottom of it are recyclable
All plastics, even Styrofoam, have a recycle symbol on the bottom with a number in it. This DOES NOT mean it is recyclable. The number inside the recycle symbol indicates the types of chemicals that make up the plastic.
In the past, recycling focused on numbers and shapes of plastics. Now it is easier to ignore the numbers and only recycle plastics that are bottles, jugs, dairy tubs and plastic bags. (Remember plastic bags need to be bagged. The recycling process includes blowing air to get the lighter items out of the stream. Individual bags clog the machinery.)
Plastic items that ARE NOT recyclable
- plastic caps and lids
- straws
- plastic utensils
- clamshell containers from salad bars
- Plastic drink cups (including cold cups from coffee shops)
For more information, click on the recycling link on the City homepage or Click here. There is a complete guide to what is and is not recyclable there as well as links to websites with more information.
