By
KEVIN PROFT/ecoRI.org News staff
For
recycling enthusiasts, the recyclability of container caps, lids and tops can
offer hours of stimulating conversation. For everyone else, the question of
whether to recycle these small items is just plain annoying. Regardless of how
you categorize yourself, the information below should boost your recycling IQ.
Plastic caps from plastic containers. Plastic containers usually come with a
plastic top. Contrary to popular belief, the plastic cap can be recycled as
long as it’s reattached to the plastic container from which it came. Examples:
water bottle, peanut butter jar, Dunkin’ Donuts iced-coffee cup and sour cream
container.
Orphaned plastic caps. Any loose plastic cap that has lost its container should be
placed in the trash bin.
Metal caps from glass jars. The top can be recycled as long as it’s placed in the
recycling bin separate from the jar. Examples: tops from pasta sauce jars, jam
jars, Ball canning jars (rings and discs).
Metal bottle caps from glass bottles. Small metal bottle caps can no longer be
placed in your recycling bin loose. They fall through the spaces in between
conveyor belts at the Central Landfill’s recycling facility and cause
mechanical problems. However, these bottle caps can be recycled. Place these
bottle caps in an aluminum soup can until it is half full. Then, crimp the top
of the can so that the bottle caps are trapped. Toss the crimped can in the
recycling bin. Examples: beer bottle caps, soda bottle caps, Snapple bottle
caps, wine bottle caps and olive oil bottle caps.
Metal discs from aluminum cans. Whether an aluminum can has a pop-top or requires a can
opener, the resulting metal piece can be recycled. It’s best to leave the disc
slightly hanging and folded down into the can, but if it is detached it can
still be placed in the recycling bin. Examples: soup can, tomato sauce
can, cat food can, Ball canning jar disc.
Straws should be placed
in the trash bin.
And
remember, always empty the food or drink from your container before recycling.
If you have access to a sink, give it a quick rinse.