Plastic Bottles and Jugs

In Cuyahoga County, all communities can include plastic bottles or jugs in curbside recycling. Plastic bottles and jugs must be empty, clean, and dry before recycling.

Bottles and jugs should be emptied and rinsed. Drain any excess liquid, replace the cap, then recycle. Remove and discard spray nozzles and pumps in the trash.

General examples of plastic bottles and jugs are listed below. The bottle should have a neck opening and a diameter of 2" or more: 

• Water, beverage, and soda bottles;
• Condiment, sauce, and salad dressing bottles;
• Mayonnaise and peanut butter jars. 
• Shampoo, body wash, self-care products, and hand soap bottles (no spray nozzles or pumps); 
• Over-the-counter (OTC) vitamins, wellness products, and solid white larger-supply (i.e., 90-day) pharmaceutical bottles; 
• Laundry detergent jugs, fabric softener, and bleach bottles.

Learn about managing prescription (Rx) medication bottles on our medications page. Do not place prescription medication bottles or caps in curbside recycling.

Containers for hazardous materials (motor oil, pesticides, fertilizer) may have residue and should be placed in the trash, not recycling, for proper disposal.

What about other plastics? Can all plastics be recycled?

Some communities can also include clear plastic clamshells, plastic tubs, and plastic to-go cups in recycling. See details about managing other plastic, like restaurant takeout containers.

See recycling information for your community by allowing location services or using the green ‘Select a City’ drop-down at the top of every page and clicking ‘See Details.’

What about those numbers on plastic containers? Does that mean the container is recyclable?
The numbers on plastic containers are resin identification codes used by the plastics industry to identify the type of resin used to make the container. All plastic containers have a code but that does not mean the item is recyclable. Developed by the plastics industry, the codes were never intended to be a consumer communications tool.

Why is recycling plastic so challenging?

There is an abundance of plastic packaging in our society today. Currently, about 9% of it can be recycled. This is due to limited markets for recycled plastic - not all manufacturers produce packaging from recycled plastic - and the complexities of sorting, processing, and recycling the various kinds of plastic. 

Plastic is a synthetic (man-made) material. Most plastic material is a derivative of crude oil and natural gas, which are non-renewable resources. Plastic products are often a polymer resin mixed with a blend of additives.

Plastic products are created through thermoforming and blow molding. Earth911 explains the differences between the processes including how they are chemically different and melt at different temperatures, and how that affects recyclability.

Most plastic placed in curbside recycling bins is downcycled. This means it is turned into lower-quality products such as fibers for clothing, carpeting, polyfill in pillows, winter coats, and other goods. Only a small percentage is recycled into new bottles and containers. Read more about downcycling.

NPR published a project in 2019 that explains plastic recycling.

What are our alternatives?

We can choose to reduce our consumption of single-use plastic. Small changes add less plastic waste to our landfills and our environment. Consider these ideas for reducing waste.

Until there is a major shift in the demand for recycled plastic and more sensible packaging design, consumers are limited in our recycling options. 

---

Looking to recycle, donate, or dispose of other items? Use the dark blue 'What Do I Do With?' search bar at the top of every page of this website. Allow location services or use the city drop-down to find opportunities in your local area.