How to Recycle Polycarbonate Plastic

Plastics, unlike glass, get sorted by the resin they're made of, rather than by color. Most recyclable plastics have a chasing arrows symbol with a number in the middle of it. Usually this symbol is stamped on the bottom of the item. Polycarbonate gets classified as #7 for "other." The method for recycling polycarbonate plastic depends on the recycling options available in your area. The EPA and Earth911 websites offer information on plastic recycling locations

Things You'll Need

• Trash can or rack of bins for recycling
• Paper bags

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Instructions

• 1

  Locate the recycling symbol on the bottom of the polycarbonate container to verify that it's a #7 recyclable container. Some recycling facilities accept baby bottles, CDs and other polycarbonate items.

• 2

  Refer to the list of acceptable recyclables from the curbside recycling program or nearby recycling facility. Call the waste collection agency if you don't have a list. If curbside recycling isn't available to you, call a recycling facility or the county dump for more information.

• 3

  Rinse the polycarbonate plastic in warm water to remove any residue. This is required by most recycling facilities and will also prevent odors in your indoor and outdoor recycling bins.

• 4

  Include the polycarbonate items with the rest of the recycling if it's an acceptable item for the curbside recycling program. Alternatively, to save time at a drop-off or recycling facility, separate the polycarbonate items into paper bags and write #7 on the paper bags so they're ready to put in the appropriate container.