Can I Put Plastic Plant Pots in My Recycling Bin?

Many people wonder whether or not they can recycle plastic plant pots. The short answer is that it depends on where you live and what type of plastic your plant pots are made of. In some areas, plastic plant pots are accepted in curbside recycling programs, while in others they are not. Here's what you need to know:

Check with Your Local Recycling Program

The first step in determining whether you can recycle plastic plant pots in your area is to check with your local recycling program. You can usually find information about what can and cannot be recycled on their website or by calling their office. Some recycling programs accept all types of plastic plant pots, while others only accept certain types of plastic or none at all. It's important to know what your recycling program accepts before putting your plastic plant pots in the recycling bin.

Know the Type of Plastic

Not all plastic plant pots are created equal. Some are made of sturdy, durable plastic that can be recycled, while others are made of flimsy plastic that cannot be recycled. Look for a recycling symbol on the bottom of your plant pot. The symbol will tell you what type of plastic it is made of. Plastics with the recycling symbols #1, #2, #4, and #5 are the most widely accepted for recycling. Plastics with symbols #3, #6, and #7 are less commonly recycled, but some recycling programs may accept them. If your plastic plant pots do not have a recycling symbol on them, it's safest to assume that they cannot be recycled.

Clean and Prepare the Plant Pots

Before placing plastic plant pots in the recycling bin, it's important to clean them out and prepare them for recycling. Remove any soil, plant debris, or labels from the pots. Rinse them out with water and let them dry completely. If the pots are too large to fit in your recycling bin, you may need to break them down into smaller pieces. Most recycling programs prefer that you leave the plastic plant pots whole, but if they are too large, breaking them down is acceptable.

Consider Reusing or Donating Your Plant Pots

One alternative to recycling plastic plant pots is to reuse them in your own garden or donate them to someone else who can use them. Many garden centers and nurseries will also accept used plant pots for reuse. If you don't have a use for your plant pots, consider donating them to a community garden or other local organization that can put them to good use.

The Bottom Line

Whether or not you can recycle plastic plant pots depends on where you live and what type of plastic the pots are made of. Check with your local recycling program to see what they accept and make sure to clean and prepare the pots before placing them in the recycling bin. If your recycling program does not accept plastic plant pots, consider reusing or donating them to someone who can use them instead of throwing them in the trash.