The new golden rule to remember with plastic bottles: “Empty and replace cap.”
But one rule you’ve probably been following isn’t necessaryor even helpful to the environment.
“The cap material is recyclable.
Photo:Meg MacDonald
Why dispose of something that could be recycled?”
In the past, the plastics recycling industry was not able to recycle bottles with caps still on.
During that time, messaging went out that people should remove the caps to ensure the bottle got recycled.
So recycling the caps could actually do your local recycling plant a big favor.
Additionally, the APR is changing its tune on flattening bottles.
It noted that when a bottle is flattened, it can accidentally be sorted into the paper stream instead.
“APR’s primary message is EMPTY AND REPLACE CAP,” the group said.
Retaining a 3D form can help containers be successfully sorted."
Ideally, you’re usingreusable water bottlesand metal straws.
Contact your local recycling facility to ensure they have the right equipment to process the caps and bottles.
If they don’t, ask for their preferred method of sorting and follow that instead.
