Can you recycle paper plates if they have food residue on them?

Question

We are remodeling our kitchen which means no sink or dishwasher for a few months. We will use paper plates and it sickens me to think of the environmental impact. I would love to recycle them in my omni-recycle bin that the city picks up, but not if they aren't "recyclable" (for example, I had been recycling milk cartons for years until I realized they were coated in wax and the city doesn't want them). Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

First of all, no, we don't recycle toilet paper, toilet paper is made from recycled paper.  Second, no need to wipe down your paper plate either.  Discard bones and large food items into your compost/disposal then place the plates in your bin.  Paper actually gets shredded, then soaked and turned into liquid pulp to make more paper, so the food remnants are no problem.

Good call on the wax coated milk cartons.  You are right that those are not wanted.

Answer 2

It depends on your city.  In my city, no food stained products are recyclable.  You can check www.earth911.org and check to see the recycling restrictions in your area.  If you find out they are not recyclable, you could buy recycled paper plates, which I have seen at the grocery store recently.  Then you are at least buying 100% recycled paper.

Answer 3

i should imagine so because think about it toilet paper is recycled horrible thought really so i presume that paper plates with a few food stains on would pass as to being recycled wouldnt you

Answer 4

Wipe the plates with a damp towel.

Then recycle..

For the hard of understanding I am presuming that "Recycle" means placing in a paper / cardboard bank etc

Good on you

Answer 5

you can in my city because the paper plates are composted, along with the food.

Answer 6

I do not have the absolute answer but if it is possible for plastic drinking cups why not used paper plates!