Recycling plastic bottles that are still half full?

Question

At my work I collect the recycling from our break room. What really frustrates me is that many times the plastic bottles of soda, juice or water are not empty. Is it "e-friendly" to dump the remains down the sink or just leave the cap on the bottle? Should I pour the remaining liquids out into the grass instead?

I don't mind taking these huge bags home in my car trunk and disposing them at our curbside pickup, but what happens if they are still full?

Thanks!

e.

Answer 1

you should only recycle it if it's half empty ..everyone knows that

Answer 2

Unless what's in the bottle is toxic, I don't think there is any problem either putting it down the drain or into the grass.

Not sure what happens if you bring them into the recycling center if they are still full...

Answer 3

I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that does this.  I empty the containers before I put them in the recycle bag.  I use the water for the plants in the office.  If it is soda, juice, etc.  I dump it down the drain.

Keep up the good job!

Answer 4

really?  serious?  ahh, they get recycled just like the empty ones.....you don't actually think that each bottle gets inspected do you?

Answer 5

Most recycling facilities will not take bottles that have liquid still remaining in them.  The caps are often a different grade of plastic than the bottles so they should always be removed before adding them to the recycle pickup bin.  I usually empty the liquid contents (if water use to water grass/plants and if soda just send down drain) then I rinse out the bottle unless there was water in it.  I toss the cap and bag the plastics together so it is sorted for the pick up guy.  I don't know how big your office is but I think you should be commended for taking responsibility for this e-project at work.  If your office is small enough, perhaps you can send out an e-mail or make an announcement at staff meetings for people that wish to participate inform them that the bottles need to be empty of liquid content before recylcing.  It may save you some steps.

Answer 6

I would think it would be better to dump them out.  Makes them less heavy for you to have to carry home.  I bring home the recycling from where I work too but we sell coffee and everything is always empty.