North Shore Recycled Fibers

ABOUT RECYCLINGWORKS

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling assistance program designed to help businesses and institutions maximize recycling, reuse, and composting opportunities. Waste reduction activities like recycling and composting can help decrease environmental impact, save money, improve employee morale, and respond to customer demands for sustainable practices.

RecyclingWorks Experts are available to help you and your business through a wide range of services.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts can provide the tools you need to help you succeed in your efforts. Whether you’re looking to start a new program, recycle specific materials, find a service provider, or just explore waste reduction methods – RecyclingWorks is here to help you and your business become more sustainable

Have you ever wondered what happens to your recyclable materials after they leave your business? Where do they go? How are they processed? And what do they become?Explore the following pages for specific guidance on some of the most common materials from businesses and institutions. We will continue to update our site with materials information but if you would like more guidance on a material not yet listed here, please contact our Recycling Experts at info@recylingworksma.com or by calling our hotline at (888) 254-5525.

Bottles & Cans
Cardboard
Construction Materials
Electronics
Fluorescent Lamps/Light Bulbs
Food Waste
Pallets
Paper
Plastics

Types of Plastic Products and Packaging

Plastic bottlesRecyclable plastics are coded with numbers ranging from 1 to 7 which represent the type of plastic. Plastic food and beverage containers are usually categorized as number 1 or 2, but, there are many other types of recyclable plastics beyond food and beverage containers.

Plastic bags and films, like shrink wrap, are usually categorized as plastic code #4, or LDPE (Low-density polyethylene). This kind of plastic is used to manufacture grocery bags and some flexible lids and bottles. Rigid plastics like Polypropylene are typically labeled as plastic code #5, and can be found in everything from flexible and rigid packaging to fibers and large molded parts for automotive and consumer products. Other rigid plastics like PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) are typically labeled as plastic code #3 and include pipes and vinyl, as well as some plastic containers and packaging. Most plastic food and beverage containers can be recycled in a “bottles and cans” mix or single stream recycling mix, while many others need more specialized systems to be properly recycled.

Rigid plastics are a common material found in supermarkets, often in the form of icing buckets, seafood trays and pharmaceutical containers – items that have not typically been accepted in most recycling programs. However, there are options and markets for stores who want to take the next step in waste diversion and increase their recycling revenue. The Association of Postconsumer Plastics Recyclers (APR) has several resources available to supermarkets who are interested in collecting rigid plastics, including details about the different sources and how to streamline collection. For more information, videos and pictures, and information about launching a successful program, visit Recycle Grocery Rigid Plastics.