This week’s challenge is to find and avoid “hidden” plastics, such as plastic-coated plates and cups, take-out containers, and polystyrene foam (commonly called Styrofoam). Why are we doing this challenge? Because these hidden plastics are hard to identify and are rarely recyclable or compostable, but often end up in those streams -- with harmful results!

A major drawback of many hidden plastics is that they are mixed materials, which usually makes them not recyclable and not compostable …but it’s often hard to know!

A tale of two take-out boxes A prime example of a hidden plastic is the brown paper take-out box often found at salad bars. Have you ever used one and thought it might be recyclable because it is made of paper? Like most paper plates and cups, these boxes are coated with plastic to make them leak-proof, and they are generally not recyclable or compostable . Here’s where it gets tricky... There is a line of brown take-out boxes that uses a plant-based coating, making them compostable. These boxes look identical to the non-recyclable, non-compostable paperboard boxes that are lined with plastic . To know if your take-out box is compostable, look for the “compostable” label that is certified by Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), or text that says the box is commercially compostable. If you aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to follow this rule: When in doubt, throw it out.

When plastic-coated take-out boxes, plates, cups, frozen food boxes, and other items are mistakenly put in a compost bin , the plastic lining breaks down into microplastics, which contaminate the compost and the soil the compost is applied to. They can even reach groundwater or nearby rivers, lakes, and streams. Watch out for labels like “eco-friendly,” “green,” or “biodegradable. ” These labels do not mean the item is recyclable or compostable. Make sure items are certified by BPI or another a trustworthy source before tossing it in a compost bin.

Hidden plastics can also dirty-up the recycling stream. With the best of intentions, many of us have participated in “wish cycling,” or tossing an item we aren’t sure is recyclable into the recycling bin anyway, in hopes that it is. But when non-recyclable items end up in the recycling stream, it causes contamination; an overly-contaminated stream can end up in the landfill. Keep plastic-coated paper and foam items out of the recycling bin to reduce contamination and make sure the “cycle” stays in recycle.

WEEK FOUR GIVEAWAYS! Avoiding hidden plastics, including plastic-coated paper and foam take out containers, is so much easier when you have a to-go container with you! This week, we'll give away three stainless steel containers. Check your inbox tomorrow to see if you've won!

Coming up: Week 5 The Final Challenge Now that you know...what can you do? Your Week Five challenge will be delivered to your inbox on Sunday. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

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Questions? Contact us! [email protected] 303-444-6634 www.ecocycle.org

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