PVC is a recyclable type of plastic, but it is also one of the most difficult plastic variants to recycle. As a result, many facilities will not accept it or may require a minimum amount. Reach out to your waste hauler or area recycling facility to ask about restrictions.

Bulk Plastic Disposal Tips

Q: Which plastics cannot be recycled?

Thermoset plastics, like plastic wrap, grocery bags and food storage bags, can’t be recycled. This is because they are created by cross-linked polymers that prevent melting in heat.

Q: Which plastics can be recycled?

Thermoplastics are the most commonly recycled plastics. These include things like water bottles, food jars, plastic pallets and milk jugs.

Q: How do I get rid of bulk plastic waste?

The most common ways to dispose of bulk plastic waste are recycling and selling. However, renting a dumpster is also a common method for contractors and business owners. Reach out to our knowledgeable staff to see how we can help handle your plastic waste.

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A Simple Plastic Waste Disposal Guide

Plastic is one of the most prevalent materials in the world. From PVC pipes for plumbing to plastic pallets and shrink wrap for product shipping, if you’re in a building there probably is some form of plastic within sight.

The question, though, is how do you get rid of bulk plastic? How do you dispose of the pvc pipe when you replace kitchen plumbing? Where do you take the plastic pallets so they don’t pile up on your jobsite? From the worksite to the homestead, we’ll provide the best disposal and recycling options available.

3 Ways to Dispose of Bulk Plastic

1. Consider Recycling

It’s no secret that plastic is one of the most recycled materials in the United States, with 3,090,000 tons recycled in 2018. It’s also no secret that plastic recycling causes some of the most confusion. What number plastic can be recycled? Does my plastic need to be completely cleaned beforehand? Is it true that plastic bags and plastic wrap can’t be recycled?

The simple answer is that most plastic is indeed recyclable. The unfortunate fact is that not all areas have the facilities available to handle all plastic types. As a result, it’s easiest to remember that thermoplastics — items like soda bottles, plastic pallets and microwave food trays — are usually accepted at most recycling facilities. Thermoset plastics — like plastic wrap, food storage bags and grocery bags — are not.

Man examining different new paint cans in store aisle.

The key to recycling plastic is to check your local regulations. For homeowners, that means reaching out to your curbside collection company. For contractors, check with your waste hauling company to see what facilities in the area are capable of.

Is My Plastic Recyclable?

	Can Recycle	Cannot Recycle
Bottles	X
Food jars	X
Milk jugs	X
PVC pipes	X
Flooring		X
Plastic bags		X
Plastic wrap		X
Plastic pallets	X
Plastic cutlery	X
Packaging/Buble wrap		X

Cans of used paint sitting outside on concrete.

2. Sell Your Bulk Plastic

While it’s not really an option for just a handful of Coke bottles, selling plastic — including non-recyclable plastic — can be done in bulk quantities. For homeowners, consider reaching out to your local recycling facility to see what restrictions they may have, including how much of a material you need before they would consider purchasing. For contractors, work with your waste hauling company to see what waste diversion and rebate programs are available in your area, or consider finding your best plastic resale option on a site like Scrap Management.

3. Rent a Dumpster

Whether you have a lot of plastic to toss or it’s just part of an overall waste removal situation, renting a dumpster is often your best option. We’ll bring a bin right to your home or worksite, making it a convenient solution. Just load the dumpster and let us know when you’re ready for us to haul it away — no driving back and forth to the recycling facility or landfill required.

Click one of the buttons below for more information on dumpster rentals for your specific needs.

Roll-off dumpster being unloaded from truck.

Bulk plastic disposal on the jobsite is easy with our team on your side. In addition to supplying a full suite of jobsite essentials for any project nationwide, our certified LEED Green Associates will help you hit your waste diversion goals and find any recycling rebates for your plastic.