Plastic Tub Recycling Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing?
Residents and businesses can now recycle more plastics. Thanks to a grant from the Recycling Partnership, Rumpke is now able to accept plastic tubs as part of its recycling program.
What is considered a tub?
Containers for butter, sour cream cottage cheese, yogurt, Jello and fruit slices would fall into the tub category. Items must be both tub-shaped AND #5 (polypropylene).
Are all #5 polypropylene plastics accepted?
No. At this time, Rumpke is only adding polypropylene tubs to its acceptable items list.
Are coffee pods accepted?
While pods are shaped like tubs, their size, color and cleanliness still pose an issue and aren’t accepted at this time.
Are plastic cups accepted?
In February 2022, Rumpke announced it will now accept disposable paper, plastic, and aluminum cups in its recycling programs.* Styrofoam and polystyrene (#6) cups will not be accepted. Follow this link for frequently asked questions about cups
Are the lids to these containers OK?
Yes. Like with bottles and jugs, Rumpke will accept the lids to tubs. Please place lid on empty container.
Do these containers need to be prepared a certain way to recycle?
Like with other items accepted in Rumpke’s recycling program, tubs should be empty, clean and dry. These items should be placed in recycling containers loose.
How clean do tubs need to be?
Items don’t need to be washed, but please rinse.
Can I nestle the tubs together?
To ensure the tubs are recovered in the recycling process, they need to be loose. Please don’t place containers inside of other containers.
What do the tubs become when recycled?
Rumpke has established several long-term end markets for the plastic tubs. The vast majority are located in the Midwest. Tubs will be recycled into new containers.
Why are we able to recycle tubs now?
There have been many recent innovations in plastic recycling. Previous challenges with polypropylene recycling included color and smell issues. In recent years, manufacturers have partnered with end users and recycling centers to develop ways to overcome these challenges and establish long-term uses for these materials.