When I was breaking down an empty detergent box the other day, I stopped to look at the scoop before throwing it out. It was labeled as a #1 plastic, which means it’s recyclable here in the Lowcountry. In fact, it’s RPET, which is already recycled polyethylene terephthalate. Using RPET products supports the market FOR recycled goods, which keeps local recycling programs in business. For example, Charleston County Recycling was able to begin collecting paperboard last February because they found a buyer for it. This vendor bought it because there’s a need for products made from it. And that’s where we come in…we buy those products and create the need. Whew…I’m dizzy.

I have to admit…out of all of the items I’ve features in this series, this one might be the least surprising. But still - how many of these little everyday objects do you find that don’t have one of those magic numbers (#1 and #2) emblazoned in the plastic. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised since it was a responsibility-focused product from Seventh Generation, but I can’t help it. All this stuff should be recycled…we can do better.

Previously on Surprising Recyclables:

• Wet Floor Sign
• Cable Bag
• Watering Can
  
• Recycling Bin
  
• Paint Bucket
• Target Cart
  
• Milk Crate
• Little Tikes Wagon