Can i mail non container plastics to be recycled bc

In the United States, the answer is generally no, you cannot mail non-container plastics to be recycled through the US Postal Service (USPS) or other mail carriers. Here's why:

  1. USPS regulations: The USPS has specific guidelines for mailing recyclable materials, and non-container plastics do not meet their criteria. According to the USPS, only materials that are specifically designed for recycling, such as paper, cardboard, and glass containers, can be mailed for recycling.
  2. Lack of infrastructure: The USPS and other mail carriers do not have the infrastructure to handle and process non-container plastics for recycling. They are designed to handle mail and packages, not recyclable materials.
  3. Contamination concerns: Non-container plastics can contaminate other recyclable materials, making them unusable. For example, if you mail a plastic bag or wrap with paper or cardboard, it can stick to the other materials and make them difficult or impossible to recycle.
  4. Sorting and processing issues: Non-container plastics require specialized sorting and processing equipment to separate them from other materials. Mail carriers do not have the equipment or expertise to handle these types of materials.

However, there are some alternatives to consider:

  1. Check with local recycling programs: Your local recycling program may accept non-container plastics, such as plastic bags, wrap, or other types of plastic packaging. Check their website or contact them directly to see if they have a specific program for collecting these materials.
  2. Participating retailers: Some retailers, like grocery stores or pharmacies, may have designated drop-off locations for plastic bags, wrap, or other types of plastic packaging. Check with your local retailers to see if they participate in such programs.
  3. Community recycling centers: Some communities have dedicated recycling centers that accept a wide range of materials, including non-container plastics. You can search online for "community recycling centers near me" to find one in your area.

Remember to always follow the guidelines and regulations set by your local recycling program or community recycling center when recycling non-container plastics.