Plastic waste is problematic for many reasons. The City of Austin signed a global commitment in 2018 aiming to create a circular economy for plastic by rethinking how we make, use and reuse plastic.
How you can help reduce single-use plastic
- Bring your own shopping bags: Use reusable bags for both groceries and produce.
- Use bulk bins: Many allow you to bring and use your own container if you know the tare weight.
- Skip disposable cups: Bring your own mug or thermos to coffee shops.
- Avoid straws and disposable utensils: Opt for reusable alternatives when ordering drinks or take-out.
- Reuse plastic: Find multiple ways to reuse the plastic items you must use to reduce waste.
- Remember to keep plastic bags and Styrofoam out of your blue recycling cart.
- Use the What Do I Do With... tool: Find out where to properly dispose of unwanted plastic items.
- Drop off hard-to-recycle items: Schedule an appointment at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-Off Center.
How the City of Austin is reducing plastic waste
- Exploring alternatives to replace single-use plastics.
- Educating and training City staff to recycle properly, buy less and host zero waste events.
- Prioritizing sustainable purchasing to reduce plastic consumption.
- Expanding composting services at City of Austin facilities to minimize waste.
- Collecting plastic film and foam from warehouse operations for proper recycling.
What happens to your plastic after you put it in your blue cart?
Austin Resource Recovery trucks collect recycling from over 200,000 homes and transport it to a local Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for processing. At the MRF, recyclables undergo sorting by different materials using specialized equipment. The sorted materials are then baled and sold to other businesses, which transform them into new products. While some parts of the country face challenges in processing and selling recyclables, Austin's processors have assured us that we are fortunate to have steady markets.
What do Austin's plastic recyclables become?
- Plastic water bottles are recycled into other beverage bottles or can be used for polyester in products such as clothing, carpets, or backpacks.
- Milk jugs are recycled into new bottles.
- Detergent bottles are recycled into buckets, containers and flower pots.
- Shampoo bottles are recycled into flooring.
- Yogurt containers are recycled into bicycle racks and plant pots.
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