Can recycling packaging from restaurants to help the planet? Many of us already know that we need to recycle, but most of us do not know just how much. Food packaging is one area that tends to be overlooked when it comes to recycling. Plastic plates, cups and condiments are used every day and often end up sitting in a corner gathering dust, until someone decides to toss them. If everyone just threw their plastic plates and containers into a pile, then hundreds of thousands of tons of used products would go un recycled.
Plastic packaging from restaurant companies can be reused, recycled or broken down for materials like food colorants. Packaging firms are required by law to keep a certain amount of such material away from the general public, but that is only the case if they are dealing with food-grade plastic. Those that are made of other, lower quality plastic can and will be disposed of. Restaurant packaging should also be kept clean of any visible dirt or debris. This means using tongs to pick up and put away the trash, especially plastic, and ensuring all packages are properly sealed when they are received at the door.
What can you do to ensure you are doing your part to save the planet? Recycling plastic from the restaurant can be easier than you think. Many catering services are able to purchase the plastics that can be recycled directly from manufacturers and refiners. This way, the plastics go directly to the recycling facility instead of having them picked up from a store. It is also important that the restaurant recycling company you choose takes all reasonable steps to ensure all materials are properly recycled.
Some companies may only offer to recycle plastic from restaurants that source their own food, so it is important to shop around. You may be able to find a company that recycles paper as well as plastic. It is also important to ask if they have recycling bins for glass as well as paper.
If you have paper waste, it is important to segregate by type. Dispose of food waste in the recycling bin and take plastic containers out to the recycling facility. Food items such as cardboard can be tossed in a recycling bin. Glass can be taken to a recycling bin but only if it is broken or damaged. Items that are in a perfect condition but no longer breakable such as plates and tableware may be thrown in the regular trash.
One great option is a recycling bin that can be attached to a kitchen door. These bins are a great way to store recyclables without the mess of separate composting containers or a separate recycling bin. They are a great solution if you need a place to put recyclables right away. The recycling bin can be locked so that it cannot be opened from the outside, or they can be left just be open for collection. This will make it easy to get the recycling.
Some recycling programs offer a service where customers can mail their unused, broken, or unused plastics to them. There are even services that will pick up your recycling and dispose of it at the local recycling facility. There are recycling bins for plastics, glass, aluminum cans, paper, tin cans, and many other recyclable materials. Restaurants can also use recycling bins that hold grease, paper products, and napkins.
It is important to know what type of recycling packaging is acceptable in your restaurant. If you do not already recycle, you should consider doing so. This will help you comply with all regulations and laws, and also show customers that you are concerned about the environment. Remember, recycling is easy, it’s convenient, and it can help you build a better reputation with local, state, and federal government agencies. The time is now to start recycling and let your restaurant is a leader in the area of recycling!