From artist-in-residence Robin Frohardt’s recycled plastic masterpieces and the upcoming plastic bag challenge to UNC Design For America Chapter’s Design Jam on how to reduce plastic to-go cups in campus coffee shops, plastic is a hot topic.
But, are you recycling properly? Here is the insider’s scoop on how to properly dispose of three plastic items that cause confusion:
1) PLASTIC BAGS: These bags can be recycled in the Union in a special recycling collection bin next to Alpine Bagel (look for a grey bin below the large TV screens) or at your favorite grocery store. Plastic bags do NOT belong in the regular recycling bins on campus. They get caught in the sorting equipment at the recycling facility and need to be cut out by hand every couple of hours, which is dangerous for recycling workers.
2) COFFEE CUPS: Coffee cups and lids are NOT recyclable. Coffee cups are made of both paper and plastic, which makes them unrecyclable. Lids are made of a type of plastic that is not recyclable at UNC. Throw both the cups and the lids in the trash, or, better yet, bring your own reusable mug! If you’re getting your cup of Joe or soda fix at Lenoir Mainstreet, The Beach Café, or Rams Market, you can get a 20% discount every time you use your CDS reusable drink container.
3) PLASTIC TO-GO BOXES (aka Clamshells): These are NOT recyclable. Throw them in the trash, or use the Carolina Dining Services reusable to-go containers, their new compostable containers for one-time use. Bring back the dirty container and grab a new one every time you take out food from Top of Lenoir or Chase Dining Halls. This service is available for free for those with meal plans and for a one-time fee of $3.50 per container for those without meal plans.
