Drive For 5 diverts reusable materials from landfill waste.
In the early days of recycling, almost no beverage cans were collected. It was a similar story for plastic water bottles, paper, and cardboard. In all cases, the key to making these items easier to recycle was starting a new collection process – one dedicated to collecting the highest quality material possible.
Drive For 5 creates a similar path for #5 plastic food packaging.
When you return your CLEAN and DRY #5 plastic food containers using Drive For 5, you ensure that they will be recycled, not wasted.
What is #5 Plastic Food Packaging?
#5 plastic packaging is also known as polypropylene (PP). It’s a highly recyclable material that’s ideal for protecting prepared food, which reduces food waste.
Because #5 plastic is microwave and dishwasher-safe, food packaging produced using it is also reusable. Most of us save and reuse these containers to conveniently store leftovers and other food items.
When it’s recycled, #5 PP material can be used to create new products — reducing the need for additional resources and eliminating landfill waste.
Chances are, you already have several of these packages in your kitchen today:
How do I know if my food packaging is eligible for Drive For 5?
Is there a #5 inside the recycling symbol on the container or lid?
Is it CLEAN?
Is it DRY?
If you answered yes to all these questions, it is ready for recycling. Contact us to find or start a collection site.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! The color will not impact our ability to recycle these products and divert them from landfills.
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No – we prefer clean and dry packaging. Fortunately, #5 packaging is dishwasher safe and easily cleaned to prepare for recycling. Please donate only clean and dry items..
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No – but it does help. If possible, please remove the label. Any residual material from the label left on the container will not impact the ability to recycle it.
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Yes! Because #5 PP food containers are refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave safe, they are often saved for reuse. These food packages can be reused again and again, and recycled when you are ready.
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No — mixing non-food #5 PP and food-grade #5 PP containers limits the ability to upcycle them into the highest-level reuse. Our biggest goal is to divert ALL #5 PP plastic containers from landfills. Please place non-food #5 PP containers in your single-stream collection bin.
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Maybe. We are partnering with more recycling centers every day to make it easier to avoid wasting this reusable resource. Please CLICK HERE to learn if your center accepts #5 PP food containers today. If there’s no center near you, let us know and we’ll work to create one.
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Yes! And THANK YOU! Please contact us, and let’s make it happen together!