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How to Handle Dispose of Plastic Straws Step by Step
When dispose of plastic straws leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.
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Part
1
Recycling Plastic Straws
1
Check if your local waste management accepts #5 plastics.
Kathryn Kellogg Sustainability Specialist Expert Interview Most plastic straws are made out of polypropylene, which is considered a #5 recyclable plastic. Contact your city’s waste management service or visit their website to see what types of plastics they’re able to process. If they are able to do #5 plastics, then you can start collecting them.
- Check the recycling guidelines for your local waste management service.
- Contact your city’s waste management service to confirm they accept #5 plastics.
- Visit their website to see what types of plastics they’re able to process.
- Kathryn Kellogg Sustainability Specialist Expert Interview Most plastic straws are made out of polypropylene, which is considered a #5 recyclable plastic.
- Contact your city’s waste management service or visit their website to see what types of plastics they’re able to process.
2
Save a larger plastic container made from the same material as the straw.
Many takeout food containers or margarine tubs are made with #5 plastics and are able to use for collecting straws. Double-check the bottom of a plastic container to confirm that they’re made of #5 plastics so your recycling is sorted correctly. Rinse out the container if there’s any leftover food before setting it near the collection area.
- Use a clean and dry container to collect the straws.
- Check the bottom of the container for the plastic type before adding the straw collection.
- Rinse out the container if there’s any leftover food or liquid.
- Many takeout food containers or margarine tubs are made with #5 plastics and are able to use for collecting straws.
- Double-check the bottom of a plastic container to confirm that they’re made of #5 plastics so your recycling is sorted correctly.
3
Collect the straws in the plastic container when you use them.
Place the container near your drinking area to collect the straws as you use them. Make sure the container is easily accessible and visible. Empty the container regularly to prevent overflow.
- Place the container near your drinking area to collect the straws as you use them.
- Make sure the container is easily accessible and visible.
- Empty the container regularly to prevent overflow.
- Place the container near your drinking area to collect the straws as you use them.
- Make sure the container is easily accessible and visible.
4
Seal the plastic container before putting it in your recycling bin.
Put the lid on top of the container when it’s full. Seal the container shut to prevent spills during transport. Label the container with its contents and date.
- Put the lid on top of the container when it’s full.
- Seal the container shut to prevent spills during transport.
- Label the container with its contents and date.
- Put the lid on top of the container when it’s full.
- Seal the container shut to prevent spills during transport.
Part
2
Reusing Straws
1
Make a mock bouquet with straws and zip ties.
Use colored straws to create a visually appealing arrangement. Secure the straws together with a zip tie for stability. Experiment with different straw lengths and colors to create unique designs.
- Use colored straws to create a visually appealing arrangement.
- Secure the straws together with a zip tie for stability.
- Experiment with different straw lengths and colors to create unique designs.
- Use colored straws to create a visually appealing arrangement.
- Secure the straws together with a zip tie for stability.
2
Decorate the outside of a vase or candle holder for a colorful centerpiece.
Apply double-sided tape around the vase or candle holder. Press the straws onto the tape to secure them in place. Cut the straws to the same length for a uniform look.
- Apply double-sided tape around the vase or candle holder.
- Press the straws onto the tape to secure them in place.
- Cut the straws to the same length for a uniform look.
- Apply double-sided tape around the vase or candle holder.
- Press the straws onto the tape to secure them in place.
3
Enjoy drinks without a straw when you can.
Choose cups that don’t require straws, such as mugs or glasses. Sip your drink directly from the cup to avoid using a straw. Refuse straws at restaurants and cafes.
- Choose cups that don’t require straws, such as mugs or glasses.
- Sip your drink directly from the cup to avoid using a straw.
- Refuse straws at restaurants and cafes.
- Choose cups that don’t require straws, such as mugs or glasses.
- Sip your drink directly from the cup to avoid using a straw.
Community Q&A
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References
- https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/collection-and-disposal/where-does-it-go?item=straws
- https://www.trvst.world/waste-recycling/plastic-pollution/how-to-dispose-of-plastic-straws/
- https://youtu.be/jsuBySKl5QE?t=329
- https://youtu.be/jsuBySKl5QE?t=52
- https://youtu.be/jsuBySKl5QE?t=161
- https://spoonuniversity.com/healthier/why-you-should-stop-using-plastic-straws
- https://treadingmyownpath.com/2018/06/21/plastic-straw-alternatives/
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