Is this recyclable? It says it is…

The item pictured to the right is a foam packing material found in a food delivery box. This is a classic example of theory versus reality.

Many companies want to be able to tout that their products or packaging are recyclable, to meet the preferences of many consumers. Theoretically, some of these items could be recyclable, but the reality is that they are not, at least for now.

For an item to be recyclable in practice, several criteria must be met, including:

• Demand for the material by manufacturers
• High volumes of the material generated
• Easily identifiable by the public
• Collectible
• Portable by the processor
• Bale-able and transportable
• Processable by the recyclers

Please be sure to stick to the basics: paper, cardboard, plastic bottles/jugs, and rinsed food/beverage cans. Contact 311 at [email protected] or 757-933-2311 or visit our Solid Waste Division website for more information.