Plastic #2 (HDPE)

Plastic #2, or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), is a highly durable and widely recyclable material commonly used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent containers. While these rigid containers are easily processed curbside, they must be completely empty of all liquids to prevent contaminating entire recycling batches. Matching caps can be recycled as long as they are screwed tightly onto their original bottles. However, you must never place thin plastic grocery bags labeled #2 into your curbside bin because they tangle sorting machinery, nor should you recycle empty motor oil bottles, which remain hazardous waste due to toxic chemical residue. When recycled properly, HDPE is highly valuable and can be remanufactured into long-lasting products like plastic lumber, park benches, and flower pots.