Plastic Cutlery
What Should I Do With It?
Plastic cutlery is commonly used as single-use utensils at events and food service locations, but it is not accepted in curbside recycling. Due to their small size, lightweight nature, and unusual shapes, these utensils are incredibly difficult for sorting facilities to manage. Additionally, they rarely feature a resin code and are typically made of #3 or #6 plastics, which have very little recycling value. As a result, plastic cutlery should generally be thrown in the trash. With the US generating 40 billion disposable utensils every year, minimizing this waste can make a big impact. Consider requesting 'no utensils' when ordering takeout or delivery, or keep a reusable set with you to avoid single-use plastics when eating on the run.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.