Zip Ties
What Should I Do With It?
Plastic zip ties, while extremely useful for securing items, are not accepted in standard curbside recycling programs. Because they are thin and small, they easily slip through sorting screens or wrap around moving parts in sorting facilities, creating mechanical hazards for machinery and workers alike. To reduce your plastic waste, consider choosing reusable alternatives like hook-and-loop straps, or buy heavy-duty, UV-resistant zip ties for outdoor applications so they do not degrade quickly in the sun. Additionally, you can easily reuse standard zip ties by using a small pin or screwdriver to release the locking tab, or repurpose them as DIY zipper pulls and temporary key rings.
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.