Is kit plastic recyclable? Can I put it in the bin? USA

[randyc]

Can I put leftover sprues/parts in the recycle bin in USA?  Painted, unpainted, chrome?  I know some of you save it other ways, but I'd like to just throw in the bin if I can.  

[randyc]

I think I just found the answer...I searched after I asked.  

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/172503-returning-sprues/#comment-2589265

[peteski]

Kits are usually made from Polystyrene (recycling ID #7), some is ABS plastic (which is a type of Polystyrene but is not itemized in recycling charts).

If your town takes #7 plastic I suppose you could put the kit plastic in recycling, but I have feeling that it will be discarded by the automatic sorters due to its shape.  Sorting machines are geared to handle things like containers, which have more solid shapes.

[randyc]

Thanks.  They take 1-7 where I go, but it does say 1-7 CONTAINERS. So you may be correct

[plastic trucker]

I put mine in juice jugs before throwing it out.

[NOBLNG]

They Do Not take #6 plastic here in Manitoba which includes polystyrene.? I think if it doesn’t have one of those numbered triangles it goes straight into the trash anyway.

[peteski]

On 2/13/2023 at 5:30 PM, NOBLNG said:

They Do Not take #6 plastic here in Manitoba which includes polystyrene.? I think if it doesn’t have one of those numbered triangles it goes straight into the trash anyway.

#6 *IS* specifically polystyrene.  If done at all (I still have some doubts) most sorting for recycling is done by machines, and they only deal with larger solid pieces (like containers).  The recycling symbol embossed on an item does usually indicate that the item is good for recycling.