Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a resin code?
A: It is a marking on many plastic containers that is a "chasing arrow” triangle with a digit inside. It indicates what kind of plastic the item is manufactured from. This code does NOT indicate whether or not the item is recyclable in your local mixed recycling cart. At PlanetCon, only resin codes of type #1 and #5 are accepted.
Q: What types of plastic are accepted in residential mixed recycling carts in the Portland metro area?
A: The guideline for plastic recyclability throughout the Portland Metro area is only SHAPE and SIZE. Acceptable shapes are a bottle, jar, jug or tub. Acceptable sizes are from 6 oz. up to 5 gal.
--You can then bring the plastic containers that are not accepted in the “at home mixed recycling program” to the PlanetCon event, but they must have resin code #1 or #5. Shapes that are accepted at PlanetCon include cups, trays, lids, and clamshells, and also includes containers less than 6 oz in size.
Q: Why aren't you taking the same plastics you took at your last event?
A: Because we are working with a local plastic processor, and we are collecting only what they take.
Q: Do I have to remove adhesive labels from the plastic items that I bring to PlanetCon?
A: No, it is not required to do this, but if it is easy to remove it is perfectly fine to do so.
Q: It's not always easy to remove labels from some containers. What's a good way to do this?
A: One method is to fill the container with heated water and let it soak for several minutes. Then gently peel off the label. Leave the heated water inside and scrub any remaining adhesive with an equal mixture of baking soda and cooking oil. Then dump out the water, rinse the container well and let it dry. If the item with a label is not a container, try using a blow dryer on the label before trying to peel it off.
Q: Do I have to remove any inserts from inside the #5 plastic caps?
A: Please do, if you can. The inserts are usually easy to remove with a table knife or screwdriver.
Q: Should I start collecting for my neighbors and bundle my trip?
A. Residents are encouraged to collect materials from neighbors, friends and family in an effort to reduce trip miles and traffic flow on day of event.
Q: What if I’m unable to attend or can’t make this event? Will there be future events?
A: If you’re unable to attend, collect and send materials with a neighbor, friend or family member. We do hope to have more collection events in future. Also, James Recycling has regular plastic collection events around the Portland area.
Q: Where do I find the resin code ?
A: It is usually on the bottom of the plastic item, but it can be very small and hard to find and read. It's a good idea to sort your plastics in a well lit room, and have a magnifying glass or reading glasses to help find and read the code. An extra light source like a flashlight may even be helpful.
Q: I don't always see a chasing arrow triangle, but I see abbreviations such as PP-5. Is this OK to bring?
A: Smaller items may not have the chasing arrow triangle. Some plastics might only have the number. And some might only use abbreviations. Common resin code abbreviations that are OK to bring to PlanetCon include PET-01, PP-5.
Q: Why do I have to separate the plastic by resin code type?
A: The different types of plastics melt at different temperatures, so they are recycled separately. The recycling company we are partnering with does not have plastic sorting capabilities.
Q: What can I do to help make plastic recycling easier?
A: A good strategy is prevention. Try to reduce your use of plastics and disposable item s.
Q: I have other items to recycle. How do I find out where they go?
A: See the Washington County “What to Recycle and Where” online tool or download the app to your smart phone or tablet.
Q: I have additional questions that were not answered here, where can I find more information?
A: Email questions to [email protected]

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