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The Top 5 Oversized Plastics To Recycle — It's A Bonafide Bucket List

By Patty Wetli | July 20, 2016 6:16am | Updated on July 21, 2016 11:19am
 Don't trash oversized plastics like deli trays and buckets — they're recyclable.
Don't trash oversized plastics like deli trays and buckets — they're recyclable.
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LINCOLN SQUARE — The latest round of tips from the folks at Recycle By City Chicago puts a new spin on the phrase "bucket list."

According to the city's guide to recycling do's and don't's, some common oversized plastics are often mistaken for trash when in fact they're completely recyclable.

Here's the list:

• Deli and bakery trays. This includes the "clamshell" PLASTIC containers often used to package cupcakes and muffins, NOT to be confused with STYROFOAM clamshells, which should be tossed in the garbage. Make sure to rinse the containers before recycling.

• One- and 2½-gallon water jugs. This material can be turned into plastic lawn furniture, play equipment, laundry baskets and other items. (These items, by the way — NOT recyclable. One reuse is apparently enough.)

• Kitty litter containers, lids included. Just make sure to empty out any stray remaining pellets.

• Buckets and pails, up to five gallons. If the handle is metal, remove if possible. If the container is still in good condition, donating it for reuse is recommended as a first choice before recycling.

• Detergent jugs. According to Recycle By City, the energy saved by recycling a single jug could power a washing machine for two hours.

RELATED: If You Try To Recycle These 10 Things In Chicago, Your Bin Will Be Garbage

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