Online recycling guidance might exist for your community, such as this one from Margate Florida: Waste-Wizard. If you are unsure whether some plastic is recyclable, throw it away. This holds even more true in areas suffering drought where water might be wasted in washing garbage.
This guidance will become outdated once all plastic becomes recyclable or biodegradable. Meanwhile, for the health of your household and our planet, here are some things you might consider (some of these will even save you money):
- Do not buy water in single-use plastic bottles.
- Try not to use single-use bags. If you must, take the trouble to recycle them.
- Do not use plastic straws.
- Do NOT heat food or microwave it in plastic.
- Store food in glass or something other than plastic.
- Do not give plastic toys to babies who may put them in their mouths.
- Buy natural fiber clothing. Wash synthetic textiles in cold water.
- Buy household products from environmentally conscious sources.
Try to use only plastic labeled #1 or #2. These are easily recyclable and seem to produce fewer harmful chemicals. High-numbered plastics, #3 through #7, are much more likely to produce harmful chemicals. (Note however that some bioplastics may have one of these numbers.)
Individuals have a critical role to play in this program. The widespread and increasing bans on single-use plastic bags are the result of consumer action. And many major plastics manufacturers have partnered with novel recycling startups to explore paths to a circular economy. But ultimately it will be up to governments to require manufacturers to finally do what they first promised decades ago – to protect us from their products.