What are Rigid Plastics?

Rigid plastics are sturdy, durable plastics that maintain their shape, such as buckets, laundry baskets, lawn furniture, and storage bins. Unlike plastic bags or wraps, rigid plastics are more structured and often recyclable.

A pile of discarded plastic containers, including detergent bottles, milk jugs, and other rigid plastic packaging, scattered on the ground. Some containers appear dirty and partially crushed

Why Recycle Rigid Plastics?

Recycling rigid plastics reduces waste, conserves resources, and minimizes the need for new plastic production. When recycled, these items are broken down and transformed into new products like park benches, storage containers, and other useful materials.

Stacks of tightly compressed plastic waste bales are piled up outdoors, consisting of crushed plastic bottles, containers, and other recyclable materials. Various colors, labels, and brands are visible among the plastic debris. The setting appears to be a recycling or waste management facility, where plastic waste is collected and prepared for processing. In the background, there are trees and an open sky, indicating that the facility is in an outdoor or semi-outdoor environment.

How to Recycle Rigid Plastics in Baltimore

Rigid plastics cannot be placed curbside for regular trash or recycling collection. Instead, they must be dropped off at a Residential Recycling Center or a commercial recycling facility for proper processing. Baltimore City residents can take their rigid plastics to one of our Residential Recycling Centers, where clearly labeled containers are available for these materials.

Workers in high-visibility vests and hard hats sorting plastic waste in an industrial recycling facility. Large yellow bins filled with plastic waste are lined up, while more discarded plastics are spread on the floor
Accepted Rigid Plastic Items

You can recycle the following rigid plastic materials at Baltimore City's Residential Recycling Centers:

  • Milk or soda crates
  • Buckets
  • Lawn furniture
  • Storage totes
  • Plastic drums
  • Coolers
  • Flower pots
  • Water bottles
  • Pet carriers
  • Shelving
  • Closet organizers
  • Empty garbage or recycling bins