No. 5 Plastics Get the "Green" Light in Winneshiek County

You'll want to remember this moment. Help us record what's happening in Decorah. DECORAH — Good news for green thumbs: Winneshiek County Recycling is now accepting hard plastics marked with a No. 5 recycling symbol, expanding the types of plastics residents can bring to the facility. The expansion follows plans announced by the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors in May to add No. 5 plastics, also known as polypropylene or PP, to the county's recycling program. County officials said at the time that the change could help divert material that was previously being sent to the landfill. PP is a common plastic used in items such as yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese containers, reusable food storage containers, margarine and butter tubs, some takeout containers, plastic cups and small plastic tubs. The No. 5 or "PP" Recycling Symbol found at the bottom of a Greek yogurt tub The facility previously accepted hard plastics marked with No. 1 and No. 2. No. 5 plastics can now be mixed with those plastics and metal cans for recycling. According to Evan Neubauer of Winneshiek County Recycling, the facility had to purchase a refurbished baler and wait for it to be delivered and installed before expanding its public recycling guidelines to include polypropylene. "The PP containers can be mixed in with the #1 and #2 plastics and metal cans," Neubauer said. "These items are processed by our sort line crew." Residents should look for the No. 5 recycling symbol to determine whether a plastic item qualifies and should make sure plastics are empty and clean before putting them in recycling bins. Neubauer emphasized that paper and cardboard should continue to be kept separate from plastic and metal. "We have different lines for those materials, and it's very difficult to process them if there is contamination," Neubauer said. One of the facility's ongoing challenges is plastic and metal ending up in the paper recycling bin. Those materials must be removed before paper can be baled, Neubauer said, because contaminated paper loads could be rejected by the facility's buyer. Winneshiek County Recycling is located at 2510 172nd Ave., Decorah. Dock hours are 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and office hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents with questions about whether an item is recyclable can contact the facility at 563-382-6514. Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.