Drive For 5 diverts reusable material from landfill waste.
in the early days of recycling, almost no beverage cans were collected. It was a similar story for plastic water bottles. In both cases, the key to making these items easier to recycle was creating a new collection process - one dedicated to each material type.
Drive For 5 creates a similar solution for #5 plastic food packaging.
When you return your CLEAN and DRY #5 plastic food containers using Drive For 5, you ensure that they’re recycled, not wasted.
Now your community participates in Drive for 5
step 1
Clean your used #5 plastic packaging in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Step 2
Store the CLEAN and DRY #5 packages in a clear plastic trash bag.
step 3
Bring your bags of #5 plastic to your local collection site.
What is #5 Plastic Food Packaging?
#5 plastic packaging is also known as polypropylene (PP). It’s a highly recyclable material that’s ideal for protecting prepared food — and reducing food waste.
Because #5 plastic is microwave and dishwasher safe, most of us save and reuse these containers to conveniently store leftovers and other food items.
When it’s recycled, #5 PP material can be fully reused to create new products — reducing the need for additional resources and eliminating landfill waste.
Chances are, you already have several of these packages in your kitchen today:
How do I know if my food packaging is eligible for Drive For 5?
Is there a #5 inside the recycling symbol on the container or lid?
Is it CLEAN?
Is it DRY?
If you answered yes to all these questions. Contact us to find a collection site.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! The color will not impact our ability to recycle these products and divert them from landfills.
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No – we prefer clean and dry packaging. Fortunately, #5 packaging is dishwasher safe and easily cleaned to prepare for recycling. Please donate only clean and dry items..
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No – but it does help. If possible, please remove the label. Any residual material from the label left on the container will not impact the ability to recycle it.
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Yes! Because #5 PP food containers are refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave safe, they are often saved for reuse. These food packages can be reused again and again, and recycled when you are ready.
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No — mixing non-food #5 PP and food-grade #5 PP containers limits the ability to upcycle them into the highest-level reuse. Our biggest goal is to divert ALL #5 PP plastic containers from landfills. Please place non-food #5 PP containers in your single-stream collection bin.
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Maybe. We are partnering with more recycling centers every day to make it easier to avoid wasting this reusable resource. Please CLICK HERE to learn if your center accepts #5 PP food containers today. If there’s no center near you, let us know and we’ll work to create one.
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Yes! And THANK YOU for helping us grow! Please contact us and let’s make it happen together!