Yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics, and you may not want to give it up, especially in the hot summers.
However, you need to be aware of the environmental effect of yogurt containers.
Once you finish the yogurt, what do you do with the cups? Do you have to throw them away, or are yogurt containers recyclable?
Are Yogurt Containers Recyclable?
Millions of yogurt containers are sold every single day. Most people do not know whether these cups can be recycled, so they find their way in waste bins and on the street.
However, the truth is that you can recycle yogurt containers.
These containers are made for the sole purpose of holding yogurt. This means that the container’s material needs to be something that cannot be damaged by the liquid.
Of course, plastic is what comes to mind first.
Most yogurt containers are made of plastic. We all know that plastic is bad for the environment, but these containers are categorized as “#5.” This means that they can be recycled.
However, the problem is that yogurt containers are made with a kind of plastic known as polypropylene. Recycling this plastic can be heavy on the pocket. Polypropylene is not like other plastics- you cannot just pop it in the recycling machine.
Since recycling yogurt cups cost a lot, recycling stations do not usually bother collecting them. Hence, you need to find stations in your local area that accept these containers.
Before you throw your yogurt container in the bin, confirm with your local recyclers and ask for their advice.
Recycling stations that do accept yogurt containers usually start off by melting them. Then, the melted solution is mixed with other recyclable plastic to create mixed plastics.
Usually, this mixture will be transferred abroad to be used.
Also read: Can You Recycle Olive Oil Bottles?
Can Foil Yogurt Containers be Recycled?
One of the best things about foil yogurt containers is that they can be recycled. In fact, recycling foil takes 92% less energy than would be needed to create things from pure aluminum.
However, keep in mind that recycling depends on the form that foil yogurt containers come in.
This means that before you recycle a container, it must be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed. Greek yogurt tends to leave a strong smell if not cleaned properly.
If you have the lids of your foil yogurt containers lying around, you should crumble them up. Form them into balls before sending them to a recycling company. This tactic will ensure that the foil lids do not get oxidized during recycling.
In case you cannot find a recycling company in your area that deals with foil, you can just switch to buying yogurt that comes in plastic containers.
To reduce waste and save some money, we would recommend that you buy yogurt in bulk. You can then transfer it to Tupperware.
Once all your plastic containers have been used up, and there is no more yogurt to be eaten, clean them up. Make sure no yogurt residue is left behind.
Then, think about ways to recycle the containers or drop them off at a recycling facility.
What You Need to Know about Recycling Yogurt Containers
First, you must know that recycling programs usually accept two types of plastics, #1 and #2. Some communities may recycle more kinds of plastics, including #5. However, this is rare.
Many plastic companies will refuse recycling #5 plastic because it is costly. This means that you will have to find private businesses or counties that have comprehensive plastic recycling programs.
Some companies can use plastic yogurt containers to make food storage containers and razors as well.
Another major partner that recycles #5 plastic is Whole Foods. If you are lucky, you will find collection bins for prescription bottles, water filters, and yogurt containers around your house.
You can also mail your yogurt containers to several plastic recycling industries if they do not operate near your home.
The good news is that you do not have to pay any extra cost- you only need to cover the cost of shipping.
How To Recycle Yogurt Containers at Home
If you find out that the recycling companies in your area cannot afford to recycle yogurt containers, don’t worry! You can still figure out ways to recycle them yourself.
To recycle yogurt containers at home, you need to get creative and figure out the best way to reuse these cups. Here are some ideas:
Make a Sorter Out of Your Yogurt Container
One way to reuse your yogurt container would be by using it to sort out your supplies.
This is great for those who cannot keep track of small things like jewelry and risk misplacing them. In fact, if you have children, you can use yogurt containers to organize their coloring pencils.
All you have to do is sort out your belongings by size or color. This will help you keep your home or office more organized without the hassle of searching for things for hours and still not finding them.
If you usually pull your earrings off as soon as you get home from work, start putting them in the yogurt container. This ensures that you do not lose them.
You can place several yogurt containers around your house for organizational purposes. All you have to do is get creative enough to decorate the cups, and you’re set!
Make a Pretty Bracelet for Your Girl Pal
Some girls like nothing more than jewelry. However, we all know how expensive jewelry can get, not to mention the lack of innovative designs in today’s world.
One way to recycle yogurt containers is by making bracelets for yourself, your girlfriends, or even your significant other. All you will need is some fabric or yarn, a pair of scissors, and glue.
With the help of the scissors, cut off the top of the yogurt containers. Then, design it with the yarn so that it looks bright and colorful. To hold the yarn in place, use your glue on the loose end.
That’s it; your bracelet is ready! The more containers you have, the more bracelets you will be able to make.
Repurpose them as Dip Containers
Are you someone who loves having dips with their meals? If yes, you no longer need to invest in fancy dip containers that you can place around the dining room.
Instead, recycle yogurt containers, especially those that come with lids. This way, you can pack a dip for lunch at the office without worrying about it dislodging in your backpack.
Since yogurt containers are small, you can fit them in the fridge as well without about space.
Repurposing yogurt containers in this way will not only help you save money, but you will also be saving the environment!
Make a Container for Your Plants
One of the first things when gardening that you need to do is sort the seeds out. This will ensure that you grow a wonderful garden within a small frame of time.
Sorting can be overwhelming, but this is where your yogurt containers can help.
All you have to do is rinse and clean the cups well. Then, put the seeds in based on how you want them planted. This method will allow you to see where you plant each seed.
If you are feeling creative, you can also use the container as a primary planter.
Throw in some soil into the containers, along with a couple of seeds. Water the soil for a few days. Place the container on a window sill that gets sufficient sunlight, and soon, you will see a new plant growing.
Once your plant has grown, you can replant it in a bigger pot and place it on your roof or garden so that it has enough space to grow.
Make Molds for Soap
One of the most creative ways to recycle yogurt containers is to use them as molds to create soap. Did you know that you can make organic soap at home?
To make soap at home, all you need is some coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, distilled water, sodium hydroxide, and your favorite essential oil.
Once you have formed the mixture, you can use the yogurt container as a mold for your homemade soap.
Simply pour the mixture into the container, throw in some confetti for texture, and wait for 24 hours.
After that, you can brag to your friends about how you made soap at home. That too, with the help of a yogurt container!
You can also decorate the container and send the soap to your friends and family members to try out. Encourage your loved ones to join your recycling efforts.
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