Hard Plastic Clamshell Packaging Put in Garbage Cart/Bin Put in Recycling Cart/Bin Some types of plastic clamshell packaging can be recycled, and others must go in the garbage. In San José, you can recycle hard plastic packaging labeled #1 – #5 in the ‘chasing arrow’ symbol. If the item is not labeled compostable or biodegradable, you can also recycle plastic #7. Otherwise, place it in the garbage cart/bin, including #6 plastics. If the plastic packaging is not labeled with a chasing arrow symbol, it goes in the garbage. Ways to Reduce Reusable Packaging For Businesses Check out Upstream’s catalog of reusable packaging and unpackaging innovators that provide ways for consumers to obtain products, mostly food and beverages, in returnable, reusable, or refillable packaging – or they deliver products to consumers unpackaged altogether. Did You Know? There’s a Name for Your Packaging-Induced Frustration You know that aggravated and annoyed feeling you get from trying to open clamshell packaging? This feeling is called “wrap rage“, and it comes up again and again for people injured by this packaging. Each year, about 6,000 people visit the emergency room with injuries and puncture wounds caused by hard plastic clamshells. Retailers are Trying to Do Away With Clamshells Good news: many retailers are working on eco-friendly and pain-free solutions to plastic clamshell packaging. Home Depot has begun packaging its Husky tools in paperboard, while Target has eliminated plastic packaging from some lightbulbs and socks. Amazon even kicked off a “frustration-free packaging” initiative in 2008 that was aimed at developing more eco-friendly practices.
