A PSA on Shrink Sleeves
We come to you with a Public Service Announcement as we enter the season of whipped cream and creamy beverages: For best recycling results, remove the label from your Kroger cream containers.
If you read this blog, you are probably great about recycling your #1, #2, and #5 bottles, jugs, and tubs—either in your Shawnee County Solid Waste curbside bin or through Full Circle's recycling drop-off service. And you would think you could handle Kroger cream, half-and-half, and other similar products just like anything else in a #1 plastic bottle. (Rinse, let dry, replace the cap, and toss in the recycling bin.) However, there's one more step, which you wouldn't know unless you've looked closely at the label of certain packages. You're instructed to remove that outer plastic label wrap before recycling.
For some reason, the "remove label" instruction appears on Kroger cream bottles but not Simple Truth Egg Nog. We're not sure whether this indicates the egg nog label is in fact a different (fully recyclable) material, but we would suggest erring on the side of caution and removing both labels. Fortunately, you can bring the outer wrapping for these Kroger or Simple Truth products to Full Circle to recycle for free in the "Kroger Flexible Plastic Packaging" TerraCycle box.
We find it pretty frustrating when manufacturers use packaging that is difficult to recycle. And it's equally frustrating when the packaging appears to be easily recyclable but isn't. If you feel inspired, consider writing to Kroger to say you would like to see fully recyclable packaging or clearer labeling on their cream containers. Otherwise, just express your frustration by passionately ripping off those labels and chucking the bottle and label into their separate, appropriate recycling bins.
-Justine
