Montgomery County Simplifies Recycling Caps Can Remain On

Thousands of plastic bottle caps have historically been too small for effective recycling, ending up in landfills or incinerators—a wasteful practice that burdens both resources and the environment. Montgomery County is now transforming this process through an innovative policy change.

The county's environmental department recently announced a significant update to plastic bottle recycling: caps no longer need to be removed before disposal. This policy shift reflects advancements in recycling technology that now allow attached caps to be processed alongside bottles.

At Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), bottles with attached caps undergo a streamlined process:

• Unified sorting of capped bottles
• Perforation treatment during processing
• Compression into bales for transport

Manufacturers then shred these materials into flakes, using flotation tanks to separate different plastic types for various end uses.

Previously, detached caps often fell through sorting equipment due to their small size, frequently ending up as waste. The new policy significantly improves recycling efficiency while reducing environmental contamination.

Residents should follow these simple steps:

• Empty containers completely before recycling
• Reattach and tighten caps to bottle openings
• Place in designated bins for collection

The MRF workflow involves multiple stages:

1. Delivery of collected recyclables
2. Manual removal of non-recyclable items
3. Automated sorting using magnets, eddy currents, and optical scanners
4. Quality control inspections
5. Compression into transportable bales
6. Final processing into reusable materials

The policy change is projected to:

• Reduce plastic waste in landfills
• Decrease energy consumption for new plastic production
• Minimize environmental plastic pollution

Are all plastic caps now recyclable?
Yes, all types may remain attached during recycling.

Can caps still be recycled separately?
Alternative programs remain available for specialized cap recycling.

What if recycling bins haven't been updated?
The new process is operational regardless of bin labeling.

This policy represents Montgomery County's commitment to sustainable waste management through practical innovation. By eliminating the cap separation requirement, officials aim to increase participation while reducing processing inefficiencies—a small change with potentially significant environmental impact.