1. Do some recycling research: The most important thing you can do to streamline the process is to find out which containers can and can't be recycled in your specific area.

By replacing carbon black with near-infrared- (NIR-) reflective Sicopal Black, black plastic items can be detected in the sorting process and then recycled, says BASF. “From sushi trays to takeout ...

Not all plastics are equal — some types and colors are easier to recycle than others. For instance, black foam and black coffee lids, which are often made of polystyrene, usually end up in ...