Rigid Plastic Package Handles
Rigid handles, not
flexible rings.
The hard plastic carriers that hold multipacks together are accepted at RecycleOn Centers. Soft, stretchy rings are a different material entirely.
Rule of Thumb
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Rigid, not flexible Holds its shape and doesn't stretch
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All plastic No metal, fabric, foam or cardboard parts
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Made to come off Designed to be removed after purchase
Bring it in
Keep it out
Sorting, at a Glance
What Goes In, What Stays Out
The dividing line is stiffness. Rigid HDPE handles are one clean material; everything softer or mixed is not.
Yes – bring these in
- Six-pack can carriers (rigid plastic)
- Bottle multipack handles (2-, 4-, 6- and 8-packs)
- Clip-on handles from large bottles (detergent, juice, oil)
- Snap-on bale handles (neck or cap)
- Rigid handles connecting jars or tubs
- Club-store multipack carry handles
- Removable rigid handles
No – keep these out
- Flexible six-pack rings (soft plastic)
- Plastic straps or bundling bands
- Shrink wrap or stretch film
- Fabric, woven or string handles
- Rubber or silicone handles
- Handles with metal parts, springs or pins
- Cardboard or paperboard handles
- Foam handles
- Glued-on or decorative handles (not removable)
Frequently Asked Questions
More detail on why these rules exist, what happens to your recycling and how the law defines accepted materials.
Why can't rigid package handles go in my curbside cart?
These items need to be collected separately because they are flat, similar to paper and cardboard. The flat shape can confuse machines at sorting facilities.
How do I tell rigid from flexible?
Rigid plastic is hard and won’t stretch. Flexible plastic can be easily stretched and balled up.
Do the stretchy six-pack rings go anywhere?
Stretchy six-pack rings need to go into the trash.
What happens after I drop it off?
After collection, these plastics are sent to recycling facilities where they are shredded, washed and made into pellets, which are used to make other products such as packaging, package handles, nursery pots, construction materials and more.
What does the law say?
Looking to learn more about exactly what is recyclable? Below is how the law defines these materials.
Items that meet the following guidelines are accepted at RecycleOn Centers. “High-density polyethylene (HDPE #2) package handles (for example 6-pack handles).”