Plastic covers a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic materials that are moldable. Plastics are typically synthetic, most commonly derived from petrochemicals, but many are partially natural. There are seven basic categories of plastics, of which #1 PET and #2 HDPE are the most commonly recycled. With the growing movement toward single-stream recycling, many recycling programs collect plastics #1-#7, with the exception of #6 expanded polystyrene (better known as styrofoam) and plastic bags and film.

In Michigan, some plastic beverage bottles can be recycled by returning them to the grocer, with a $.10 deposit being returned to the customer. Check with your local grocer to see what beverage containers they accept.

Styrofoam and plastic film are generally separate from curbside collection programs because the nature of the material causes problems in the recycling process; expanded polystyrene breaks down easily and contaminates other recyclables, while plastic film often gets tangled in equipment. Mason-based Dart Container provides some recycling opportunities for #6 expanded polystyrene. PlasticFilmRecycling.org provides information and resources for recycling plastic film at grocery stores throughout the state.