Americans spend billions on pet food annually, making pet food packaging a significant part of our waste stream. Recycling these containers can be confusing, especially when it comes to cat food cans. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the recyclability of cat food cans and other pet food packaging.
Cat Food Cans: A Recyclable Material
Wet cat food typically comes in steel cans, a material widely recycled in the United States. Steel is also used for soup and coffee cans, meaning that if your community recycles those, they likely accept cat food cans too. This makes recycling cat food cans relatively straightforward.
The BPA Lining: Does it Affect Recyclability?
Recent reports have highlighted the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA) in the lining of many canned foods, including those for pets. BPA prevents corrosion and preserves the food. While BPA exposure has been linked to potential health concerns, it doesn’t impact the recyclability of the can. The BPA liner is burned off during the recycling process, ensuring the steel can be processed without issue.
Dry Cat Food Bags: A Recycling Challenge
Many cat owners opt for dry food, which is typically packaged in bags. While historically these were multi-wall paper bags, the industry has largely shifted to polypropylene bags, identified as #5 plastic. Polypropylene is more durable, but unfortunately, the recycling market for these bags is limited.
Most curbside recycling programs don’t accept polypropylene bags. Grocery stores that collect plastic bags usually only want polyethylene bags (#2 and #4 resin). The durability that makes them ideal for packaging also makes them harder to recycle through traditional methods.
Alternatives for Recycling Cat Food Bags
Despite the challenges, some manufacturers are taking steps to improve the recyclability of their packaging. A few brands have partnered with TerraCycle, offering mail-in recycling solutions. These include:
- Guardian Pet Food Company
- Open Farm
- Wellness
These programs allow you to ship your empty bags to TerraCycle, who then recycles the materials.
Other Cat Food Packaging: Pouches and Containers
Cat treats and snacks often come in plastic pouches, typically made of polyethylene combined with other materials. These pouches are not usually accepted in grocery store bag recycling bins. TerraCycle brigades may offer a solution, but dedicated pet food pouch programs are currently scarce.
Fish food, sometimes used as a treat for cats, usually comes in #1 plastic containers. These are recyclable with other #1 plastic bottles, though you may need to remove and separately discard or recycle the cap, depending on local guidelines.
Tips for Recycling Cat Food Packaging
- Check Local Guidelines: Always check with your local recycling program for specific guidelines on accepted materials.
- Clean Cans: Rinse out cat food cans before recycling to remove any remaining food residue.
- Consider TerraCycle: If your brand participates, utilize TerraCycle programs for bags and pouches.
- Reduce Consumption: Whenever possible, buy in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging you use.
By understanding the recyclability of different types of cat food packaging and following these tips, you can minimize your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
