Plastic #2 (HDPE) Alternative ways to recycle Recycling Bin Plastic #1 and plastic #2 can be placed in the curbside recycling bin, including rigid plastic bottles, such as laundry detergent bottles, milk jugs and plastic bottles. No Plastic Bags in Curbside Recycling Many plastic bags are labeled plastic #2 or #4, but they are too thin to recycle with hard plastics and will get caught in the processing machinery. Find out how to dispose of plastic bags. Clean Out Containers If a container once held food or liquid, empty, clean and dry the container as well as you can before recycling it. Containers with food, liquids and other residues can contaminate whole batches of recycling and are often sent to a landfill. Alternative Ways to Recycle Personal Care and Beauty Recycling Program Recycle hair care, skin care and cosmetic product packaging through this free mail-in program by TerraCycle and Garnier. Accepted items include shampoo caps, conditioner caps, hair gel tubes and caps, hair spray triggers, soap dispensers and tubes, body wash caps, and lotion dispensers and caps. Find out more. Did You Know? What Plastic #2 Can Become Plastic #2 can be recycled into new plastic jugs, plastic lumber, patio furniture, flower pots, buckets, recycling bins, benches and fencing.