Every time we’re planting in the garden, we’re reminded of a perennial problem – what to do with plastic pots?
Most plastic plant pots are made from polypropylene as identified by the number 5 in the triangle on the bottom of the pot. This material is highly recyclable, but not all kerbside pick-up recycling operations can process the material, so it’s best to check with your local council if you are unsure. There are also some dedicated recycling schemes for pots where you can drop them off, and you can contact your local garden centre to see if there’s one near you.
Before you recycle them, you can also repurpose them at home. Josh likes to use old pots for home propagation. Just make sure you wash and sterilize them first for good hygiene. They also make handy storage containers for tools and things like twine. Or you can remove the base of the pot and turn it into a planting collar, which you put over a new seeding when you plant it to protect it from earwigs or slaters.
The main thing is to put the material to use and avoid waste.
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