Skip to main content

Recycling Information

Recyclability of Packaging From Our Store Prepared Products

As part of our Recipe for Change, we’re aiming to reduce the use of plastic in our products and accelerating our transition to a more circular economy.

We know our customers are concerned about plastic and packaging waste, and we want to be part of the solution. We developed our Plastics and Packaging Pledge in 2019 to reduce plastic waste and to advance sustainability throughout our company, starting with our extensive Own Brands portfolio.

Refer to either the Plastic Packaging, Paper and Fiber-based Packaging or  Metal Packaging sections below to learn more about your product packaging.

We recommend checking with your specific recycling and/or waste service provider(s) to learn what materials are accepted in your curbside recycling, community drop-off or other waste and recycling programs. Additional resources to learn more about what is recyclable in your area are available through How2Recycle.

Recycling Best Practices

Use the tips below to help ensure packaging can be recycled:

  • Check with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) on what is accepted in your community recycling programs.
  • Ensure packaging is clean, dry and empty.
  • Do not recycle any food or liquid.

Plastic Packaging

The recyclability of plastic packaging is dependent upon several different factors:

  • Type of Plastic: Plastic packaging commonly has a triangle or “chasing arrows” symbol with a number in it, known as a resin identification code. This code allows us to identify the type of plastic the packaging is made of. However, this symbol does not necessarily mean that packaging is recyclable.
  • Format of Packaging: Packaging comes in a variety of formats and can impact whether packaging can be accepted by your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s). The recycling information below is broken out into the following groupings of packaging formats: Bags, Pouches, and Dunnage (padding used to protect goods); Bottles, Cans, Cups and Tubes; Boxes and Cartons; Trays and Thermoforms (shaped plastic containers, such as clamshell packaging).
  • Rigidity of Packaging: Plastic packaging is typically categorized as either rigid or flexible. Rigid packaging is structured and keeps its shape when standing alone. Common examples of rigid plastic packaging are cups, clamshells and trays. Flexible packaging can be reshaped without breaking. Common examples of flexible plastic packaging are film, overwrap and pouches.

Please refer to the drop down below that matches the resin identification code on your packaging to learn more.

PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate HDPE – High Density Polyethylene PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride LDPE – Low Density Polyethylene PP – Polypropylene PS – Polystyrene Other

PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate

Refer to the information below that matches the format of the packaging you are looking to learn more about.1 Images are included as examples and may not be representative of your packaging or the packaging in your area.

Plastic PET Bags, Pouches and Dunnage

This type of flexible packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs nor through store drop-off programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Note: Plastic bags provided when checking out are often made of either #2 HDPE or #4 LDPE. Please refer to the section of this webpage that matches the resin identification code on your bag for more information.

Plastic PET Bottles, Cans, Cups and Tubes

This type of rigid packaging is widely accepted in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) before placing in your curbside recycling bin.

Plastic PET Boxes and Cartons

This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Plastic PET Trays and Thermoforms

This type of packaging is not yet widely recyclable, and you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) if this is accepted in your area.

Plastic Black-colored PET packaging is not recyclable, as some recycling facilities have difficulty sorting this material.1 Check with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) for more information about this packaging type.

Additional resources to learn about what is accepted in your area are available through How2Recycle.

1 Information about recyclability is based on the Food Industry Association’s (FMI) Sustainable Packaging Playbook unless otherwise noted.
2 https://how2recycle.info/news/2021/how2recycle-downgrades-recyclability-of-certain-plastic-packaging
back to top

HDPE – High Density Polyethylene

Refer to the information below that matches the format of the packaging you are looking to learn more about.1 Images are included as examples and may not be representative of your packaging or the packaging in your area.

Plastic HDPE Bags, Pouches and Dunnage

This type of flexible packaging is not accepted through curbside recycling programs but is often recyclable through store drop-off programs.

Many Albertsons Companies banner stores offer plastic bag and film recycling bins. See the list of accepted materials here. Learn more about recycling these materials from the Wrap Recycling Action Program and BagandFilmRecycling.org’s Drop-off Directory. 

Plastic HDPE Bottles, Cans, Cups and Tubes

This type of packaging is widely accepted in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) before placing it in your curbside recycling bin.

Plastic HDPE Boxes and Cartons

This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Plastic Trays and Thermoforms

This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Plastic black-colored HDPE packaging is not recyclable, as some material recovery facilities have difficulty sorting this material.1 Check with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) for more information about this packaging type.

Additional resources to learn about what is accepted in your area are available through How2Recycle.

1 Information about recyclability is based on the Food Industry Association’s (FMI) Sustainable Packaging Playbook unless otherwise noted.
2 https://how2recycle.info/news/2021/how2recycle-downgrades-recyclability-of-certain-plastic-packaging
back to top

PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride

Refer to the information below that matches the format of the packaging you are looking to learn more about.1 Images are included as examples and may not be representative of your packaging or the packaging in your area.

Plastic PVC Bags, Pouches and Dunnage

This type of flexible packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs nor through store drop-off programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Note: Plastic bags provided when checking out are often made of either #2 HDPE or #4 LDPE. Please refer to the section of this webpage that matches the resin identification code on your bag for more information.

Plastic PVC Bottles, Cans, Cups and Tubes

This type of rigid packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Plastic PVC Boxes and Cartons

This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Plastic PVC Trays and Thermoforms

This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Additional resources to learn about what is accepted in your area are available through How2Recycle.

1 Information about recyclability is based on the Food Industry Association’s (FMI) Sustainable Packaging Playbook unless otherwise noted.
back to top

LDPE – Low Density Polyethylene

Refer to the information below that matches the format of the packaging you are looking to learn more about.1 Images are included as examples and may not be representative of your packaging or the packaging in your area.

Plastic LDPE Bags, Pouches and Dunnage

This type of flexible packaging is not accepted through curbside recycling programs but is often recyclable through store drop-off programs.

Many Albertsons Companies banner stores offer plastic bag and film recycling bins. See the list of accepted materials here. Learn more about recycling these materials from the Wrap Recycling Action Program and BagandFilmRecycling.org’s Drop-off Directory. 

Plastic LDPE Bottles, Cans, Cups and Tubes

This type of rigid packaging is not yet widely accepted in curbside recycling programs, and you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) before placing in your curbside recycling bin.

Plastic LDPE Boxes and Cartons

This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Plastic LDPE Trays and Thermoforms

This type of flexible packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Additional resources to learn about what is accepted in your area are available through How2Recycle.

1 Information about recyclability is based on the Food Industry Association’s (FMI) Sustainable Packaging Playbook unless otherwise noted.
back to top

PP – Polypropylene

Refer to the information below that matches the format of the packaging you are looking to learn more about.1 Images are included as examples and may not be representative of your packaging or the packaging in your area.

Plastic PP Bags, Pouches and Dunnage

This type of flexible packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling nor store drop-offs programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Note: Plastic bags provided when checking out are often made of either #2 HDPE or #4 LDPE. Please refer to the section of this webpage that matches the resin identification code on your bag for more information.

Plastic PP Bottles, Cans, Cups and Tubes

Tubs, bottles, jugs and jars made with Polypropylene are widely recyclable in curbside recycling programs, and you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) before placing in your curbside recycling bin. 3

Cups and other rigid packaging made with Polypropylene are not yet widely recyclable in curbside recycling programs, and you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) if this is accepted in your area. 2

Plastic PP Boxes and Cartons

This type of rigid packaging is not yet widely recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).2

Plastic PP Trays and Thermoforms

This type of packaging is not yet widely recyclable in curbside recycling programs, and you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Plastic black-colored PP packaging is considered not yet recyclable as some material recovery facilities have difficulty sorting this material.2 Check with your local recycling and/or waste service provider for more information about this packaging type.

Additional resources to learn about what is accepted in your area are available through How2Recycle.

1 Information about recyclability is based on the Food Industry Association’s (FMI) Sustainable Packaging Playbook unless otherwise noted.
2 https://how2recycle.info/news/2021/how2recycle-downgrades-recyclability-of-certain-plastic-packaging
3 https://how2recycle.info/news/2022/how2recycle-upgrades-recyclability-of-certain-rigid-polypropylene-pp-formats
back to top

PS – Polystyrene

Refer to the information below that matches the format of the packaging you are looking to learn more about.1 Images are included as examples and may not be representative of your packaging or the packaging in your area.

Plastic PS Bags, Pouches and Dunnage

This type of flexible packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling nor store drop-off programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Note: Plastic bags provided when checking out are often made of either #2 HDPE or #4 LDPE. Please refer to the section of this webpage that matches the resin identification code on your bag for more information.

Plastic PS Bottles, Cans, Cups and Tubes

This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Plastic PS Boxes and Cartons

This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Plastic PS Trays and Thermoforms

This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Additional resources to learn about what is accepted in your area are available through How2Recycle.

1 Information about recyclability is based on the Food Industry Association’s (FMI) Sustainable Packaging Playbook unless otherwise noted.
back to top

Other

Refer to the information below that matches the format of the packaging you are looking to learn more about.1 Images are included as examples and may not be representative of your packaging or the packaging in your area.

Other Plastic Bags, Pouches and Dunnage

This type of flexible packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling nor store drop-off programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Note: Plastic bags provided when checking out are often made of either #2 HDPE or #4 LDPE. Please refer to the section of this webpage that matches the resin identification code on your bag for more information.

Other Plastic Bottles, Cans, Cups and Tubes

This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Other Plastic Boxes and Cartons

This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Other Plastic Trays and Thermoforms

This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

Additional resources to learn about what is accepted in your area are available through How2Recycle.

1 Information about recyclability is based on the Food Industry Association’s (FMI) Sustainable Packaging Playbook unless otherwise noted.
back to top

Paper and Fiber-based Packaging

Recycling and waste service providers often require paper packaging to be clean and empty to be recycled. If soiled with food, paper packaging may also be composted if all non-compostable components, like a plastic viewing window in a box, have been removed. Check with your local recycling, composting, and/or waste service providers to learn about what is accepted in your local programs.

Fiber-based packaging in the following formats is widely recyclable, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) before placing in your curbside recycling bin.1

  • Bags, Pouches and Dunnage
  • Boxes and Cartons
  • Trays and Thermoforms

Packaging that is mixed or laminated with non-fiber-based materials is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs. Packaging coated for frozen products is also not yet widely recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).1

Examples of paper and fiber-based packaging that may be found in our stores include:3

  • Fiberboard
    • Common examples include paper boxes and paper clamshells.
    • This type of packaging is widely accepted in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) before placing in your curbside recycling bin.
  • Waxed Paper
    • Common examples include the paper wrapped around deli sandwiches, paper wrapped around products from the butcher or seafood counters, and the paper separating sliced cheeses and meats.
  • This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).
  • Cake Boards
    • This type of packaging is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).
1 Information about recyclability is based on the Food Industry Association’s (FMI) Sustainable Packaging Playbook unless otherwise noted.
3 This is a non-exhaustive list. Images are included as examples and may not be representative of your packaging or the packaging in your area.

Metal Packaging

Recycling and waste service providers often require metal packaging to be clean and empty to be recycled, and you should check with your local recycling and/or waste service providers to learn about what is accepted in your local programs.

Aluminum bottles, cans, cups and tubes are widely recycled, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) before placing in your curbside recycling bin. 1

Examples of aluminum packaging that may be found in our stores include:3

  • Metal Bread Bags:
    • If a bag is a single layer of just aluminum foil, then when cleaned of food residue, this packaging is widely recyclable in curbside recycling programs. You should confirm recyclability with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) before placing in your curbside recycling bin.
    • If the bag has multiple material types layered on top of one another (for example, paper and aluminum foil combined), then the bag is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).
  • Metal Pie Plates
    • When cleaned of food residue, this packaging is widely recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) before placing in your curbside recycling bin.
  • Metal Trays
    • When cleaned of food residue, this packaging is widely recyclable in curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s) before placing in your curbside recycling bin.

Steel twist-ties are not recyclable through curbside recycling programs, but you should confirm with your local recycling and/or waste service provider(s).

1 Information about recyclability is based on the Food Industry Association’s (FMI) Sustainable Packaging Playbook unless otherwise noted.
3 This is a non-exhaustive list. Images are included as examples and may not be representative of your packaging or the packaging in your area.