How to Recycle Plastic Plant Pots?

Plastic is used widely! The plants we buy are good for the environment and the biodiversity of our garden, but the plastic pots or tray most certainly are really not! What are you supposed to do with all those pesky little plastic pots? It’s a valid question, and when it comes to recycling plant pots effectively, there are a few things to keep in mind. Let’s see what they are in this article.

Are Plastic Pots Good For Plants?

Plastic pots can be a good choice for plants, depending on the specific needs of the plant and the environment in which it will be growing.

 Here are some factors to consider:

Durability

Plastic pots are durable and can last for many years with proper care. They are also lightweight and easy to move, making them a convenient choice for indoor or outdoor gardening.

Drainage

Plastic pots often have drainage holes in the bottom, which allows excess water to drain away from the roots of the plant. This helps prevent overwatering and root rot, which can be detrimental to plant health.

Insulation

Plastic pots provide some insulation to the soil, which can help regulate soil temperature and protect the roots of the plant from extreme heat or cold.

Moisture retention

Plastic pots can retain moisture in the soil for longer periods of time, which can be beneficial for plants that prefer a more humid environment.

Why is it important to recycle plant pots?

The answer is straightforward: plant pots are just another type of single-use plastic that enters our homes and, given their composition, travels directly from our backyards to landfills. They are nearly impossible to recycle, and most cities won’t accept them because they are made of petroleum-based fossil fuels (hydrocarbons) that have been coloured with carbon inks to make them black. But, it’s crucial to double-check because some governments partner with businesses that will accept black plastic.

You must take a few easy steps to ensure that they will be recycled if your city does accept them:

• Make sure the pot is completely soil-free. Sand left over can damage the waste recycling equipment.
• Sort them based on shapes. Planters can be round or square.
• Stack them correctly, matching up the squares and trays.

How to Recycle Plastic Plant Pots?

Fertilizer Disperser

This is a fantastic upcycling idea for garden clearance. You can make them into shakers rather than trying to figure out how to get rid of them. The bottoms of the pots can be drilled with tiny holes.

Place the fertiliser or animal repellent where you wish to spread it, then wave it around. It will start flowing out straight away, so make sure you scoop it up just next to the bed you want to fertilise.

Give Them Away

Even if you might not require the pot for a new plant, you could know someone who does. Give your unused planter pots to a neighbour or acquaintance who can use them or even to a neighbourhood community garden. Another choice is to inquire if the nursery where you initially bought the plant has a program for reusing pots and vases.

Mulch Protection

Nobody wants to be assigned the chore of mulching, but it is always beneficial. Mulch is generally spread out rather than dumped directly onto the plant bed, which expedites the process. But you do not want to conceal your plants in this process.

You can cover them with one of your old plastic planters. When you are finished, take the pot from each plant and cover it with more mulch.

Frost Protector

To keep your plants safe from freezing, use old plastic planters. Instead of stressing about how your plants would fare in a frost, cover them for the night with used plant pots and take them off the next day. Plastic plant containers provide insulation for the plants.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have seen a few ways to get rid of/recycle your plant pot without affecting the environment. It is not only good for our environment, but it also saves some money for you. Next time when you are going to dispose of this kind of garden waste, try any of these methods to recycle it.