Recycling guide: Waste sorting in Costa Rica

Hello, community! At FUNDEMA-PP, we recognize that the environmental commitment of families in throughout Costa Rica is one of our country’s greatest strengths. The “green” reputation that sets us apart in the eyes of the world is no accident: it is built day by day in every home, farm, and community when we choose to manage our resources responsibly.

To continue joining forces to protect our watersheds, soils, and biodiversity nationwide, we’re sharing this practical guide on how to properly pre-sort recyclable waste and optimize the circular economy in our cantons.

Practical reminder: How to sort materials at home?

To ensure that materials follow their path to recovery at the country’s processing plants, the golden rule remains to turn them in clean, dry, and properly sorted.

1. Guide to Plastic Numbers (1–7)

The recycling symbol on packaging helps us identify the type of plastic:

#1 - PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Water, soda, and juice bottles. This is the most common plastic and is accepted at almost all collection points in Costa Rica.

#2 - HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Shampoo bottles, liquid detergent containers, disinfectant bottles, and dairy jugs.

#3 - PVC (Polyvinyl chloride): Tubes, pipes, and industrial packaging. (Generally not accepted in household recycling).

#4 - LDPE (Low-density polyethylene): Grocery bags, flexible packaging, and agricultural plastics (such as compost bags). (Accepted during special collection drives or at specific drop-off centers).

#5 - PP (Polypropylene): Bottle caps, yogurt containers, margarine tubs, and rigid containers.

#6 - PS (Polystyrene / Styrofoam): Disposable cups and Styrofoam packaging. (Very difficult to process locally).

#7 - OTHERS: Mixed or uncategorized resins.

2. Paper and Cardboard

• What’s included: Cardboard boxes, newspapers, magazines, notebook paper, toilet paper rolls, and cardstock.

• How to drop it off: Items must be dry and free of food grease. Flatten boxes to save space. Remember not to include used napkins, toilet paper, or dirty pizza boxes.
  

3. Cans and Metal (Aluminum and Tin)

• What’s included: Beverage cans, soda cans, food cans (tuna, vegetables), and powdered milk cans.

• How to dispose of them: Give them a quick rinse to remove food or sugar residue, let them dry, and crush them if possible.
  

4. Glass

• What’s included: Beverage bottles and food or preserve jars.

How to dispose of them: Wash them, remove any metal or plastic caps, and place them in sturdy boxes to ensure the safety of the collectors.

5. Used Batteries (Special Waste)

Batteries (AA, AAA, button cells, mobile device batteries, etc.) contain heavy metals and chemical components that should never be disposed of in regular trash or mixed with traditional recyclables, as they can contaminate the soil and water sources.

Where to drop them off: Many branches and offices of the ICE Group (ICE and kolbi) have special containers for collecting used batteries. They can also be dropped off at municipal collection centers, e-waste collection drives, or at supermarkets with collection programs.

Sources of information on recycling:

• Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica – Gestión Integral de Residuos

• Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) – Guía para Campañas de Recolección y Manejo de Residuos

• Estrategia Nacional de Separación, Recuperación y Valorización de Residuos (ENSRVR)
  

Recycling Network: The Western Region of Costa Rica’s Central Valley.

Progress in waste management in Costa Rica is achieved thanks to local initiatives in each municipality. If you live in the Western Region of Costa Rica’s Central Valley and would like to learn how selective collection is organized in this area, here are the official direct links to recycling and trash information:

• Poás: Municipalidad de Poás 

• San Ramón: Municipalidad de San Ramón

• Sarchí: Municipalidad de Sarchí

• Grecia: Municipalidad de Grecia 

• Palmares: Municipalidad de Palmares

• Naranjo: Municipalidad de Naranjo 

• Atenas: Municipalidad de Atenas

• Zarcero: Municipalidad de Zarcero
  

A special gift for the little ones!

If you're looking for an educational and fun gift for your children or grandchildren's next birthday, we recommend this coloring book: Aventuras en el mundo de los residuos sólidos

Through games and challenges based on the “R’s” of sustainability (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, etc.), children become true guardians of the planet while stepping away from screens. Plus, with your purchase, you directly support environmental education at FUNDEMA-PP Buy it here. (Spanish version only) Would you like to host a workshop on recycling and waste management at your school? Contact us and let’s work together to arrange a sponsorship.

We want to hear your thoughts!

At FUNDEMA-PP, we’re very interested in learning about recycling practices in your community

• How do you organize waste separation in your homes?

• Do you know of other collection points or local initiatives that we should include in our upcoming posts?
  

Leave your comments and suggestions below. We read every single one of your messages, and they inspire us to keep working together to build an increasingly clean and sustainable Costa Rica!