Take a quick spin around your home. Do you see giant plastic laundry jugs squatting next to the washing machine? Disposable soap dispensers on every sink? Spray bottles, detergent pods, stain removers — each in its own plastic shell?
Now, think about what happens to all that plastic once it’s empty. (If you’re tempted to say “recycled,” hold that thought.)
There’s good news, better options and a growing movement toward ditching the jug — without sacrificing clean clothes or sparkling counters.
Myth or fact: Is recycling broken?
You’ve probably heard the bleak statistic: only about 9% of all plastic produced globally is actually recycled, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. That’s a gut punch — but context matters.
That figure applies to all plastic ever made, including industrial, medical and unmarked consumer plastics. Here in Marblehead, the news is better. According to Republic Services’ Materials Recovery Facility in Peabody, 80–85% of the material placed in our blue bins or brought to the Transfer Station does get recycled. That’s impressive — and a reminder that recycling here is well worth the effort.
Still, even well-run recycling programs can’t solve the growing problem of single-use plastic. Which is why reducing the plastic we bring into our homes in the first place is such a powerful tool.
The laundry jug problem (and the easy fix)
Traditional laundry detergents come in hefty plastic jugs, most of which are bulky, leaky and only partially recyclable — if at all. To make matters worse, those jugs are mostly filled with water, meaning we’re shipping heavy containers of mostly liquid across the country, burning fossil fuels along the way.
And when they’re empty? Many end up in landfills, oceans or incinerators. Even when recycled, the process is energy-intensive and imperfect.
But here’s the good news: better alternatives exist, and they actually work. Many are even easier to use than the old-school jug (no drippy caps or sticky residue!).
Great alternatives to plastic laundry jugs
If you’re ready to break up with the jug, you’ve got options:
— Laundry sheets: Pre-measured, ultra-light sheets that dissolve in the wash. They come in slim cardboard boxes that are recyclable or compostable, and one pack can last for up to 60 loads.
— Concentrated strips or tablets: Just toss one into the washer. No measuring, no mess, no plastic.
— Powdered detergent in cardboard boxes: The retro champ is back, with updated, biodegradable formulas that work like a charm — and without the plastic waste.
— Refill stations: Some local stores offer bulk detergent refills, letting you reuse the same container again and again.
Speaking of recycling … What can actually be recycled?
Plastic recycling can be confusing — and even well-meaning folks can get it wrong. The golden rule: when in doubt, throw it out. (Wish-cycling — tossing in non-recyclables in hope — actually causes more harm than good.). It takes time and money to sort those out. Some can even damage the machines.
That said, here’s a quick cheat sheet for your blue bin:
— Paper: Can you tear it? Then it’s probably recyclable.
— Plastic: Is it bigger than a credit card and rigid (not crinkly like chip bags)? You’re likely good.
— Avoid “tanglers”: Wires, hoses, coat hangers, long paper—these jam up recycling machinery.
— No film or flimsy wrap: If it can blow away in the wind, keep it out.
Small changes – big impact
But the problem isn’t just laundry detergent. Most home cleaning products — from dish soap to window cleaner— CC come in single-use plastic. But like with laundry., the alternatives are smart, easy and increasingly available.
Many companies now offer:
— Concentrated tablets that dissolve in your own reusable spray bottle.
— Refill pouches that use less plastic and pack more product per ounce.
— Bar soap or refill stations for hand soap and dish soap.
You’ll find these at health food stores, local co-ops and even mainstream grocery retailers. Better yet, they often come with simpler, cleaner ingredient lists — and a lower environmental footprint.
About those “recyclable” labels …
Just because a product says it’s recyclable doesn’t mean it actually is — at least not here. The triangle with a number on the bottom? That’s a resin identification code, not a recycling guarantee.
What’s accepted varies widely by municipality, so it’s worth getting familiar with Marblehead’s specific guidelines. (Spoiler: not all plastics marked with no. one through no. seven make the cut.)
The feel-good factor
Switching to sustainable home products isn’t just good for the environment — it feels good, too. Each time you skip a jug, reuse a bottle or choose a compostable box, you’re making a small but mighty choice.
You’re helping reduce landfill waste, ocean pollution and even the carbon emissions from transporting heavy, water-filled products. And you’re sending a clear message to companies that consumers care about better packaging and smarter solutions.
Small changes, big impact.
Chemicals, waterways and what’s in your air
Let’s not forget what’s in conventional cleaners. Many mainstream detergents, soaps and sprays contain synthetic dyes, heavy perfumes and harsh chemicals — many of which wash into our waterways and linger in our homes.
Plant-based alternatives often rely on biodegradable, non-toxic ingredients that are safer for the planet and your family. (That’s a rabbit hole worth exploring, but we’ll save it for another column.)
Ready to ditch the jug?
Next time you’re restocking your home, pause before grabbing those bulky plastic containers. There are smarter choices now — and they’re not hard to find.
Start small. Try a new laundry sheet brand. Buy a soft refill packet for your soap dispenser. Or stash a reusable spray bottle under the sink and feed it tablet-based cleaners instead of buying new bottles every time.
You’ll save money. You’ll save space. You could make your home healthier. And I hope you inspire your neighbors to do the same.
Amy Berenson is a Marblehead resident, Sustainable Marblehead member and environmental advocate who believes that small changes — like ditching plastic jugs — can add up to a cleaner world.
