Plastic Can and Multipack Handles
Plastic can handles, six-pack rings, bottle handles, packing straps, and other multipack carriers are often made from flexible or rigid plastic. They may be recyclable only through specific local programs, but they should never be littered or placed in curbside recycling unless your local provider confirms that it accepts them.
These items can harm wildlife if they escape into the environment. Animals may become entangled in loops or handles, or swallow fragments, which can cause choking, starvation, injury, infection, drowning, or death. NOAA identifies plastic packing bands, six-pack rings, and plastic-bag handles among common types of debris that entangle wildlife, including birds, fish, sea turtles, and marine mammals.
Why handles are hazardous
Translucent white plastic six-pack rings.
Closed loops can trap an animal’s neck, beak, bill, leg, wing, flipper, or body. As an animal grows or struggles, the plastic can tighten, cut into tissue, restrict movement, prevent feeding, or cause drowning.
Small animals and young wildlife may also swallow loose plastic pieces. Swallowed plastic can create a choking hazard, block the digestive tract, cause internal injuries, or reduce the animal’s ability to eat. NOAA notes that plastic debris can entangle wildlife and make it difficult for animals to move or feed, potentially leading to death.
How to dispose of them safely
Separate the carrier from cans or bottles. Do not leave the holder attached after all containers are removed.
Check local recycling rules. Some flexible plastic rings, rigid can carriers, and bottle multipack handles may be accepted through a special drop-off or manufacturer return program. Do not assume they belong in curbside recycling.
Cut every closed loop before disposal. If the material is not accepted for recycling or reuse, cut through every ring, handle opening, and small closed loop with scissors. This reduces the risk of animal entanglement if the item escapes the waste stream.
Place pieces in the trash if no recycling option exists. Bag small pieces when practical so they do not blow away during collection.
Keep pieces away from children and pets. Flexible plastic rings and handles can be choking, strangulation, and entanglement hazards.
The U.S. EPA advises that improperly disposed plastic ring carriers expose fish and marine wildlife to entanglement and ingestion hazards. Even degradable or photodegradable carriers can break into smaller plastic pieces, so proper disposal remains essential.
Reuse and recycling
Before cutting a carrier, check whether it is designed for reuse or return:
Rigid plastic can handles: Some breweries, retailers, or local recycling programs may collect them for reuse or specialized recycling.
Flexible six-pack rings: These may be accepted through limited plastic-film or specialty collection programs, but policies vary.
Bottle multipack handles and shrink-wrap carriers: Follow local rules. They are often not accepted in curbside recycling.
Plastic packing straps: Do not put them in curbside recycling unless explicitly accepted. Cut them before trash disposal because they can entangle wildlife.
EPA has supported local projects that collect and recycle plastic six-pack rings, demonstrating that specialized programs may be available even where curbside recycling does not accept them.
Safety and Legal Notice
This information is for educational purposes only. Recycling rules and accepted materials vary by city, waste hauler, retailer, manufacturer, and collection program. Confirm local requirements before placing plastic handles, rings, straps, or packaging in any recycling bin.
Use scissors carefully when cutting plastic carriers. Keep handles, rings, straps, and cut plastic pieces away from children and pets because they can cause choking, strangulation, entanglement, or injury. Do not attempt to rescue an entangled marine animal. Remain at a safe distance and contact local wildlife authorities or an authorized marine-mammal entanglement responder. NOAA advises that only trained, authorized personnel should attempt to free entangled marine mammals.